What do we mean when we talk about the Bioeconomy?
Renewable Alternatives to Fossil Resources
Bio-based materials reduce carbon footprints and lower toxicity in industrial applications.
Regenerative Solutions for Soil and Climate
Compostable materials enhance soil health and support carbon sequestration.
Policies for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
Strong regulations ensure sustainability and protect ecosystems.
Unlocking the potential of the bioeconomy
The bioeconomy is already a huge contributor to the European economy if we include in its definition farming, fisheries, bioenergies, and the products and energy derived from forestry. Modern biotechnologies have however given us the capacity to do more with these resources, creating new and innovative materials. Today we can use algae, sugar, starch, fermented CO₂ and certain agricultural wastes to make plastic, reducing the impacts of fossil fuels and the spread of microplastics.
Cosmetics, coatings, paints, and chemicals made from renewable plant-based resources can substitute up to 20% of the fossil resources used in European industries. Not only do these new materials have a lower carbon footprint, but they also contribute to products that are safer for human and animal health. At the same time, by producing materials that can be composted or biodegraded harmlessly in soil, we can help improve carbon storage and restore soil fertility.
Our Mission
We aim to support those promoting the bioeconomy in Europe through research leading to technological change as well as policy instruments which lead to market and social change. We believe the bioeconomy can be an effective tool to reduce the impact of certain industrial processes and become an economically viable pathway to “doing more with less”, advance economic growth in Europe, and regenerate particularly degraded areas through a more sustainable agriculture which improves the health of European citizens. Scientific research is key to unlocking the potential of new processes and materials that substitute those creating negative ecological and health impacts.
Collaboration on national and regional bioeconomies is also key to advancing the global agenda. There are opportunities to make progress, such as at the G20 – which agreed on the High-level Principles on the Bioeconomy in 2024 – as well as at the COP30 climate summit, where the host Brazil is uniquely placed to shape these discussions.
Our Vision
Materials and energy derived from biowastes and agricultural by-products, from renewable, sustainably grown, bio-based resources that complement food production, and from marine resources such as seaweed, can be returned through systemic management to soil, to enhance and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural production in Europe.
Rural communities can benefit from policies which recognise this circular carbon cycle and integrate further into wider industrial activities – from food to energy to chemistry and carbon management using biotechnologies developed through the biorefinery model.
How does EBB work?
The governance structure of the association is based on a Board composed of four members: David Newman, Roberto Ferrigno, Fausto Carnevale, and Carin van der Pijl. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the organisation’s activities. Fausto Carnevale, a qualified accountant, serves as Treasurer of the association, overseeing its financial management and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements. The founders of the Association each come from more than 30 years of experience in environmental work, promoting waste management, innovative materials and renewable energy, especially biogas. Their work has included public advocacy for policies to promote industries which are at the forefront of ecologically friendly technologies and systems.
At the same time they have accumulated experience and knowledge on policy development and policy communication which can be shared with others working towards the same bioeconomy goals. They are supported by Anastasiya Bondar who is a specialist in EU project management, whilst Board member Caron van der Pijl brings a long experience in events and association management.
The EBB is non-political and adhesion to the initiative is free for all entities.
However, voting rights are given only to those who contribute to EBB through paid membership. To become a Full Member visit our Supporters page.
The EBB may receive funding from institutions, Governments, NGOs, charities, private individuals and companies to develop research, communications and advocacy work– funding income is subject to disclosure.
The EBB annual accounts are available to all partners and funders.
Shaping Policies for a Regenerative Future
To advocate for policies which have a positive impact on regenerative and restorative practices that help close the carbon cycle through the use of renewable and biodegradable materials and energy sources. To this end we operate as a loose coalition of the like-minded, including researchers, academics, NGOs and other associations, policy makers and businesses interested in this sector. The EBB creates a meeting and discussion space for all its partners to co-design policies to regenerate territories both ecologically and socially. The employment of renewable materials and energy is a starting point for new initiatives to defossilize, innovate, regenerate different value chains.
Advancing Research for the Bioeconomy
The EBB will work with all interested parties to develop and implement research projects aimed at improving our understanding of the bioeconomy, of biotechnologies and of inter-related systems that involve both rural and industrial sectors.