Circular bioeconomy in the sustainable biotransformation of agri-food residues and waste

This paper explores the potential of sustainable biotransformation of agri-food residues and waste into a spectrum of marketable ingredients for food and feed and other bio-based products (biochemicals, biomaterials) which is at the heart of the bioeconomy. With over 80% of land covered by farms or forests and marine areas supporting fisheries of global importance, the EU is largely self-sufficient in most agri-food, forestry and some marine products. Based on available data, it is estimated that the European bioeconomy has an annual turnover of around €2 trillion and employs over 22 million people, around 9% of the total EU workforce. Its sectors have a strong potential for innovation due to their connection to a wide range of sciences and technologies, as well as local knowledge. Given that the transition from non-renewable to renewable resources is an important innovation aspect of both the circular economy and the bioeconomy agenda, the exploitation of the synergy between the two concepts in ensuring a more productive and efficient use of resources is also evaluated. There is an uneven distribution of activities associated with the development of sustainable circular bioeconomy in EU member states, which has an unwanted impact on the achievement of both European and national objectives.