Sustainable & circular bioeconomy, the European way : Brussels, 22 October 2018 : outcome report.
Date: 2018-12-20
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: EU environmental policy, biomass, conservation of resources, consumer behaviour, environmental economics, natural resources, organic farming, organic product, renewable resources, report, sustainable development, waste management

Sustainable & circular bioeconomy, 
the European way 
Brussels, 22 October 2018 

Outcome report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sustainable & circular bioeconomy, the European way 
Outcome report 
European Commission 
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 
Directorate F — Bioeconomy 
Unit F.1 — Strategy 
E-mail  
European Commission 
B-1049 Brussels 

 RTD-PUBLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu 

Manuscript completed in December 2018 

Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which  might be 
made of the following information. 

The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the 
European Commission. 

More information on the European Union is available on the internet (http://europa.eu). 

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2018 

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doi: 10.2777/159097 

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Sustainable & circular 
bioeconomy,  
the European way 

Brussels, 22 October 2018 

Outcome report 

edited by 

David Burrows 

2018 

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROGRAMME 

Sustainable & circular bioeconomy, the European way 
High level event under the Austrian Presidency  
22 October 2018 
Charlemagne building, Brussels 

8:00-9:30: Registration 

High level opening 

Moderator: Katrina SICHEL  

09:30-09:40: John Bell, Director Bioeconomy 
09:40-09:55: Carlos MOEDAS, Commissioner of Research, Science and Innovation  
09:55 -10:10: Phil HOGAN, Commissioner of Agriculture & Rural Development  
VIDEO on Bioeconomy 

10:15-10:45:  coffee  

Thematic sessions 

Moderator: Katrina SICHEL  

10:45-10:55: Video connection with young farmers from Slovakia 

10:55-11:45: I SESSION 
Ensuring environmental, social and economic balance of the bioeconomy 

The session will discuss how to operate the bioeconomy in a safe operating space balancing 
economic,  social  and  environmental  needs.  This  will include  the  protection  of  ecosystem, 
the  research  to  increase  sustainability  and  efficiency  of  production  and  ultimately  the 
consumption affecting the safe operating space. 

Co-chair: Erik MATHIJS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Chair of the 4th Foresight Expert 
Group of the Standing Committee of Agricultural Research (SCAR).  

Panellists: 

Catia BASTIOLI, CEO Novamont  
Tiago PITTA e CUNHA, Chief Executive Officer, Oceano Azul Foundation  
Dominic  KAILASH  NATH  WAUGHRAY,  Head  of  International  Institutional 
Agenda, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum  

11:45-12:00: Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG ENVI.  

12:00-12:15:  Josef  Plank,  Secretary  General  of  the  Ministry  for  Sustainability  and 
Tourism in Austria. 

12:15-13:15: II SESSION 

Key Strategic Research priorities 

This session will address the need of strategic research and innovation in areas that are key 
to the bioeconomy. The discussion will focus on what are the needs and how to better deploy 
resources for the development of new technologies and processes as well as research food 
systems linked to the bioeconomy sector. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video on Spanish students 

Co-chair: Monique AXELOS, Scientific Director for food and bioeconomy of INRA 

Panellists: 

Jochen WEISS, Professor at University Hohenheim and co-chair of ETP "Food 
for Life". 
Lucrezia LAMASTRA, Coordinator of the EIP-AGRI Operational Group  
Orla FEELY, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact at University 
College Dublin. 

Feedback from students involved in the bioeconomy 

13:15-14:30: Networking & lunch  

14:30-15:20: III SESSION 

Local development 

This session will focus on the importance of encouraging the adoption, update and coherence 
of  Bioeconomy  Strategies  throughout  Europe,  and  supporting  the  EU  rural,  coastal  and 
urban  areas  in  exploiting  opportunities  offered  by  existing  and  new  bioeconomy  value 
chains, with citizens engagement. 

Co-chair: Sveinn MARGEIRSSON, CEO of Matis 

Panellists:  

Markku  MARKKULA,  Chair  of  the  City  board  of  Espoo  and  Helsinki  region 
(TBC). 
Anna TRETTENERO, farmer  
Michal SKWIERCZYNSK, coordinator BIOMOTIVE project  

15:20-16:15: IV SESSION 

Investments, Markets and the Bio-Based Sector 

This session will discuss how to mobilise investments- including through the deployment of 
new financial Instruments- to strengthen and upscale existing and new technologies in order 
to support the creation of markets for more sustainable and circular bioeconomy products 
and processes. 

Co-chair: Christine LANG, co-chair of the German Bioeconomy Council  

Panellists: 

Jos  PEETERS,  Managing  Partner,  Founder  and  Director,  Capricorn  Venture 
Partners  
Andrew MCDOWELL, Vice President European Investment Bank   
Ilkka HÄMÄLÄ, President and CEO of Metsä Group  
Mathieu  FLAMINI,  former  football  player  and  now  entrepreneur  of  a 
biotech company, GFBiochemicals.  

