The Cabinet decided on July 10 not to finance the second phase of the National Growth Fund Programme BioBased Circular. The decision follows the advice of the National Growth Fund Committee and means that the reserved 236 million euros will not be converted into a final allocation. BioBased Circular had planned for the follow-up phase, running from…
A consortium of fourteen European parties will be working over the coming years on a new generation of high-performance bio-based plastics based on polylactic acid, better known as PLA. The project, named SUPREME-PILOTS, started in Zaragoza in June 2026 and is funded by the European research program Horizon Europe. Coordination is handled by the Spanish technology center…
The Biomassafeiten.nl newsletter for June 2026 has been sent to everyone who signed up. This edition brings together the most important news of the past month, focusing on developments regarding biomass, bio-based raw materials, bioenergy, and the broader bioeconomy. In June, it was clearly visible how broadly the role of biomass is now viewed. The articles…
Degraded soil and underutilized biomass can contribute to healthier ecosystems and stronger rural economies. This is stated by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) in a publication dated June 16, released around the International Day against Desertification and Drought. According to the consortium, various European-funded projects demonstrate how biobased solutions can contribute to land…
The European chemical umbrella organization Cefic wants the European Commission to introduce mandatory minimum shares for the use of bio-based raw materials in products. According to the organization, without such targets, insufficient market demand will be generated to scale up investments in the European bioeconomy. In a series of policy proposals, Cefic writes that the industry needs a…
Residual streams from industrial fermentation could potentially serve as a raw material for the production of mycoprotein. This is evident from research in which scientists tested whether the nutrients in a liquid residual stream from an existing fermentation process can be reused for the cultivation of fungal biomass. Mycoprotein is a protein-rich food ingredient made using fungi and is considered an alternative to…
The European Commission has launched three initiatives to accelerate the implementation of the European bioeconomy strategy. The most concrete component is a new alliance that aims to gather €10 billion in purchasing commitments from major European buyers of biobased products by 2030. The bioeconomy encompasses all economic activity based on biological raw materials from land…
Sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation, shipping, and the chemical industry, remain dependent on liquid fuels with high energy density. To make these sustainable, three routes are typically considered: advanced biofuels from waste streams, synthetic e-fuels from hydrogen and captured CO2, and continued use of fossil fuels combined with negative emissions elsewhere…
Biobased materials are primarily discussed in Europe in the context of climate and circularity. The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) places a different emphasis in a new report. The trade association points out the value of these materials for defense, aerospace, and security, and thereby for Europe's strategic independence. Materials from biomass can reduce dependence…
The plant-based synthetic material PEF is being investigated for use in bedding, pillows, mattresses, and furniture upholstery. Chemical company Avantium from Amsterdam is doing this together with Heynen Systems from Lelystad, a specialist in technical textiles. Until now, the material, which is being marketed under the brand name releaf, was primarily mentioned as an alternative to PET in bottles and…
The chemical industry cannot do without carbon. It is found in virtually everything the sector produces: plastics and coatings, adhesives and solvents, fibers, cleaning products, and medicines. Currently, that carbon comes largely from oil, gas, and coal. Therefore, anyone wishing to make the chemical industry more sustainable cannot limit themselves to energy. The sector also has other…
The Netherlands and Brazil want to collaborate more closely on green hydrogen, bio-based raw materials, and a cleaner industry. Together with the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, TNO is investigating where the greatest opportunities lie. The goal is not only to exchange knowledge but, above all, to set up concrete projects between companies from both countries. The pressure…
The Green Elephant Alliance was launched during the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition. In this new collaboration, organizations are joining forces that aim to reduce the use of fossil raw materials. They focus on bio-based raw materials for fuels, chemicals, and materials. At the presentation, Peter Berben of ChemistryNL handed over an investment brochure to Rogier van Tooren on behalf of the alliance…
The European Commission wants to make farmers less dependent on expensive and imported fertilizers. In the new Fertiliser Action Plan, presented on 19 May 2026, Brussels links short-term support for farmers to a broader change of course. Bio-based fertilizers, digestate from fermentation, and recovered nutrients from residual streams are to play a greater role. High prices are affecting farmers…
Paper has been considered an attractive alternative to plastic packaging for years. However, the switch is difficult in practice, especially for food. Paper must protect products against moisture, grease, and oxygen, seal well, and run smoothly through existing packaging lines. New packaging concepts with bio-based coatings are intended to help with this. UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, and BOBST present two…
