The European Commission launched the public consultation on 31 March 2025 for the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The concept of bioeconomy encompasses biomass production, its conversion into food, bio-based materials, products, and bioenergy. This new strategy aims to advance innovation and maintain the EU’s leadership in the bioeconomy, while reinforcing circularity and sustainability and contributing to the decarbonisation of the EU economy. It will propose specific actions to unlock the potential of bioeconomy innovations, enabling them to reach the market and generate green jobs and growth. Stakeholders will be able to participate in the discussion and provide feedback until 23 June 2025 through the Have Your Say portal.

Bioeconomy Strategy (2018) – A sustainable Bioeconomy for Europe: Strengthening the connection between economy, society and the environment

Our feedback was published on the portal of the European Commission.

Subtopics to include:

1. Support for Scaling Bio-Based Production

Enable companies – particularly SMEs – to scale up economically viable bio-based production by improving access to financial instruments and awareness-raising campaigns. Special attention should be given to strengthening biomaterial startups that rely on manufacturing capabilities, as they face significant barriers due to limited access to pilot facilities and industrial scaling hubs. Currently, many EU programmes continue to prioritize digital and tech-based innovation, while nature-based solutions remain underfunded and under-supported.

2. Establish Harmonised Standards and Certification

Develop clear, EU-wide standards for biodegradable and bio-based products. The current patchwork of complex and divergent standards across Member States undermines market uptake. Introduce a national or EU-level certification mark for raw materials produced in alignment with circular economy principles. A recognisable, trusted label would empower consumers and purchasers to make informed choices, increasing confidence and demand for sustainable materials.

3. Create Market Incentives for Circular Bio-Based Materials

Introduce economic incentives – such as reduced VAT rates – for circular, nature-based, or regenerated materials. These products often struggle to compete due to higher production costs. Furthermore, embed procurement incentives for state and EU-funded projects that prioritise materials aligned with circular and sustainable principles.

4. Align Biomass Production with Environmental and Food Security Goals

Establish clear eligibility criteria for farmers producing biomass for industrial use. These criteria must ensure that biomass production does not interfere with primary food production and respects the integrity of natural ecosystems.

5. Embed Bioeconomy Education and Training

Integrate bioeconomy education into school curricula and vocational training programmes, with a particular focus on creating opportunities in rural areas. This is essential to ensure that all young people – regardless of geography – can participate in and contribute to the bioeconomy.

6. Strengthen University-Industry Collaboration

Provide funding for university-industry training programmes, internships, and activities organised by student associations in relevant fields. These experiences are crucial for developing the next generation of bioeconomy professionals and innovators.

7. Improve Access to Jobs and Career Opportunities

Enhance digital platforms such as the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy by integrating job-matching tools. A centralised, youth-friendly registry of job opportunities within the bioeconomy would make it easier for young people to enter and navigate this sector.

8. Promote Youth Participation and Leadership

Actively support youth engagement in bioeconomy innovation challenges, hackathons, and governance bodies. Young people should be recognised as key stakeholders whose ideas, energy, and leadership can help drive transformation.

9. Establish a Biomass Mass-Balancing Framework

Introduce a clear mass-balancing framework as part of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. This would help industries transition toward more transparent and segregated biomass sourcing systems, ensuring traceability and sustainability.

10. Ensure Social Inclusion and Equity

To build a truly sustainable bioeconomy, social inclusion must be prioritised. Establish safeguards that define who is involved – such as workers, rural communities, and underrepresented groups – and how they are included in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and access to opportunities. Without this, the bioeconomy risks reinforcing existing inequalities.

11. Facilitate Youth Entrepreneurship in the Bioeconomy

Develop a clear and supportive regulatory framework that simplifies the process for young people to launch bioeconomy-related enterprises. Complement this with accessible mentorship programmes that offer hands-on guidance through each stage of business development, from idea to implementation.