A competitive bioeconomy for a sustainable future 2026

The European bioeconomy is gaining momentum, with bio-based innovation increasingly moving from research to industrial-scale implementation.

The latest CBE JU publication, A competitive bioeconomy for a sustainable future 2026, highlights the growing impact of Europe's circular bio-based industries. Since 2014, CBE JU has supported 243 projects involving 1,860 participants from 46 countries, bringing together industry, SMEs, universities and research organisations.

The publication showcases flagship biorefineries and pilot facilities scaling up innovative technologies, alongside new bio-based products and materials offering sustainable alternatives to fossil-based resources. It also demonstrates the sector's capacity to attract investment: every €1 of EU funding has mobilised €3.65 in private investment, rising to around €5.20 for flagship and demonstration projects at higher technology readiness levels.

Together, these developments show how Europe's bioeconomy is evolving into an increasingly important part of its industrial landscape, combining innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

PACE contributes to this wider transition by demonstrating a full-scale retrofitted biorefinery that will convert potato-processing sidestreams into high-value bio-based fatty acids, helping bring circular bio-based production closer to industrial and market reality.