The European bioenergy sector wants Brussels to anchor biomass, biogas, biomethane, and biofuels more firmly in new energy policy. Trade association Bioenergy Europe believes that these forms of renewable energy are too often viewed as standalone climate measures. Whereas, according to the sector, they can actually help to make better use of European raw materials and make the energy supply less vulnerable. That…
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has published a new call for grants for projects in the biobased industry. Applications can be submitted until 22 September 2026, 17:00. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is organizing an online information session on Wednesday 27 May 2026 regarding this call and related topics within the CIRCBIO destination…
Companies wishing to test or demonstrate innovations in the field of biobased polyesters can apply for a subsidy through the RVO DEI+ Biobased Circular scheme until July 30, 2026. The total budget amounts to 22 million euros, funded by the National Growth Fund Programme BioBased Circular. On April 23, RVO announced that despite a large number of…
Bioplastics can play a larger role in an economy that wants to become less dependent on oil and gas. This is stated by European Bioplastics in a new publication on sustainable biomass for bioplastics. The trade association views biobased plastics as an important building block for the European bio-economy. At the same time, the publication touches upon a sensitive point in the…
The European market for biobased adhesives is on the verge of substantial growth. This is the conclusion of market research firm Ceresana in a new market study, the first to specifically map the European market for so-called green adhesives. European sales of biobased adhesives are estimated at approximately 1,5 billion euros in 2034, with an expected annual…
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Netherlands is organizing the NL Company Day during EUBCE 2026 in The Hague. Part of this day is a structured matchmaking program aimed at establishing new international contacts within the bioeconomy. The event takes place at the World Forum and is part of the broader congress program, to which…
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), together with more than twenty European trade associations, has signed a joint letter to the European Parliament. The coalition calls on MEPs to explicitly retain agriculture and the bioeconomy in the next major European research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe 2028-2034. The reason for this is a draft report that on 13 March 2026…
Agricultural waste streams usually end up in compost, animal feed, or energy production. Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have now described a different application. They produced anode material for sodium-ion batteries from sunflower husks, a waste stream that normally has little economic value. In trials with small button cell batteries, these cells continued to function for up to 1.000 charge and discharge cycles. The study fits into…
New research from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology shows that, under a favorable scenario, Europe has enough biomass residue streams to completely replace fossil fuels in road transport. The potential is also significant in the shorter term. As early as 2030, more than half of fuel demand could be met by renewable liquid fuels. The…
Researchers from Wageningen University & Research and Utrecht University have developed a method to produce a versatile chemical building block from plant residues using electricity. The approach avoids toxic liquid bromine and uses a simpler reactor. The results have been published in ChemSusChem. The chemical industry relies heavily on fossil fuels and dangerous process steps…
The Netherlands must quickly get to work on a national strategy for bio-based raw materials. This call comes from the Lecturers' Platform Biobased Economy, the Lecturers' Platform Applied Science, and the Federation of Bio-Economy Netherlands. In the position paper *Getting to Work with Bio-based Raw Materials*, they advocate for a coherent approach in which biomass is viewed not only as an energy source, but also as…
Since March 17, companies and knowledge institutions have been able to submit a pre-registration for a new call for proposals within the MOOI scheme for carbon removal. Notably, the RVO explicitly mentions scope for long-term storage of CO2 in products, including storage of CO2 from air, water, or biogenic point sources, and storage of CO2 in materials consisting of biomass. …
Europe potentially has sufficient capacity to meet a large part of its own demand for renewable energy and bio-based raw materials. This is evident from a recent analysis reported by Hernieuwbarebrandstoffen.nl. The outcome provides more direction regarding the role of biomass within the energy transition. The discussion on biomass often focuses on availability. The analysis shows…
A European consortium is launching a large-scale project to demonstrate that organic food waste can serve as a raw material for high-quality plastics. Within the CIRCLE project, seventeen partners are working on an industrial biorefinery that converts food waste streams into lactic acid and polylactic acid PLA. The project has a budget of approximately 27 million euros and is supported…
On 17 March, the Council of the EU adopted conclusions on the new European bioeconomy strategy. In doing so, the Member States express support for an approach in which competitiveness, sustainability, innovation, and investment are central. According to the Council, the bioeconomy must develop into a competitive and sustainable pillar of the European economy by 2040.
