The European Union has launched the Bio-based Europe Alliance, a voluntary initiative to boost demand for bio-based materials and products. The launch took place at the Global Bioeconomy Summit. The Alliance brings together buyers, primary producers, suppliers and national and regional authorities.
The aim is to tackle a familiar problem. Many bio-based companies struggle to move from research and demonstration to commercial deployment. The EU’s Bioeconomy Strategy blames low product visibility and weak market demand.
The Alliance offers a framework for businesses and public authorities to develop lead markets for bio-based materials and technologies. It also aims to generate demand signals across bio-based value chains. Greater demand predictability should help producers and technology developers secure investment for new facilities. It could also support scale-up and bring more competitive products to market.
More than 100 stakeholders have already joined. Members will jointly shape its scope. The Alliance will complement upcoming EU regulatory measures and parallel initiatives to improve access to finance.
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, said the Alliance will connect buyers and suppliers and make demand visible. She said reducing reliance on fossil-based materials will make Europe’s economy more competitive, circular and resilient.
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, said farmers and foresters play a central role in the bioeconomy. He said support from the Common Agricultural Policy will help create predictable demand for them. That would let them keep supplying sustainable biomass and invest in innovative bio-based products.