16:15-16-45: Conclusions  

Moderator: Katrina SICHEL  

Joachim KREYSA, Advisor for Bioeconomy, JRC 
Wolfgang BURTSCHER, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG RTD 
Jerzy Bogdan PLEWA Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European 
Commission  

16:45: end of the Conference 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENT 

SETTING THE SCENE   

1 

INTRODUCING THE NEXT ECONOMY 

1.1 
1.2 

Threats bring opportunities 
The 2018 bioeconomy strategy update   

p.3 

p.4 

p.4 
p.5 

2 

ENSURING ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE OF THE 
BIOECONOMY  

p.7 

2.1 
2.2 
2.3 

Ecological crisis  
Safe operating space 
Production efficiencies   

3 

KEY STRATEGIC RESEARCH PRIORITIES 

3.1 
3.2 

Buying into the bioeconomy 
Clear rules and labelling 

4 

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 

4.1 
4.2 

Revitalising the rural economy   
Exploiting opportunities; respecting resources   

5 

INVESTMENTS, MARKETS AND THE BIO-BASED SECTOR   

5.1 
5.2 
5.3 

Predictable policies 
Scaling up sustainable products  
More support welcomed 

6 

7 

REFERENCES   

LIST OF SPEAKERS 

p.7 
p.7 
p.8 

p.9 

p.9 
p.9 

p.11 

p.11 
p.11 

p.13 

p.13 
p.13 
p.14 

p.15 

p.16 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUSTAINABLE & CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY, THE EUROPEAN WAY 

SETTING THE SCENE 

The bioeconomy covers all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources (animals, 
plants, micro-organisms and derived biomass, including organic waste), their functions and 
principles.  As  such,  it  is  a  central  element  to  the  functioning  and  success  of  the  EU 
economy. A  sustainable and strong bioeconomy can help meet the many  environmental 
and  socio-economic  challenges  facing  Europe:  climate  change,  plastic  pollution  of  the 
oceans, the exodus from rural and coastal communities, to name but three. 

So,  how  can  we  build  a  bioeconomy  that  delivers  the  jobs,  environmental 
benefits, rural and coastal development that Europe needs, whilst respecting the 
ecological boundaries of the planet?  

That  was  the  question  running  through  the  Sustainable  and  Circular  Bioeconomy  –  the 
European Way conference,  which took place in Brussels on 22 October 2018.  The event 
followed  publication  of  the  new  Bioeconomy  Strategy  on  11  October,  which  promises  to 
“unleash the potential” of the bio-based sectors to modernise Europe’s economy.  

The  conference  –  attended  by  more  than  500  participants  from  many  different  sectors, 
professions and nationalities – offered an opportunity to discuss the new action plan. 
There were five sessions on the day: 

  Opening remarks: political and policy speakers from the Commission 
  Ensuring environmental, social and economic balance of the bioeconomy 
 
  Boosting Local development 
  Mobilising investments to strengthen and upscale new technologies. 

Identifying key strategic research priorities 

These five sessions are covered in five chapters in this report. There is a short summary 
at the end. A list of speakers and further reading is available at the end of the report. 

Reader notes. 
Unless otherwise stated, all references to “the conference” and accompanying quotes refer 
to  the  Sustainable  and  Circular  Bioeconomy  –  the  European  Way  conference  held  in 
Brussels on 22 October 2018. 

3 

 
 
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 

INTRODUCING THE NEXT ECONOMY 

The opening session – which included speeches from John Bell (Director RTD-Bioeconomy), 
Carlos  Moedas  (Research,  Science  and  Innovation  Commissioner),  and  Phil  Hogan 
(Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner) – covered some of the social, economic 
and  environmental  threats  the  world  faces,  and  highlighted  the  possible  opportunities 
presented by the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy. 

 Bioeconomy: from niche to norm“Welcome to the future,” said John Bell, as he opened the 
Sustainable  and  Circular  Bioeconomy  –  the  European  Way  conference  in  Brussels  on  22 
October 2018. In the six years since the 2012 Bioeconomy Strategy was launched much 
has been achieved: 

  Europe’s bioeconomy is now worth €2.3 trillion and employs 18.6 million 

people (representing 8.2% of the EU’s workforce) 

  More  than  half  a  dozen  member  states  now  have  national  strategies  or 

plans in place 

  Dedicated EU funding for the bioeconomy has also more than doubled, from 
€1.9  billion  in  the  seventh  Framework  programme  (2007-13)  to  €4.52 
billion  in  its  successor,  Horizon  2020 
(2014-20)  

  Myriad  new  products  have  been 
launched  to  market  thanks  to  both 
private and public investment. 

A review of the strategy and action plan, published 
in  November  2017,  concluded  that  Europe  has 
made  “important  headway”  towards  becoming  a 
more innovative, resource-efficient society (1). The 
review,  however,  also  highlighted  that  there  was 
much more to do.  

