The Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking as a catalyst for a green transition in Europe under the European Green Deal

Abstract

This article describes how the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) has contributed to address many of the global challenges that are at the core of the new European Green Deal. The BBI JU aims at strengthening and supporting the bio-based industries across Europe by funding research and innovation (R&I) and the establishment of first-of-their-kind biorefineries. Many synergies can be found between the goals of BBI JU and those of the European Green Deal and its relevant policy areas, such as the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Farm to Fork Strategy and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. This article highlights the main impacts generated by BBI JU funded projects in these policy areas. It presents success stories, in which the projects are delivering sustainable, circular bio-based products as examples. Finally, the article seeks to analyse how R&I investments by the BBI JU can support the EU in its recovery in a post pandemic era.

Keywords

• Bio-based industries
• European Green Deal
• Farm to Fork strategy
• Bioeconomy
• Sustainable food
• Sustainable products