Bio-based products and applications potential

As the current model of production and consumption which largely relies on fossil-based resources impacts irreversibly on the environment and the availability of natural resources is approaching a peak soon, significant steps are being taken around the world to move from today’s fossil based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realisation of a successful bio-based economy is the production of a range of bio-based products and bioenergy to substitute their fossil-derived equivalents by processing a wide variety of biological feedstock. The total European Bioeconomy amounts to a 2.1 trillion EUR turnover and provides 18.3 million jobs, which accounts for approximately 9% of the total EU workforce 1. The EU has declared the bio-based products sector to be a priority area with high potential for future growth, reindustrialisation, and addressing societal challenges. Ιn this report, a review of the application areas and market penetration of the following bio-based market segments is attempted, along with an assessment of possible barriers to uptake and growth and future trends that characterize each specific sector: Bio-based chemicals and building blocks; Bioenergy and biofuels; Bioplastics/ biomaterials; Bio-based food and feed ingredients; Biosurfactants; Biolubricants. This analysis was made following a review of relevant literature and based on several qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the bio-based production domain. Additionally, information about the supply chains of bio-based products (relating to biomass feedstock used, processes and biorefineries) and about existing legislation and policy framework is presented