1.1  Threats bring opportunities 

THREATS 

 The Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change’s special report, 
published in October 2018, warned 
that there are 12 years left to avoid 
the worst impacts of global 
warming  

 Europe has a target to halt 

biodiversity loss by 2020 (a target 
that was extended from 2010) and 
restore at least 15% of degraded 
ecosystems by 2020 

 Rising population (9.7 billion by 

2050) and changes to consumption 
patterns have put pressure on food 
and farming systems to innovate 

Indeed, the policy context in which the bioeconomy 
operates,  for  example,  has  changed  significantly 
since  2012.  EU  and  global  developments  include: 
the  Circular  Economy  Package  (and  2018  Plastics 
Strategy), Energy Union, Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.  

 The exodus from rural and coastal 
areas to cities continues (cities and 
urban areas now house more than 
70% of all Europeans). 

To  meet these commitments  – and the challenges that underpin them  (see right)  – the 
economy will need to be decarbonised and circularised. Speakers highlighted that the land 
and resource degradation – driven by a “linear consumption path” – cannot continue. 

Speakers  described  how  a  sustainable,  responsible  and  circular  bioeconomy  will  help 
reduce  reliance  on  fossil  fuels  and  oil-based  products,  as  well  as  improve  use  of  waste, 
resources  and  land.  Improved  monitoring  of  bio-based  products  will  also  ensure  the 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
decisions made from production to consumption respect planetary boundaries and provide 
fair returns for all those in the value chain. John Bell 
spoke of a “fairer society”.  

OPPORTUNITIES 

Commissioner Hogan said there are 
good, practical examples of the 
bioeconomy all over Europe, but 
more were needed. He cited a 
number of projects funded under 
Horizon 2020  that he had visited, 
including: 

 Novamont’s convert petrochemical 
site in Sardinia, which now hosts a 
biorefinery producing 
biowechemicals, building blocks for 
bioplastics and other bioadditives  

 Glanbia Ireland’s bioeconoym 

One  of  the  three  key  objectives  of  the  new 
Bioeconomy  Strategy    is  to  “understand  the 
ecological limitations of the bioeconomy”. This was 
welcomed by a number of panellists, who spoke of 
the  need  for  a  “circular  bioeconomy”  backed  by 
strong  policies,  sound  investment,  transparency 
and reliable data. This was discussed in more detail 
in  sessions  II  and  III  and  in  session  IV  on 
investments 

research project, which received 
€22 million under Horizon 2020, 
will convert low-value byproducts 
from the dairy processing industry 
– excess whey permeate and 
delactosed whey permeate –into 
lactic acid for use in biobased 
products. 

The bioeconomy can also help to accelerate the shift 
towards more sustainable food systems, and create 
one million green jobs by 2030, across a number of 
sectors,  including  agriculture,  forestry,  fisheries, 
food, bio-energy and bio-based products.  
Those  representing  young  farmers  in  Slovakia, 
talking  via  a  live  feed  at  the  conference,  were 
excited by the prospect of a bioeconomy. The new 
strategy,  they  said,  was  “very  important”,  given 
that it would helpfamily run farms to become more competitive and help them cope with 
the risks and challenges they face with regard to climate change. Indeed, Commissioner 
Hogan said farmers and foresters understand the urgency of climate change and want to 
play their part, but they need the tools to succeed. “The EU has an opportunity to show 
[the world] how to drive rural economies.”  

The  importance  of  the  bioeconomy  to  local  development  is  discussed  in  more  detail  in 
chapter 4. As Commissioner Moedas suggested, citizens will want to see the benefits of 
this transition for them and their local communities. One of the problems currently is that 
those who benefit from the bioeconomy “don’t realise how important it is in their lives”. As 
such, the new strategy “depends on communicating the benefits to citizens”. 

Citizens  are  also  consumers,  of  course,  and  they  will  want  bio-based  products  to  be  as 
good as those already on the market – if not better. Moedas warned that few are willing to 
reduce their quality of life “one little bit”, so whether it is packaging, food, fuel or clothes, 
the quality needs to be high. And those involved should not be afraid to shout about this. 
“You need to show your products and show how good they are,” he said. 

1.2  The 2018 bioeconomy strategy update 

Throughout  the  opening  sessions  there  was  a  feeling  of  “untapped  potential”  in  the 
bioeconomy. On 11 October 2018, the European Commission presented a new Bioeconomy 
Strategy  and  action  plan  –  ‘  A  sustainable  Bioeconomy  for  Europe:  strengthening  the 
connection between economy, society and the environment.  (2).  

The update proposes a three-tiered action plan to: 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Strengthen  and  scale  up  the  bio-based  sectors,  unlock  investments  and 

markets 

2.  Deploy local bioeconomies rapidly across the whole of Europe 
3.  Understand the ecological boundaries of the bioeconomy. 

John Bell called on everyone – Member States, industries, regions and citizens – to “make 
it  happen”,  whilst  Joachim  Kreysa,  JRC  bioeconomy  advisor,  asked:  “What  is  the 
bieoconomy  that  we  want?”  The  answer:  one  that  is  balanced  environmentally,  socially 
and economically, a theme which was picked up in session I. 