The European bioeconomy continues to grow, but the transition from innovation to large-scale production remains challenging. This picture emerges from the 2025 Annual Report of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). The sector is expanding, attracting new members, and receiving increased attention in Brussels. At the same time, the question remains how new bio-based processes and…
The Netherlands is getting a national expertise center to help companies make new chemical substances and materials safer and more sustainable right from the start. TNO, the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), the VNCI (Association of Netherlands Industry and Employers), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management joined forces on March 2, 2026. The center will focus on the principle of Safe and Sustainable by Design…
On March 4, 2026, the European Commission presented the Industrial Accelerator Act. With this plan, Brussels aims to grow the manufacturing industry to 20 percent of European GDP within ten years. For the bioeconomy and chemical sectors, the proposal includes concrete instruments to facilitate the transition to sustainable raw materials. Faster construction...
The Better Biomass Board of Experts has decided to no longer accept Guarantees of Origin (GOs) as official transaction documents for biomethane. This measure applies to all biomethane with a production date from 1 January 2026 onwards. Traders and producers within the Better Biomass scheme must now use a specific transaction document from the certification scheme itself. The…
During the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, the European Member States discussed the implementation strategy for bio-based fertilizers. The dialogue focused on removing technical barriers to RENURE products, which play a role in the transition of European agriculture and biochemistry. The core of the discussions in Brussels was the practical implementation…
In May 2026, The Hague will host the 34th edition of the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE). This event is considered one of the most influential platforms for the biomass sector worldwide, bringing together more than 1.500 delegates from the scientific, business, and policy sectors. The central theme of this edition is…
The realization of Europe's first specialized plant for sustainable aviation fuel has come a step closer. Construction of the DSL-01 facility in Farmsum, near Delfzijl, can finally begin now that an agreement has been reached between fuel producer SkyNRG and environmental organization Mobilization for the Environment (MOB). Additional agreements on environmental standards have resulted in a long-term...
Millions of people touch thermal paper daily, whether it's receipts, shipping labels, or medical reports. This paper almost always contains bisphenols like BPA or BPS, substances that can disrupt hormone balance. Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed a sustainable alternative that uses lignin and sugars from wood as the basis for a safe…
The European Commission states in a new report that industrial capacity for advanced biofuels must increase by a factor of 30 by 2030 to meet climate goals. The publication emphasizes that the current focus on refinery capacity alone is insufficient; the entire economic chain surrounding the collection of bio-based feedstocks must be revised. Scaling up is essential for…
The Dutch government has sharpened its ambitions for the European bioeconomy. In a recent BNC factsheet, the government responds to the European Commission's new plans. The core message: The Netherlands is committed to a circular chain in which bio-based raw materials are optimally utilized, with strong synergy between high-quality materials and sustainable energy supply. With the publication of…
An agreement has been reached in the Rivierenland region for the cultivation of hemp fiber on 40 hectares of agricultural land. The collaboration between Collectief Rivierenland and Building Balance connects local arable farming directly with the construction sector for the production of biobased building materials. The agreements were officially presented in early February 2026. The initiative is part of the project…
The lack of clear definitions and measurement methods is currently one of the main barriers to the large-scale adoption of natural building materials. With the impending publication of the Dutch Technical Agreement (NTA) 8230 "Biobased Building," scheduled for the end of March 2026, the sector is now entering the final phase of a comprehensive standardization process. The new standard must…
Brussels is fully committed to a fossil-free future for European industry. The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) announced in mid-January 2026 that €172 million will be allocated to 24 new innovation projects. This investment should pave the way for the large-scale production of sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels on European soil.
