Whether through the Circular Biobased Economy Joint Undertaking, or outside of it, the private sector bio-based industry operators that make up BIC’s membership, invest heavily in Europe’s bioeconomy. These investments are in diverse sectors, use different feedstocks and produce multiple products for all kind of applications. They create plants and new green jobs – stimulating growth in Europe’s bioeconomy and often rejuvenating deprived areas.
Companies operating in the bio-based industries are facing tougher choices when it comes to investment due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation across Europe and the geopolitical situation caused by the war in Ukraine. A recent survey by BIC showed that half of its members have lowered their investment and innovation budgets, or are currently reviewing investment and innovation budget plans for the next 12 months.
Nevertheless, it is important to raise public awareness of the progress that has recently been made and is currently underway. The BIC Investment Portal highlights projects by BIC members that represent large-scale investment in the bio-based industries. For each example, you can find a description of the investment, the amount invested, the region and country of the investment, the feedstock used, and other relevant and interesting information. The Investment Portal is aimed at publicizing the benefit to Europe’s bioeconomy from BIC’s members, and informing consumers – a vital step in encouraging more people to replace fossil-fuel based products with bio-based ones.