Commissioner Hogan cited the additional support available. The Commission proposals for 
the  next  Multiannual  Financial  Framework  for  2021-27  include  a  significant  boost  for 
systemic research and innovation in the areas and sectors covered by the bioeconomy  – 
in particular, a dedicated €10 billion for “food and natural resources” within the Horizon 
Europe cluster (3). Within the new Bioeconomy Strategy there will be an additional €100m 
available through the Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform. 

These funding boosts were welcomed by a number of speakers at the conference, and an 
expert  panel  discussed  how  to  mobilise  these  investments  in  order  to  strengthen  and 
upscale both existing and new technologies (see chapter 5). There will also be new policy 
support facilities available, in which experts will travel to  Member States to help explain 
how the bioeconomy works, and the benefits it can bring. 

6 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
2 

ENSURING  ENVIRONMENTAL,  SOCIAL  AND  ECONOMIC  BALANCE  OF  THE 
BIOECONOMY 

In a world of finite biological resources and ecosystems, an innovation effort is needed to 
feed people, and provide them with clean water and energy. The first thematic session of 
the conference focused on how to operate the bioeconomy in a “safe operating space”, in 
which ecosystems are protected, production is sustainable and efficient and ultimately so 
too  is  consumption.  As  Josef  Plank,  Secretary  General  of  the  Ministry  for  Sustainability, 
Austria, put it: “We have to respect nature.”  

2.1  Ecological crisis 

The challenges facing Europe are well understood (see chapter 1). Europe, and the world, 
is facing a “deep ecological crisis”, said Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Chief Executive Officer, Oceano 
Azul Foundation. It will be “very difficult” to use the oceans as a basis for the bioeconomy 
if we carry on like this, he explained.  

Indeed,  human  activities  exert  increasing  pressure  on  soils,  oceans,  water,  air, 
biodiversity, climate and other natural resources. Agriculture is also a significant producer 
of greenhouse gas emissions. Joanna Drake, Deputy DG, Environment, warned that “we 
should  not  repeat  the  same  mistakes  we  have  on  land”  in  the  ocean.  Her  counterpart, 
Wolfgang Burtscher, deputy DG research and innovation, in his summing at the end of the 
conference, noted that this is not about creating “any old bioeconomy” – there has to be a 
balance  between  exploiting  and  maintaining  (and  restoring)  natural  resources  for 
generations to come. 

2.2  Safe operating space 

Novamont  CEO  Catia  Bastioli  perhaps  summed  up  the  current  situation  best,  when  she 
said:  “The  problem  is  the  speed  of  regeneration  is  lower  than  the  speed  of 
degeneration.” She also believed that it has to be a circular bioeconomy or the damage 
could be worse than today.  
The need to give projects time and investment was highlighted by academics and business 
speakers. Bastioli, spoke of the “limits for growth” and the need to assess the potential 
and problems that arise from any innovation. Others warned that there are undoubtedly 
businesses  “dreaming  of  cheap  feedstock”,  but  change  needs  to  happen  quickly  but 
responsibly. 

There was understanding that natural resources and ecosystem services could no longer 
be  regarded  as  “free”.  The  development  of  the  bioeconomy  therefore  needs  to  respect 
ecological boundaries. However, there will also have to be “very disruptive” changes made 
in order to feed and warm nine billion people (worldwide) by 2050,  Tiago Pitta e  Cunha 
noted. 

As Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO Matís, put it in the session III on local development: ”People 
are drunk on consumption. We need citizens that don’t like to consume as much 
as they [currently] do.” This narrative of “consuming less” can appear negative, as can 
repetition of the environmental challenges ahead. In the past Europe has focused on the 
problems, some speakers noted; the conversation should become more positive. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There are already a number of positive stories to tell (see 1.1). However, the challenge is 
creating a narrative for the bioeconomy, which can then be spread by citizens themselves 
(through social media etc). Those in the food system, for example, are acutely aware of 
the need to engage more with citizens to design new solutions and to rebuild trust in the 
sector.  

2.3  Production efficiencies 

The challenges facing Europe’s food systems will require “disruptive transformation” from 
farm to fork. Agriculture is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the EU; farmers 
(and  fishers)  will  need  to  become  more  efficient,  producing  more  with  less.  Technology 
and innovation will help – for example, the use of algae and insects as new feedstocks – 
but consumption patterns will also have to shift dramatically. 

Waste was discussed at length during this session. Joanna Drake called for a “no waste” 
approach amongst fishers and aquafarmers, whilst Plank called for more ideas, “fantasies 
even”,  in  how  to  reduce  waste  and  use  resources  more  efficiently.  ”There  are  limited 
resources so we need to enhance existing value chains,” he said. This could involve 
cross-sectoral partnerships, with traditional industries like paper, pulp and timber working 
in combination with innovative start-ups in the “emerging” bio-based sector. 

There  was  a  feeling  that  Europe  has  the  human  resources  to  make  these  partnerships 
happen. “We have the visions, the science, the technology, the brains,” said Tiago Pitta e 
Cunha, “we just need to get there first.” 