In a recently published report, IEA Bioenergy concludes that the integration of biomass and hydrogen plays a crucial role in achieving climate goals. The analysis, titled "Biomass and Hydrogen: Allies for Net Zero," argues that these two energy carriers should not be viewed as competitors, but as complementary technologies that enhance the efficiency of renewable energy.
The rules for supplying fuel to the Dutch transport sector have changed significantly. Effective January 1, 2026, the previous annual obligation has been replaced by the new "Fuel Transition Obligation." This is more than just a name change: for suppliers, it means a stricter focus on actual CO2 reduction and an extension of the rules to inland and maritime shipping. Companies…
As the days grow shorter and the festive lights come on, we look back on a year full of activity in the world of bioresources. We saw new initiatives blossom and established projects grow. It was heartening to see that knowledge sharing is effective. Increasingly, questions came from the sector and from policymakers who want…
HES Botlek Tank Terminal in Rotterdam will allocate sixty-five percent of its storage capacity to biofuels starting January 1, 2026. This is made possible by a new long-term contract with a major customer. With this step, the terminal is more than two years ahead of its own strategy, which aimed for sixty percent by 2028. The decision is well…
The Dutch energy transition is receiving strong legal support with the recent publication of the "Green Gas Blending Obligation Act." This bill, now submitted to the Council of State, marks a crucial moment: starting in 2027, energy suppliers will no longer be permitted to supply fossil natural gas without obligation, but will be legally obligated to replace a growing portion with sustainable...
On November 27, the European Commission presented a new strategic framework intended to give the European bioeconomy a significant boost. The plan focuses on the large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biological alternatives and the creation of a competitive and resilient European industry. The bioeconomy is already an economic engine; the sector…
When you think of Eurobottle, you might initially picture a simple water bottle or sports bottle. But behind that seemingly ordinary product lies a story filled with passion, innovation, and a healthy dose of idealism. A story told not only through company philosophies and figures, but especially through the people who work there: people like Peter Westveer and Femke Broekhuijsen of Eurobottle.
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published a new Science for Policy brief with up-to-date figures on the European bioeconomy. The publication shows the extent of its economic significance and the sources of growth. In 2023, biomass production and processing sectors together generated €863 billion in added value. That is…
The government will finalize its top sectors policy on January 1, 2026, and will opt for an industrial policy emphasizing six markets where the Netherlands can win globally. These include semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications including 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum technologies, digital services with an emphasis on AI, mechanical engineering, and innovative chemistry. For the remaining business sector,...
A PhD project in Sweden shows that animal manure and food waste can be transformed into raw materials for animal feed. Researcher Clarisse Uwineza at the University of Borås describes how organic waste streams are first converted into volatile fatty acids and then serve as food for an edible fungus that forms a protein-rich biomass. This creates a local substitute for…
The Dutch biotech association HollandBIO is calling on the European Commission to explicitly embed biotechnology in European circular policy. In a November 11th press release, the organization explains that biotech can help close material and carbon flows more effectively, provided that regulations and market conditions allow for this. The timing is relevant, as Brussels is working on several…
When you think of water management, you often picture large machines, dams, and pipelines. But behind Dutch Water Tech, it's just as much about the people. People with a passion for water, for bio-based resources, and for innovative solutions that are not only functional but also sustainable. We spoke with Mark den Dubbelden of Dutch Water Tech about their work, their projects, and their vision for circular water technology.
Biobased materials are appearing in several submissions for this year's Wubbo Ockels Innovation Award. From a field of 63 ideas, the jury selected ten finalists who will present their plans in Amsterdam on November 7th. The themes range from circularity and food to water and energy transition, with a striking focus on natural resources and renewable fibers.
