The bioeconomy is going global. But countries are not building the same bioeconomy. Across 30 national strategies, governments are looking to biological resources, biotechnology and biological production systems to support economic development, industrial transformation and sustainability. Yet behind the common term bioeconomy lie markedly different strategic choices.
On October 1-2, Rome, Italy, will be the center of gravity of world bioeconomy. The Italian city capital will host the International Forum on Industrial Biotechnology. IFIB will be held at the WeGil hosted by Lazio Innova and Lazio Region. With more than 200 delegates in attendance from approximately 25 different countries from all around the world, also thanks to a partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, the conference truly succeeds one more time in its ambitions aim to be one of the leading bioeconomy events at global level.
Virginia Puzzolo, Head of Program at CBE JU at IFIB 2023 in Florence
CBE JU has published its 2025 Annual Activity Report, presenting a year of strong demand, broader participation and tangible progress in supporting Europe’s circular bio-based sector. From record interest in the call for proposals, strong SME and newcomer participation to industrial deployment milestones, progress towards KPIs and wider engagement of new organisations and underrepresented countries, the latest results underline CBE JU’s contribution to the EU’s strategic goals.
Seville in Spain is hosting the second edition of the BioINSouth Forum. The Andalusian city is for a couple of days the Mediterranean capital of bioeconomy, thanks to the forum that is bringing together leaders and experts from various sectors and disciplines from South Europe and beyond. Today they are discussing and outlining the R&I priorities in bioeconomy, in conjunction with the particularities of the South European regions, asking for a new political EU Initiative: BioSouth. If there is a BioEast it’s also needed a BioSouth to enlarge and boost the European bioeconomy.
A virtual event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 28 May showcased practical, scalable solutions from across Europe and Central Asia, highlighting how circular bioeconomy approaches in agriculture can drive innovation, support sustainable development and help translate commitments into concrete action on the ground.
Stora EnsolaunchedBergslagets Skogar as the new name of its Swedish forest asset company. The announcement marks an important step in Stora Enso’s preparations to separate its Swedish forest assets into a standalone listed company, subject to relevant approvals. Bergslagets Skogar represents Stora Enso’s Swedish forest asset entity, comprising long term, sustainably managed forest land with a history of active ownership extending back to year 1288. The name reflects both the historical footprints in the old Copper Mine in Falun and a long term approach to value creation, where planning horizons extend across generations.
“The real question is where Europe can lead. To answer that, we need a sharper understanding of end markets and stronger market-pull policies to drive uptake of bio-based products. Scaling innovation requires demand, and demand must be actively supported through policy. Ultimately, the bioeconomy is not just about replacing fossil carbon. It is about redefining Europe’s place in the global economy.” To say this – in this exclusive interview with Il Bioeconomista – is Philippe Mengal, the new executive director of BIC (Biobased Industries Consortium).
The new edition of the European High-Level Conference on Biosolutions will be held in Brussels on May 12. This will be an opportunity to explore how biosolutions can help future-proof Europe. “At a crucial point in time for Europe, biosolutions – the organizers state – are increasingly recognised as essential for building competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability across value chains. This annual high-level conference is your chance to learn about the latest innovations, policy initiatives, regulatory trends, and collaborative opportunities – helping to shape the direction of biosolutions in Europe.”
All the 100 vehicles in the Itabus fleet run on Enilive’s HVOlution diesel, a biofuel made from 100% renewable raw materials (in accordance with the European Renewable Energy Directive). Produced at Enilive’s biorefineries in Venice and Gela mainly from waste, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, and residues from the agri-food industry, HVOlution is a hydrogenated vegetable oil that can be used in all validated diesel engines and is available in more than 1,550 Enilive service stations in Italy. HVO diesel biofuel – according to the Italian company – contributes to the decarbonization of the transport sector, including heavy-duty vehicles: across the entire supply chain, in 2025 the average CO₂eq emissions reduction from Enilive HVO for traction use was 79.5%, if compared to the reference fossil mix.
Formula 1® joins the circular bioeconomy. Indeed it has become an affiliate member of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA), established by His Majesty King Charles III when he was The Prince of Wales. As a member of the CBA, Formula 1 will work together with industry experts and other CBA members to strengthen the integration of nature protection and restoration into its strategy and delivery.