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3 trumps
Flanders has various trumps to boost the bio-economy. Here are the top three:
Strong knowledge base
As a knowledge region, Flanders has specialised in research that forms the basis of an innovative bio-economy. Flanders rivals the best research regions in Europe in bio-technology, food, materials technology and chemistry.
Innovative agricultural sector
The Flemish agricultural sector has many innovative farmers working with local partners to establish new technologies or value chains.
Top-level pilot installations
Industrial pilot installations for the bio-economy in Flanders are among the best in the world. Good news for start-ups looking to scale up faster.
Work paths and actions
The strategic agenda 'bio-economy' focuses on three action paths and the challenges they entail:
- Bio-based raw materials - How can we meet the future demand for bio-based raw materials in Flanders?
- Bio-based construction - How do we ensure that construction has a positive impact on people, the environment and the planet?
- Carbon storage - How do we make soils healthier and ensure that they store carbon?
Bio raw materials
Bio raw materials
The B2BE Facilitator brings Flemish entrepreneurs from agriculture, horticulture, marine and food industry together with industrial partners around green innovations in the fossil-free bio-economy.
In 2024, the B2BE focused on the topic of 'biomass hubs'. In a nutshell: farmers can only profitably process biomass or residual streams if they work together. They often lack the knowledge and storage space to store and process biomass. A biomass hub is therefore ideal.
The follow-up action of the B2BE? The transition to bio-materials with a focus on the following topics:
- production systems for inventorising bio-materials;
- providing inspiration via a technology scanner;
- building on the study into the availability of bio-materials in Flanders.
Bio-based resources study
Bio-based resources study
A study done in collaboration with the bioeconomy working agenda and the food chain working agenda on the availability of bio-based resources in Flanders, according to various future scenarios.
Bio-based building
Bio-based building
We want a built environment where more local, renewable bio- and geo-based materials and elements have a positive impact on the environment, people and planet
To this end, we have undertaken together with Embuild, Earth Plant & Fiber, Kamp C, POM Limburg, Province of East Flanders, Rurant and more than 50 other stakeholders. Our work includes policy advice, creating a chain, and ensuring the quality and value of bio- and geo-based construction.
How is the collaboration organised? Through working groups and other collaborations that seek connection with similar initiatives, that meet every 6 months to discuss progress and set new directions. We communicate the results of this bio- and geo-based building action plan as widely as possible.
Carbon storage
Carbon storage
The bio-economy can help make soils healthy and store carbon. Carbon storage in soil and materials is essential for many new business models in the bio-economy. That is why the strategic agenda 'bio-economy' is doing its part by:
- developing a Flemish policy framework;
- setting up a methodology;
- building a network.
The objective: to put in place an official certification system for carbon storage in Flemish soils as soon as possible.