However, as Erik Mathijs, KU Leuven University, Belgium, put it: “We do not have a level 
playing field for the bioeconomy.” Oil-based industries have been heavily subsidised, 
which  has  severely  affected  the  ability  of  the  bio-based  sector  to  compete  and  upscale 
quickly. This is hampering Europe’s ability to meet challenges relating to biodiversity loss, 
carbon emissions and low-carbon energy, speakers suggested in session IV.  

Many speakers during the day said that, despite renewed and increased financial support 
for bio-based sectors, they still face an uphill struggle. Requiring businesses to internalise 
their external costs – in other words to raise environmental taxes – would be unpopular in 
the  wider  economy.  However,  it  was  widely  felt  that  such  a  policy  would  accelerate  the 
expansion of the bioeconomy. Mathijs referred to this as “true pricing”. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 

KEY STRATEGIC RESEARCH PRIORITIES 

This  discussion  focused  on  the  research  and  innovation  needs  as  well  as  how  to  better 
deploy  resources  for  the  development  of  new  technologies  and  processes.  As  Monique 
Axelos, Scientific Director for food and bioeconomy of INRA, put it : “Research should 
not be business as usual. There is  a need to mix  disciplines, private  and public 
research,  [and]  develop  real  partnerships  including  farmers,  society  and 
customers." 

3.1  Buying into the bioeconomy  

Citizens  were  often  the  focus  of  this  particular  session:  how  to  better  understand  their 
needs; how to develop the bioeconomy with them; how to show them the products they 
are  buying  are  truly  sustainable.  As  students  at  a  school  in  Zaragoza  –  ostensibly 
tomorrow’s  consumers  and  guardians  of  the  planet  –  said  in  a  statement  made  to  the 
conference: “We want you to do something.” 

Currently,  “around  10%  to  15%”  of  consumers  buy  bio-based  products  because  they 
believe in them, said Erik Mathijs in an earlier session. Pricing and incentives are therefore 
essential if the other 85% to 90% are to buy into the bioeconomy. However, price is not 
the only challenge: the bioeconomy may be worth in excess of €2 trillion and employ 18.6 
million people, but a third of citizens are reportedly unaware of it (4).  

The need to better  engage consumers and comprehend their feelings towards bio-based 
products (and what they need) came up in a number of discussions during the conference. 
Academic  speakers  mentioned  that  some  research  has  looked  at  who  would  buy  what 
products;  however,  understanding  of  how  consumers  view  bio-based  products  is  in  its 
infancy.  

Evidence  to  date  suggests  a  general  state  of  confusion  (5).  ”Go  out  and  ask  people 
about  the  bioeconomy  and  their  first  reaction  will  be  ‘what  is  it?’”  said  Mathieu 
Flamini, former footballer and co-founder of GFBiochemicals, a biotech company. Initiatives 
are already underway to raise awareness and enhance knowledge of the bioeconomy – for 
example, the Horizon-2020 supported BLOOM project (6). 

The Commission’s renewed efforts to raise awareness are timely. ”Without consumers 
none of this will be possible; they must be on board from day one,” said Professor 
Jochen  Weiss,  from  the  University  of  Hohenheim.  Still,  there  was  a  fear  that  media  are 
“simplifying” the plastics issue, yet awareness of plastic pollution of the ocean will increase 
citizens’ hunger to seek out credible alternatives and ask tough questions. For this reason, 
the value of expertise in social sciences cannot be overstated: ”We need to understand 
citizens, the consumer and their behaviour,” said Professor Orla Feely, VP research, 
innovation and impact, University College Dublin. 

3.2  Clear rules and labelling 

This communication effort should be a priority, the conference heard – not least because 
lack of awareness breeds uncertainty. One of the aims set out in the EU Plastics Strategy 
is  to  harmonise  the  rules  for  labelling  of  “compostable”  and  “biodegradable”  plastics.  A 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
lifecycle  assessment  will  also  be 
developed  to  ensure  biobased  plastics 
result 
environmental 
benefits compared to the non-renewable 
alternatives” (7).  

“genuine 

in 

BOOSTING THE BIOECONOMY: THE ACADEMIC’S 
PERSPECTIVE 

1.

Joined-up policymaking. There is a 
need to bring those who don’t see the 
bioeconomy as a priority into the circle 
2. Better understanding. Social science 

expertise is essential in order to 
comprehend citizens, consumers and 
their behaviour 

3. Facts, narratives, case studies. We 
need kit on the ground. We need 
products. We need data 

At the conference, there was a proposal 
that  sustainability  criteria  are  not  only 
needed  for  fuels,  but  also  for  products 
and  for  food.  The  updated  Bioeconomy 
Strategy noted the need to “step up” the 
transformation  of  food  and  farming 
systems  –  they  “urgently  need”  to 
become  more  sustainable,  nutrition-
sensitive,  resilient  and  inclusive  given 
the growing world population, climate and other environmental challenges such as water 
scarcity, loss of biodiversity and lack of available productive land. This is in line with the 
Food 2030 Initiative. 

