Whether as a building material, for insulation or interior finishing: Renewable raw materials boast good material properties, improve the eco-balance and are often better for human health. However, even for conventional construction products such as concrete, bio-based, sustainable strategies are now available.

Germany is a global leader in mechanical engineering. Modern machinery, devices and processes can help make production sustainable and efficient in any industrial or ­economic sector. This is why innovation in mechanical engineering is an important driver of the ­bioeconomy.

The food industry is a significant element of the bioeconomy. This is where  agricultural products are processed into food and animal feed. Resource-efficient technologies help to produce healthy, high-quality and safe products. 

Whether cosmetics, dishwashing and washing detergents or household appliances – a wide range of bio-based processes are already used in the production of everyday products. They enable the development of innovative consumer products with new features. Bio-based packaging solutions are also becoming increasingly popular.  

Bioenergy from renewable resources remains an important element in the energy mix of the future. Agricultural farms can use biogas plants to produce electricity and heat. Even­ in a future electric mobility system, biofuels will still be needed for shipping and aviation.

Agriculture and forestry are important pillars of the bioeconomy. Plant biomass produced in meadows, fields and forests is one of the foundations of the bio-based economy. Modern cultivation technologies enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient production.

While the chemical industry is still predominantly based on petroleum, a fossil raw material, it is increasingly tapping into biomass, a complex and versatile raw material. More and more companies are turning to green chemical production based on renewable raw materials and biotechnical processes. 

Medicinal herbs have been used against illnesses for thousands of years. Today, medicines are more and more often produced using biotechnological processes. Biopharmaceuticals, which include active ingredients such as antibodies, enzymes and vaccines, account for about one third of the pharmaceutical market – and their share is growing rapidly. 

The textile industry has always used renewable raw materials, from plant fibres such as linen or cotton to animal products such as wool, silk or leather. With the increasing drive towards more sustainability, bio-based innovations are on the rise. Examples include ­biotech silk, vegan leather and vegetable tanning and dyeing agents. 

The car will continue to be an important component of mobility in the future. Alter­native drive technologies are on the rise in response to climate targets and international ­competition. Manufacturers are turning to bioplastics and biocomposites to build ever lighter vehicles, conserve resources and implement a circular economy.