Over the last seven years, the BBI JU has established itself as a game-changer in the European bio-based economy. By replacing fossil-based materials and products with bio-based ones, using local, sustainably sourced feedstock and developing circular production processes, the BBI JU-funded projects have given an important contribution to the green transition in Europe. A new publication takes stock of BBI JU’s achievements and impacts in the 2014-2020 period.
“Since 2014 – BBI JU Executive Director Philippe Mengal commented – the BBI JU initiative has contributed to enhancing sustainability, while boosting the local economies across Europe with new investments and jobs. BBI JU funding has mobilised the relevant actors of the sector, from producers and research organisations to small businesses and large companies. The successor of BBI JU, the new Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking, is expected to take these achievements to the next level and place sustainability at the heart of the initiative.’
What are the main achievements of the BBI JU and BBI-JU funded projects?
- Investing in green industries: BBI JU’s financial contribution to projects has reached €822 million, with each invested euro triggering €2.8 of private investments.
- Supporting researchers and businesses across Europe: 142 projects and 1,055 beneficiaries from 39 countries have received BBI JU funding. 40% of BBI JU beneficiaries are SMEs and 25% universities and research centres. Together they receive nearly 70% of BBI JU funding.
- Developing sustainable innovations: 18 finalised projects have already delivered 33 new bio-based value chains, 24 new materials and 17 products with an equal or overall better performance than their fossil-based counterparts.
- Boosting local economies: Most BBI JU-funded projects have diversified the local economies by creating new skilled jobs and alternative income sources, in particular in rural and coastal areas. The first 14 BBI JU-funded flagship biorefineries will generate more than 3,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.
- Focusing on sustainability: All feedstock used in BBI JU-funded projects must be sustainably sourced in Europe and not compete with food production. Nearly 100% of it is waste and by-products of the agri-food industry, forestry and aquaculture. In combination with circular production processes, this will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enrich biodiversity across Europe.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 