4. Patience. The timescales for innovation 
will be longer than they are in other 
sectors, such as ICT. 

Speakers at the conference highlighted significant opportunities for producers, for example 
through diversification – turning organic waste and discards into valuable products for the 
bio-based market. Yet, sustainability criteria could be more clearly defined. ”Would you 
recognise bio-based products in a shop?” wondered Christine Lang, Co-Chair German 
Bioeconomy Council, in session IV.  

There  was a  feeling that clearly defined criteria for  sustainable products would reassure 
consumers, businesses, investors (see chapter 5) and producers alike. As Joanna Drake, 
deputy  DG  Environment,  said:  “Citizens  deserve  a  guarantee  that  when  they  buy 
‘bio’ they are buying sustainably.” 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 

In 2008, the bioeconomy employed 20.76 million Europeans. Over the next six years, that 
figure  dropped  consistently.  By  2014,  the  most  recent  figure  available,  the  number  of 
bioeconomy jobs stood at 18.59 million, principally to losses in the agricultural sector.  

At the conference, there was optimism that the bioeconomy can compensate for this, and 
even boost rural and coastal economies still further. Commissioner Hogan noted that the 
bioeconomy could create one million new green jobs by 2030. 

4.1  Revitalising the rural economy 

New markets and changes in land tenure may lead to environmental benefits and socio-
economic opportunities. However, the effects on rural development depend on whether the 
bioeconomy  is  “mainstreamed”  and  a  broad  part  of  the  population  benefits  from  it.  As 
Commissioner Moedas suggested during the opening session, citizens will want to see the 
benefits of this transition for them and their local communities. 

European  farmers  are  generally  “ready  to  face  the  challenges”,  according  to  Anna 
Trettenero, an Italian farmer who runs a biogas digester that “adds value to the region’s 
agricultural production, while working alongside the principles of circular bioeconomy” (8). 
However, she admitted (as Commissioner Hogan had) that farmers would need additional 
training and support. They will also need to be encouraged to share ideas, both within the 
sector  and  outside  it  –  for  example,  using  agricultural  waste  as  a  resource  for  other 
industries, like fashion. 

Some  speakers  suggested  that  current  regulations  can  hinder  the  development  of  the 
bioeconomy,  and  there  was  a  call  for  “simplification”  of  the  rules.  The  Commission  is 
already looking to strip back some of the red tape in the aquaculture sector (see below). 
However, there was a warning from Commissioner Hogan: not enough member states have 
national  bioeconomy  strategies  in  place,  he  said,  so  this  was  a  “1.5-year  warning”  that 
countries without a plan in place will not receive approval for Common Agricultural Policy 
(CAP)  funding.  “The  Commission’s  proposal  for  the  future  of  CAP  will  task  each 
member state with drawing up a CAP strategic plan to outline their targets and 
expected results according to nine key objectives, and the bioeconomy is one of 
these,” he said. 

4.2  Exploiting opportunities; respecting resources 

The EU’s objectives for rural development, which contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy 
for  smart,  sustainable  and  inclusive  growth,  include  “facilitating  the  supply  and  use  of 
renewable sources of energy, of by-products, wastes and residues and of other non food 
raw material, for the purposes of the bioeconomy”.  

There  are  already  a  number  of  pioneers  doing  just  that,  but  they  remain  the  exception 
rather than the rule. Waste, it was noted, is a word with “many opportunities” so new ideas 
–  “fantasies”  even  –  should  be  encouraged.  And  perhaps  some  of  the  most  interesting 
collaborations will take place between sectors – for example, fishers working with farmers 
– or regions, or countries. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Though  the  EU  bioeconomy  is  largely  land-based  currently,  the  potential  of  the  blue 
bioeconomy  is  “enormous”,  noted  Joanna  Drake.  The  Blue  Bioeconomy  Forum,  officially 
launched at the conference, will bring together industry, public authorities, academia and 
finance to identify opportunities (9). A roadmap will soon be published, highlighting how 
the oceans’ resources – used more sustainably – can improve food security (and relieve 
pressure  on  agriculture)  and  support  diversification  of  the  fishing  and  mariculture 
industries (10). “We need to shift to more farmed fish,” said Joanna Drake. “We are looking 
to remove red tape so our aquaculture sector can really take off.” 

This would of course take pressure off agriculture and resources on land. Referring to the 
issue of plastic pollution, Joanna Drake said the same mistakes made on land cannot be 
repeated at sea. Systems need to be as efficient as possible, ensuring sustainable use of 
resources. ”We need to move to a ‘no waste’ approach in fishing and aquaculture,” 
she said. 

The oceans are also facing a deep ecological crisis. By 2050, as noted at the conference, it 
is estimated that there will be more plastic in the seas than fish (11), while 70% to 90% 
of coral reefs could be lost if global warming reaches 1.5 degrees (12). ”It will be very 
difficult to use the oceans as a basis for the bioeconomy [if we carry on like this],” 
said Tiago Pitta e Cunha during the session covered in session I. 