IEA Bioenergy is asking researchers and practitioners to share recent insights on the role of bioenergy in pathways to net zero and net negative. The call focuses on two areas: how bioenergy systems connect with other energy systems and with land-based climate options such as reforestation, planting, and biochar. And how the supply of biomass from agriculture…
ChemistryNL is making a total of €1,8 million available in the second round of three grant calls. These are for public-private projects in the areas of water quality and monitoring, bio-based feedstocks, and carbon capture and utilization. Applications can be submitted until 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. The program focuses on research that directly contributes…
The Climate Summit for the Built Environment will convene at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht on November 5th and 6th. The organizers are expecting a large group of participants from government, construction, and energy. The goal is to accelerate progress, with agreements that extend to the construction site. The summit was established in 2024 out of impatience with the slow implementation. The first edition generated dozens of...
The overviews from the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) and BNNVARA show that biomass and biofuels are present in election manifestos in a new way. The focus is clearly shifting from low-grade bulk combustion for power and heat to higher-value applications such as green gas, sustainable aviation fuels, and the use of biofuels in industry and the chemical industry.
In early October 2025, the European Bioeconomy Alliance and the German nova Institute published a joint expert paper. Their message is clear: using arable crops like grains, sugar, and oilseeds for energy and materials offers Europe benefits in terms of food security, biodiversity, agriculture, and climate. The European Commission is working on a new strategy for…
The European Commission published a review article with five key points on the role of biogas in the energy mix. The article aims to dispel misconceptions and demonstrates how biogas and biomethane can contribute to energy security and climate goals. According to the Commission, in 2023, biogas replaced six percent of natural gas consumption in the EU, representing approximately sixteen million...
European Biomethane Week opened today in Brussels. The third edition runs from Monday, October 13th, to Friday, October 17th, and brings together policy, trade, and technology. The week's core event is the European Biogas Conference on Tuesday, October 14th, and Wednesday, October 15th, at Autoworld. There will also be a masterclass on Monday…
In early September, the annual Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation was held in Busan[1], South Korea. I was fortunate enough to attend as part of the Dutch delegation and a representative of the Integrated Biorefineries Mission. Given the societal uncertainty, I was curious to see how things are currently being handled globally…
On October 7th, a webinar was held on strategy and communication regarding bioresources. The focus was on chemistry and materials, but the meeting covered much more than just technical innovations. The central question was: how do you convey a complex message about a sensitive topic convincingly, factually, and credibly? Facts as a foundation in a…
Breda is experimenting with a new building method, using biobased materials like elephant grass for student housing. The project, a collaboration between Urban Living Lab Breda, ROOTZ, and the municipality, aims to demonstrate how plant-based building materials perform in practice. Pilot project with biobased student housing. The construction of the student housing is part of...
The energy transition requires collaboration and tangible solutions. In March, various parties discussed the opportunities and challenges surrounding biomethanol and e-methanol. Topics covered then were timing, skills, logistics, energy, price and affordability, legislation and regulations, and production. A follow-up meeting will be held in November, with more focus and room for decision-making.
The State, the province of North Holland, Tata Steel Nederland, and Tata Steel Limited have signed a joint declaration of intent for the transition in IJmuiden. The document is an interim step towards a binding, customized agreement and sets targets for emissions, health, and finances. According to the documents, the total investment is between four and six and…
Fluxys Belgium presented its half-year results on September 24, which show that the system operator is increasingly positioning itself as a crucial hub for the transition to renewable energy and materials in Northwest Europe. Besides the growth in gas transport and the development of hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure, the rapid developments in biomethane and BioLNG are particularly noteworthy, which…
In early September, the European Commission once again explained why the bioeconomy is central to Europe's green and competitive future. In a short news item, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV) outlined the core in five points, emphasizing economic size, job potential, the innovation agenda, and its contribution to strategic autonomy. This news fits in…
