Bio-based value-added chemicals increasingly replacing fossil raw materials

There is strong industrial demand for bio-based chemicals, as the use of fossil-based products contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental chemical pollution. Valuable bio-based chemicals derived from biomass offer a renewable alternative for producing everyday products such as cosmetics, detergents, and textile coatings.

Bio-based chemicals derived from primary and secondary biomass streams can significantly reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and promote the circular economy. Currently, however, bio-based chemicals account for only about seven percent of the EU’s bio-based industry market.

Existing legislation slows the entry of many bio-based innovations to the market and continues to favor traditional, fossil-based industrial sectors. Therefore, regulatory support is needed to boost the growth of markets for bio-based innovations, including biochemicals.

Our vision is that by 2050, bio-based value-added chemicals that replace non-renewable raw materials will be widely available to both industry and consumers. These chemical compounds can be produced from primary and side streams of biomass originating in the forestry, agricultural, and aquatic sectors. Fully utilizing biomass also improves the economic viability of biochemical production.