Supporting  healthy  ecosystems  is  a  European  priority,  but  while  recognition  of  the 
problems was high, some speakers called on the EU to act “more decisively”. The focus 
should be on “saving what’s left” and creating a new bioeconomy that “dissociates growth 
from  environmental  degradation”.  Europe  has  an  opportunity  to  lead  the  world  in  this 
respect,  the  conference  heard,  using  new  technology  to  exploit  waste  products;  for 
instance, extracting collagen from fish scales for use in cosmetics.  

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 

INVESTMENTS, MARKETS AND THE BIO-BASED SECTOR 

The transition to a bioeconomy needs to be responsible, taking account of “safe” ecological 
limits; move too quickly and, as discussed above, the environmental impact could be even 
greater.  Citizens  will  also  need  time  to  adapt  to  new  products  and  services,  whilst 
producers will require support, technology and fair returns. But what about businesses?  

The final session covered how to mobilise investments  – including through new financial 
instruments – to strengthen and upscale both existing and new technologies. The creation 
of markets for more sustainable and circular bioeconomy products was also considered. 

5.1  Predictable policies 

Carlos Moedas, the Commissioner for research, science and innovation, has noted in the 
past that: “Private money goes where stability is and where policies are predictable.”  At 
the conference he said there is so much biomass available that “we can’t keep talking about 
potential”. Indeed, he felt that the bioeconomy is no longer just a resource and innovation 
strategy:  “[The  bioeconomy]  has  untapped  potential  …  it  can  touch  everyone, 
every day.” 

Policy is heading in the right direction, as discussed above, and much is expected of the 
new  Bioeconomy  Strategy  and  action  plan,  as  well  as  the  review  of  the  Common 
Agricultural Policy. The conference heard how bio-based industry is on the brink of making 
the leap from niche to norm. Europe’s share of global bioplastics production, for instance, 
is forecast to jump  from 18% to 25% between  2017 and 2022 (13). However, in areas 
such  as  chemicals,  plastics  and  fuels,  growth  is  20%  or  more.  So  how  do  we  catalyse 
innovation,  de-risk  sustainability,  and  mobilise  and  scale  up  bio-based  technologies, 
businesses and communities in all parts of Europe? 

5.2  Scaling up sustainable products 

Delivering  bio-based  products  to  the  market  takes  time,  money  and  a  steady  policy 
environment. “Moving from pilot to technical demonstration scale is very difficult,” 
said Andrew McDowell, VP European Investment Bank.   

Indeed,  there  are  not  many  venture  capital  investors  at  this  stage  of  development,  so 
businesses are required to take on debt. Plus, given the “fierce competition” from the fossil 
fuel industry it was unsurprising that panellists showed frustration. Jos Peeters, managing 
director, founder and partner at Capricorn Venture Partners, spoke of a “significant gap in 
funding” that has been holding developments back for some time.  

Some of the barriers include: 

  Lack of experience within banks to assess and understand the benefits and 

risks of bioeconomy projects  

  Banks  require  “incentives  and  sweeteners”  to  move  into  the  bio-based 

space. 

Even companies that have secured substantial investment are facing challenges. Avantium 
is  attempting  to  build  commercial-scale  supply  chains  and  production  facilities  for  PEF 
(polyethylene  furanoate),  a  bio-based  alternative  to  PET  (polyethylene  terephthalate). 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Around 70% of soft drinks are now packaged in PET plastic bottles, but PEF is superior, 
according  to  the  company  (14).  In  January,  the  PEF  pilot  phase  was  extended  by  up  to 
three years.  

Rather than just one of these companies, perhaps we need to be supporting 10 of them, 
in  the  hope  that  nine  succeed,  suggested  Christine  Lang,  Co-Chair  of  the  German 
Bioeconomy Council. She wondered whether “we are expecting too much too fast”. Bio-
based companies must prove the product, place it on the market and gain market share 
before  buyers  become  interested  –  this  is  very  different  to  pharmaceuticals,  where 
investment comes much sooner.  

It  takes  time  to  achieve  buy-in  at  the  top  levels  of  business.  Michal  Skwierczyński,  Co-
ordinator BioMotive project, suggested that investment was sometimes being sought for 
products that might not be necessary for clients. Companies want to know the business 
case  for  bio-based  products  and  what  customers  gain  from  this.  Catia  Bastioli,  CEO  at 
Novamont,  a  company  that  has  invested  more  than  €600  million  to  develop  bio-based 
materials, regenerate decommissioned industrial sites and generate jobs, also said in an 
earlier session that “we need good legislation and we need projects now”. Christine 
Lang also urged the sector and its entrepreneurs to “be more visible”. 

There also have to be the right instruments and incentives in place – an example presented 
was that of a small business that couldn’t afford to release a member of staff to work for 
six months with the research team at a university in order to develop a product.  

It also remains difficult for the promoter to capture the full environmental benefits on offer, 
but  the  Paris  Agreement,  Sustainable  Development  Goals  and  focus  on  reducing  plastic 
pollution will all help drive “impact investing”. 

