A new study finds Europe has the technology and ambition to lead in bio-based products, but lacks the regulatory framework to drive demand. The report was produced by the Bio-based Industries Consortium, known as BIC.
The study is split into two parts. The first maps lead markets for bio-based products across chemicals, plastics and polymers, fibre-based packaging, and textiles. The second sets out policy measures to address the gaps.
According to the EU bioeconomy strategy, Europe has a genuine opportunity to lead globally in bio-based products, with potential spanning the economy. Bio-based plastics capacity alone is set to nearly double, reaching about 4.7 million tonnes by 2030. Europe already holds the largest regional share of that market, at 43.1 percent.
Europe’s chemicals industry is worth around €655 billion a year, yet only about 8 percent of it is currently bio-based. The fibre-based packaging sector generates €110 billion in revenue and supports roughly 710,000 jobs. Europe also leads globally in textile fibres such as flax and hemp, producing 64 percent of the world’s flax and more than half of global hemp fibre.
The report says that potential can be realised by rewarding the full value of bio-based products and their environmental benefits. Bio-based products often carry a green premium compared with fossil-based alternatives. Without binding policy measures and incentives, the report warns, Europe risks missing its opportunity to lead the bioeconomy.
To address this, the report calls for targeted measures that create predictable demand, including binding bio-based content requirements. It recommends building these into legislation already in progress, such as the Biotech Act II and the upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directives.
Philippe Mengal, executive director of BIC, said the deployment of bio-based industries in Europe could serve as a competitive advantage and strengthen strategic autonomy. He said that potential remains untapped without stronger market signals, and BIC is ready to work with policymakers as new legislation is drafted.