The 2026 National Budget for Climate and Green Growth outlines how the government and funds intend to use bio-based raw materials and biomass. Biobased construction will be subject to standards and incentives, carbon removal will be included in an official certification framework, and a route for cleaner agricultural machinery with electrification or biogas will be established. All of this is linked to the broader deployment of…
The urgency to increase housing construction while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint demands concrete action. In this context, Rabobank and area developer BPD are announcing a strategic partnership. By covering the additional costs of biobased and water-saving technologies in thousands of new-build homes, with an investment of over one hundred million euros over the next four years,…
The transition to a sustainable economy is well underway. We see this in the rise of biobased plastics, the growing demand for circular building materials, and the development of green chemicals that replace fossil fuels. But while technology is advancing rapidly, there's one crucial element that's often overlooked: communication…
The De Rusthoeve experimental farm in Colijnsplaat will receive €180.000 from the Province of Zeeland. The funds will be used to continue the Biobased Innovation Gardens Rusthoeve. This will allow research into crops that can replace fossil fuels. The province announced the contribution during the Biobased Acceleration Day at De Rusthoeve on September 2nd. Provincial Executive members Jo…
The road to a sustainable future is strewn with challenges, but solutions sometimes lie hidden in the most everyday objects around us. At MNEXT, the Center of Expertise at Avans University of Applied Sciences, students have taken on the challenge of rethinking precisely these products. In a unique project, in collaboration with the Living…
The sustainability of Dutch industry is a process of trial and error. One moment, projects are booming, the next, billions in subsidies remain unused. This pattern is evident in the latest figures for the Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme, or SDE++ for short. A significant portion of the budget, earmarked for…
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) is looking for entrepreneurs who can produce high-quality building materials from Dutch bio-based raw materials. The new Innovation Impact Challenge "Biobased Building Materials from Dutch Soil" has been open since August 27th. Anyone wishing to participate must submit a short Expression of Interest by 23:13.00 PM on Tuesday, September 1,8rd. The total budget is €XNUMX million.
Researchers in the United States are presenting a textile finish based on cottonseed oil. The goal is to make cotton water-repellent and wrinkle-resistant without formaldehyde and PFAS. The initial results will be shared this week at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington. According to the researchers, a simple chemical step can deliver similar functionality to traditional finishes, with a safer…
Companies looking to scale up gasification can still apply for the DEI Plus program. The application window for the Gasification of Waste Streams theme closes on Thursday, August 28th at 17.00:109 PM. The available budget is €30 million, with a maximum of €18 million per project. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) also reported on August XNUMXth that no applications have yet been received...
The European Commission opened a public consultation on August 4th for a European Biotech Act. Until November 10th, everyone can contribute their thoughts on what's needed to accelerate biotechnology from lab to factory. The questions concern access to capital, permits, skills, and the role of data and artificial intelligence. The…
A new open-access publication in Scientific Reports demonstrates a structured way to classify agricultural residues for biochar. The researchers combined measurements of the material with a decision model so that a fair comparison can be made. This is also relevant in the Netherlands, because the choice of the residue stream determines the yield...
The NMD Foundation is extending the Biobased program within the NMD until the end of 2026. The goal is to make more and better environmental data on biobased building materials available within the National Environmental Database. The extension is part of the National Approach to Biobased Construction, which runs until 2030. What will change in practice? The "White Spots" compensation scheme for biobased products...
Without targeted policy, biobased materials and recycling will lag behind fossil-based alternatives. Both recyclates and bioplastics are currently insufficiently rewarded by legislation and market systems. This is evident from recent signals from the recycling and biotechnology sectors. According to the trade association HollandBIO, biobased materials are barely gaining traction. Biodegradable plastics such as PLA or…
The Horticultural Residual Flows Platform has entered a new phase. Following the development of seven circular value chains based on residual flows, the collaboration continues. Dozens of new value chains are now ready for rollout. In this phase, the focus shifts from supply-driven to demand-driven. The platform was established by the grower associations Fossa Eugenia, ZON, SunFresh, and the…
And that's bad news for bioresources. Bioresources are a key component of the circular economy. The biological cycle is based on the principle that organic materials are reabsorbed into nature after use, so they can once again find their way as raw materials into building materials, plastics, fuel, and countless other products. It's no coincidence that...
