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New EU alliance for a circular bioeconomy

With the European Green Deal, the European Union (EU) has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the EU member states are focussing on a sustainable bioeconomy that functions in circular systems. Corresponding measures to implement the green transformation were already set out in the European Bioeconomy Strategy in 2019. With the aim of making the EU a leader in circular bioeconomy, the European Bioeconomy Clusters Alliance (EBCA) was founded in Brussels on 10 February.

AI generates world map of bioeconomy patents

Climate change, resource scarcity and food security are the major challenges of the future. The bioeconomy offers solutions to these challenges. However, for the transition to a bio-based and circular economy to succeed, innovations are required in all areas. Whether bio-based plastics, fibres, cell-based foods or new biocatalysts: the range of bioeconomic inventions is as broad as the challenge of capturing their associated growth. With the help of artificial intelligence, researchers at Justus Liebig University Giessen have now succeeded in doing just that.

Green algae as adaptation artists

Microorganisms play a key role in the bioeconomy – from sustainable energy production to the development of new materials. It is therefore essential to understand and further optimise their metabolism. Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University and the Leibniz Institutes in Jena have discovered the extent to which the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can adapt its metabolism – simply through new cultivation conditions, without the need to intervene in the genetic material.

“We use residues to establish sustainability”

As an industry-oriented research institution, Jena-based INNOVENT has been working closely with companies for many years and supports them with specialist and technical expertise from product development to market launch. One focus is research into innovative and sustainable products and processes for the bioeconomy. Expanding the range of bio-based materials and making them usable is the focus of Ronja Breitkopf's ‘Biomaterials’ research group.

Rhenish mining district as a bioeconomy region: at the heart of structural change

The structural change in the Rhenish mining district is in full swing. In areas where lignite is still being mined today, a model region for sustainable and bio-based economic activities is emerging.

Floral foam

Phenolic resins are the standard

Conventional plug-in foams have been fulfilling this task for many decades. They are also lightweight and easy to work with. One disadvantage is that they are usually made from phenolic resins, a synthesis of phenol and formaldehyde and therefore a synthetic plastic. The production of phenolic resins can produce environmentally harmful emissions that are not biodegradable.  

New funding round of “Bioeconomy International” launched

The challenges of our time - from climate change and dwindling resources to food security for a growing world population - call for creative solutions. The bioeconomy offers a promising approach here: it uses biological resources and innovative technologies to develop sustainable products and processes. Research funding plays a key role in leveraging the potential of the bioeconomy, not only at national but also at international level. After all, the bioeconomy must be considered globally. This is where “Bioeconomy International” comes in.

G20 Science Academies: Communiqué for a sustainable economy

With the 2030 Agenda, the international community defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These formulate measures that are to be implemented as part of national strategies. Innovations from research and development play an important role here. In the run-up to the summit of the 20 most important industrialized and emerging countries (G20), which will take place on November 18 and 19, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, the G20 science academies (Science20) have published a joint statement.

Capgemini (2024): Engineering biology: The time is now

The study 'Engineering Biology: The time is now' shows that sustainability is a key driver of corporate interest in biotechnology. More than 70% of companies expect to achieve their sustainability goals significantly faster with the help of biosolutions. Other motives include cost reduction, product optimisation and increased safety of products and production processes. The study also highlights the challenges that need to be overcome to realise this potential, ranging from market perception and acceptance to high costs and a lack of qualified specialists.

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