Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes

Expected Outcome:Successful proposals will contribute to updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan and the upcoming Circular Economy Act.Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:Identification of technical, market and regulatory barriers and possible solutions for industry to ‘switch to bio-based’.Contribution to filling the gap between bio-based sectors and the broader industrial landscape. Scope:While the share of bio-based products and processes in traditionally non-bio-based markets has been growing substantially in recent years, many non-bio-based, partially bio-based and more traditional bio-based industries (such as food industry) still perceive market and regulatory situations as uncertain and may therefore be reluctant to invest in new bio-based value chains. These uncertainties may relate to cost competition versus fossil-based counterparts, first-mover hesitation, lack of investment attractiveness, regulatory issues, uncertainties in feedstock quality and availability, lack of knowledge, shortage of relevant skills, etc.. Notwithstanding these challenges, industries recognise the opportunity of ‘switching to bio-based’ to improve their sustainability profile and meet consumers’ expectations.Proposals under this topic should:Perform a consultation among non-bio-based and partially bio-based industries to identify barriers preventing them to adopt/diversify bio-based feedstock and processes in their operations. Include at least 3 industrial sectors that are critical for the green transition. Make sure to include a representative sample of industries with different size (including SMEs and startups) and position in the value chain and covering regions with different specialisations. Analyse the outcomes from the consultation to identify barriers to bio-based transition and propose possible solutions. Validate the results with end users/consumers to include their