The green gas market is under pressure. Rising demand and lagging production are creating opportunities for new suppliers. This presents opportunities for livestock farmers. Manure digestion, long considered a technical afterthought, is suddenly becoming a serious option. According to DLV Advies, the time is ripe to enter. Green gas producers currently receive between…
The IEA Bioenergy Task 43 report provides a clear framework for organizing and interpreting biomass supply data. Results were compared in eight countries—Australia, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States—to understand the quantities of biomass available for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts. This approach is important because data…
In 2024, the use of renewable energy in the Dutch transport sector increased significantly. The latest report from the Emissions Authority shows that companies collectively supplied 107 million gigajoules of sustainable energy, representing a CO₂ reduction of 4,5 megatons. That's almost XNUMX percent more than the previous year. Nevertheless, the total increase remained slightly…
When Ingrid Goumans starts talking about her work at Avantium, where she's Director of Public Affairs, something shifts in her demeanor. Her eyes light up, her voice quickens, and it's immediately clear: this is someone who believes in what she does. Not because she has to, but because it feels like a meaningful choice. "The idea that your work contributes to a cleaner world—that's what makes the difference for me," she says.
For the first time, the Netherlands has a tool that systematically maps the use of biobased materials in construction. The National Biobased Construction Monitor provides policymakers, construction companies, and manufacturers with insight into the practical application of biobased raw materials. The monitor was commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) and…
The biobased bottle from chemical company Avantium has recently been officially recognized as recyclable within the existing PET recycling system. The certification was issued by RecyClass, a European organization that assesses the recyclability of plastic packaging based on industry standards. A full-fledged replacement, Avantium's bottle is made from a combination of PEF and PET. PEF stands for polyethylene furanoate,…
The energy transition isn't just about technology or policy, but also about making choices that will endure if the future turns out differently than expected. Researchers from ETH Zurich and RWTH Aachen, among others, recently published a study that maps out exactly this. How do you use biomass in a way that not only...
Europe wants to move away from fossil fuels. The bioeconomy plays a key role in this transition: an economic model that runs on renewable biological resources such as crop residues, algae, wood and organic waste. But according to a new analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA), the countries of the European Union together use almost twice as much biomass as…
Biotech Booster, the valorisation programme supported by the National Growth Fund, is receiving a boost of €196,4 million to accelerate groundbreaking biotechnologies from lab to market. Within this fund, the transition to sustainable bio-based raw materials and biomass plays a recognisable role, in addition to applications in the areas of health, nutrition and the environment. Biotech Booster stimulates starting biotech entrepreneurs…
Bio-based raw materials and sustainability are hot topics in the industry, but behind every innovative product lies a story of people with passion and dedication. Henri van Hemert and Rob van der Bruggen, working at Oerlemans Plastics, share their perspective on working with bio-based raw materials, the history of their company and their personal motivation. In this article, we bring their stories to life, so that not only the company activities and philosophy, but especially the people behind them become visible.
What starts as a technical change in German climate policy threatens to become a problem for farmers across Europe. According to the agricultural association UFOP, the planned reduction of the biofuel ceiling will lead to less biodiesel and therefore less rapeseed meal, an indispensable source of protein in animal feed. UFOP emphasizes that the production of biodiesel and the supply of…
The call to the European Commission to actively stimulate demand for sustainable products now has a hundred signatories. On 13 June, the Norwegian company Yara joined the so-called Call for Demand Creation to Drive Industry Investments, which was launched at the end of 2023 by, among others, VNO-NCW, VNCI and NVDE. Broad…
On Saturday 21 June, the construction sector will once again open its doors to the general public. During Construction Day, construction sites throughout the Netherlands that are normally closed can be visited. This year, the emphasis is on sustainability and innovation, with special attention to biobased projects in which wood and other renewable materials are central.…
What was discarded as worthless grass cuttings for years is given a second life in South Holland. Every year, around ten thousand tons of grass are mowed along provincial roads in the province. Until recently, most of it ended up on the compost heap. That is now changing thanks to a broad partnership under the name Greenhub Zuid-Holland. Greenhub Zuid-Holland consists of more than thirty…
The aviation industry is under pressure to operate faster, more efficiently and, above all, more sustainably. Aircraft are increasingly made of lightweight composite materials, which contribute to lower fuel consumption. But these same materials are vulnerable to damage, for example from hail, collisions on the ground or rough baggage handling. Repairs are often time-consuming, expensive and lead to unnecessary waste of parts.…
