Further information and links

EU program

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking [https://www.cbe.europa.eu] is a €2 billion partnership program between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) that will run from 2021 to 2031. Its goal is to accelerate the circular bioeconomy, reduce dependence on fossil raw materials, and promote a sustainable, competitive bio-based industry in Europe. The program funds research and innovation projects that transform biowaste and biomass into new products.

Projects

BIO2REG [https://bio2reg.eu/] is a European Union-funded project (Horizon Europe) that helps greenhouse gas-intensive regions transition to a sustainable circular bioeconomy. The project provides regions with tools, mentoring, and peer support to develop into model regions for the bioeconomy. The aim is to identify local potential, create action plans, and promote cooperation between regions.

MainstreamBIO [https://mainstreambio-project.eu/] is an EU-funded project that aims to bring small-scale bio-based solutions into the mainstream in rural Europe. The project helps farmers and local actors transform biomass and side streams into sustainable products. The project provides digital tools and support for commercializing innovations in seven countries.

GO-GRASS [https://www.go-grass.eu/] is an EU-funded project that develops circular economy business models by utilizing unused grass biomass (grass crops) to strengthen the rural economy. The project converts grass into valuable bioproducts such as paper, packaging material, protein-based feed, or biochar, reducing dependence on imported raw materials and fossil fuels.

BioRural [https://biorural.eu/] is a European Union-funded project (Horizon Europe) that aims to promote a sustainable, circular economy-based bioeconomy in rural areas of Europe. It supports small-scale, local bio-based solutions (e.g., agriculture, forestry, waste management) by creating a network and practical tools (BioRural Toolkit) for sharing expertise and developing business.

Research institutes, universities, and universities of applied sciences

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) [https://www.luke.fi/en] promotes the bioeconomy by developing sustainable methods for the use of renewable natural resources, nutrient recycling, and the utilization of organic matter. Luke provides research data and solutions for reducing the environmental impact of food systems, forest biomass, and energy production, thereby supporting carbon neutrality and biodiversity.

RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) [https://www.ri.se] in Sweden promotes the transition to a bio-based circular economy by providing research, testing environments, and scaling assistance for the development of renewable materials and processes.

LUT University [https://www.lut.fi/en] in Lappeenranta and Lahti specializes in the bio-circular economy, particularly in technological solutions, systemic change, and sustainable business models. The university’s approach combines technology, economics, and social sciences.

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences VAMK [https://www.vamk.fi/] focuses on the interfaces between business expertise, design, and energy technology in the bio-circular economy. Unlike purely research institutions, VAMK emphasizes practical application and regional business cooperation.

Lab University of Applied Sciences [https://lab.fi/en] in Lahti is a practical developer in the field of the bio-circular economy, combining technological expertise, design, and business cooperation. LAB focuses in particular on scaling biomaterials, utilizing side streams, and promoting circular economy business models.

Novia University of Applied Sciences [https://www.novia.fi/en/] on the Swedish-speaking coast of Finland is a strong player, particularly in Swedish-language research and education in the bio-circular economy. Its activities focus on the sustainable use of natural resources, rural vitality, and circular economy business models.

Hanken Svenska handelshögskolan [https://www.hanken.fi/en] approaches the bio-based circular economy particularly from the perspective of business models, supply chain management, and policy measures. As it is a business school, the focus is on how bio-based innovations can be commercialized and integrated into global markets.

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) [https://jamk.fi] is one of Finland’s leading practitioners of the bio-based circular economy, and its activities are concentrated in particular at the Bioeconomy Institute in Saarijärvi.

Ruhr Universität Bochum [https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en] in Bochum, Germany, is a major German player in bio-circular economy research, combining technical process design, microbiology, and sustainable construction.

Funds

The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) [https://www.eib.org/en/products/equity/funds/european-circular-bioeconomy-fund] is a venture capital fund established by the European Union (supported by the EIB) that focuses specifically on the circular bioeconomy, with the aim of accelerating the transition from a fossil-based economy to renewable materials. It invests its total capital of €300 million in innovative European companies in the growth phase (agritech, food, bio-based materials).