An exclusive interview with Agata Kotkowska, Deputy Head of the Bioeconomy and Sustainable Materials at EU Commission

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Agata Kotkowska

“The bioeconomy is directly linked to the priorities of this Commission: competitiveness, as set out in the Competitiveness Compass; decarbonisation of industry under the Clean Industrial Deal; and economic security, by reducing dependence on imported fossil feedstocks and critical inputs. It also contributes to nature restoration and climate resilience when it is built on sustainable biomass.” To say this in this exclusive interview with Il Bioeconomista, is Agata Kotkowska, Head of the Bioeconomy and Sustainable Materials at the DG Envi of EU Commission. Kotkowska talks with us about the next steps for the European bioeconomy after the Strategy launched last year and the Global Bioeconomy Summit, which was held three weeks ago in Dublin under the Irish Presidency of UE.

Interview by Mario Bonaccorso

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The European Bioeconomy Conference is coming: Brussels, 19 November

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The 2nd European Bioeconomy Conference organised by logos in collaboration with Cepi will take place on 19 November 2026 at Sparks, Brussels, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators under the theme: “Ensuring Europe’s strategic autonomy in bio-based industries”

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New report positions biosolutions as a powerful driver of Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 ambition

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As Indonesia lays the foundations for Golden Indonesia 2045, biosolutions could become a powerful driver of economic growth, job creation and industrial transformation, according to a new report. Published as the government implements its National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 and BAPPENAS develops Indonesia’s national bioeconomy roadmap, The Value of Biosolutions: Growth and Prosperity – Indonesia Edition highlights how Indonesia’s abundant biological resources and ambitious development agenda could position the country as a future bioeconomy leader in Southeast Asia.

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EU Commission launched in Dublin the Bio-based Europe Alliance

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The European Commission last Wednesday launched a new voluntary industry group — the Bio-based Europe Alliance — to help develop markets for bio-based materials and technologies. The Alliance was launched in Dublin at the Global Bioeconomy Summit by Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.

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From wood to chemicals: UPM inaugurated pioneering biorefinery in Leuna, Germany

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UPM last Thursday inaugurated its biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, marking the start of a new industrial platform for renewable chemicals made from wood. The biorefinery converts lignocellulosic biomass, primarily wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues, into biochemicals. With an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes, it is the largest facility of its kind in the world. The ramp-up has progressed further. Enzymatic hydrolysis and the production of lignin-derived specialty chemicals have reached stable operation, and UPM is ramping up sales of these products.

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Dublin is ready to host the Global Bioeconomy Summit on October 19-21

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Dublin will welcome the world’s bioeconomy community for the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 in October, bringing together global expertise at the Convention Centre Dublin during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Recognised as a leading global forum for bioeconomy policy, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, the Global Bioeconomy Summit brings together political leaders, policy makers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and civil society globally to accelerate sustainable, bio-based innovation and solutions.

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Singapore launched a $118m Bioeconomy Funding Initiative

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Singapore launched a $118m Bioeconomy Funding Initiative (Bioeconomy FI) to strengthen research and development in bio-based chemicals, materials, and products, the Economic Development Board announced. The initiative, under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 Plan, is the country’s largest funding initiative dedicated to the bioeconomy to date. Together with other programmes, it brings Singapore’s commitment to bioeconomy-related initiatives to approximately $200m over the next five years.

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Avantium completed spin-out of Parana Technology into Parana Materials

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Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, completed the spin-out of its Parana Technology into Parana Materials B.V. Parana Materials is a new, independent company focused on the development and commercialization of plant-based, high-performance polyesters such as PISA, PISOX and PEIT/PEIF. The Parana Technology portfolio is distinct from Avantium’s FDCA and PEF (branded as releaf®) technology, which remains fully within Avantium. The transaction is part of Avantium’s strategy to focus resources and investments on its core FDCA and PEF business while enabling other promising technologies in its portfolio to pursue independent growth and commercialization pathways.

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Rome is the world capital of the bioeconomy: IFIB is taking place in the Eternal City

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Rome is today and tomorrow the cradle of the Industrial Renaissance led by the circular bioeconomy. The Eternal City is the world capital of the bioeconomy. The International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy (IFIB) is taking place here.

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Eni and PETRONAS explore innovative biofuel solutions

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Headquarter of Eni in San Donato Milanese (Milan)

During the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Eni and PETRONAS signed a Feasibility Agreement (FA) to evaluate the development of innovative high-performance bio-gasoline starting from the established Ecofining™ technology process, through which Eni has been producing HVO biofuels from renewable raw materials since 2014. The aim of the agreement is to assess the technical, market, and sustainability profiles, as well as the performance levels of new bio-gasolines from renewable raw materials, that can be used in motorsport competitions and subsequently applied to the development of commercial products.

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