5.3  More support welcomed 

The  Commission  proposals  for  the  next  Multiannual  Financial  Framework  for  2021-27 
include  a  significant  boost  for  systemic  research and  innovation  in  the  areas  and 
sectors covered  by  the  bioeconomy  –  in  particular,the  proposed  €10  billion  for  “food 
and natural  resources”  including  the  bioeconomy,  within  the  Horizon Europe  cluster. 
Within  theupdated Bioeconomy  Strategy  and  Action  Plan  there  will  be  an  additional 
€100m available through the Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform. It is too 
early to say whether these will successfully de-risk investments in sustainable solutions, 
but the funding boost was welcomed by the likes of Jos Peeters.  

Better  availability  of  data  would,  according  to  a  number  of  speakers,  help  in  their 
investment  decisions.  Improved  monitoring  of  bio-based  products  will  ensure the 
decisions made from production to consumption are truly sustainable – and responsible. It 
will also reassure investors.  

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 

REFERENCES 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4)  

(5)  

(6) 

(7)  

(8)  

(9)  

https://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e5685a20-c9c9-11e7-
8e69-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format-PDF/source-51148419  

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/news/new-bioeconomy-strategy-sustainable-europe-
2018-oct-11-0_en  

http://pr.euractiv.com/pr/horizon-europe-next-research-and-innovation-framework-
programme-176323 

https://euobserver.com/science/140395 

https://euobserver.com/business/141282 

https://bloom-bioeconomy.eu/wp-
content/uploads/2018/11/Bloom_Newsletter_November2018.pdf 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/plastic_waste.htm 

https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/news/inspirational-ideas-farming-energy 

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/en/frontpage/1349 

(10)     

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4104_en.htm 

(11) 

(12)  

(13)  

(14)  

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/EllenMacArthurFoundation_T
heNewPlasticsEconomy_Pages.pdf 

http://report.ipcc.ch/sr15/pdf/sr15_spm_final.pdf 

https://www.european-bioplastics.org/global-market-for-bioplastics-to-grow-by-20-
percent/ 

https://euobserver.com/science/140395 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7 

LIST OF SPEAKERS 

Monique AXELOS 
Scientific Director for food and bioeconomy, 
INRA 

Catia BASTIOLI 
CEO, Novamont 

Mr John BELL 
Director Bioeconomy, European Commission 

Wolfgang BURTSCHER 
Deputy Director-General for Research and 
Innovation, European Commission 

Joanna DRAKE 
Deputy Director-General Environment, 
European Commission 

Orla FEELY 
Vice-President for Research, Innovation and 
Impact, University College of Dublin 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mathieu Flamini 
GFBBiochemicals 

Ilkka HÄMÄLÄ 
President and CEO, Metsä Group 

Mr Phil HOGAN 
Commissioner of Agriculture & Rural 
Development, European Commission 

Joachim Kreysa 
Bioeconomy Advisor, JRC 

Lucrezia LAMASTRA 
Coordinator of the EIP-AGRI Operational Group 

Christine LANG 
Co-Chair, German Bioeconomy Council 

Sveinn MARGEIRSSON 
CEO of Matis 

Erik MATHIJS 
KU Leuven University, Chair of the 4th 
Foresight Expert Group of the Standing 
Committee of Agricultural Research  

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew MCDOWELL 
Vice President, European Investment Bank 

Mr Carlos MOEDAS 
Commissioner for Research, Science and 
Innovation, European Commission 

Jos PEETERS 
Managing Partner, Founder and Director, 
Capricorn Venture Partners 

Tiago PITTA e CUNHA 
Chief Executive Officer, Oceano Azul 
Foundation 

Josef Plank 
Secretary General, Ministry for Sustainability 
and Tourism in Austria 

Jerzy Bogdan PLEWA 
Director-General for Agriculture and Rural 
Development, European Commission 

Michal SKWIERCZYŃSKI 
Co-ordinator BIOMOTIVE project 

Anna TRETTENERO 
Farmer 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jochen WEISS 
Professor at University Hohenheim and co-
chair of ETP "Food for Life" 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The  bioeconomy  can  turn  algae  into  fuel,  recycle  plastic,  convert  waste  from  the  food 
production chain into new clothing and transform industrial byproducts into valuable bio-
based  materials.  The  potential  is  enormous  –  there  are  opportunities  to  secure  healthy 
food  supplies,  better  manage  natural  resources,  generate  low-carbon  energy,  tackle 
climate change and revitalise rural and coastal areas. All these opportunities – on land and 
at sea – remain relatively untapped. 

Despite employing 18.6 million people and being valued at €2.3 trillion, the bioeconomy is 
niche.  Investments  are  viewed  as  risky,  producers  are  yet  to  realise  the  value  in  their 
biomass (including waste) and citizens must be engaged further. 

There is also an urgent need to act, and further financial support for bio-based innovation 
will help.  

Research and Innovation policy