The LIGNICOAT project showcased its innovative solutions at the Circular Bio-based Stakeholder Forum 2023 (CBESF23) held on December 6 and 7 in Brussels, Belgium. Organized by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the event brought together over 500 stakeholders, fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in the bio-based sector.
Representatives from the LIGNICOAT project, including the coordinator partner TECNALIA and communication and dissemination partner AXIA Innovation, actively engaged with participants, sharing insights and exploring synergies within the dynamic bio-based community.
The CBESF23, hosted by CBE JU, aimed to tackle technological, regulatory, and market challenges within the bio-based sector. The forum’s objectives included stimulating demand, boosting investments, and ensuring access to finance for circular bio-based solutions. With a diverse program featuring sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibition, the event showcased innovative bio-based solutions developed by CBE JU-funded projects.
The main key insights from CBESF23:
- Growing Demand for Bio-based Products:
Brands are increasingly seeking bio-based products, emphasizing the market’s evolving preferences.
- Communication and Legislation:
Efforts must be directed toward improved communication with both legislators and consumers, focusing on regulation, definitions, and standards.
- Collaboration and Community Building:
Enhanced collaboration among similar regions and community building were identified as essential elements for the bio-based sector’s success.
- Challenges and Solutions:
Identified challenges included the high cost of bio-based products, regulatory delays, and the need for flexible regulatory sandboxes. Emphasis was placed on making projects marketable, bankable, and replicable.
- Innovation and Financing:
Innovation should be market-driven, and increased financing for replication was deemed crucial. Community involvement and storytelling were highlighted as effective tools for successful project communication.
As CBESF23 concluded, stakeholders emphasized the need for a new narrative surrounding bioeconomy, and provided a platform for LIGNICOAT to contribute to the dialogue surrounding the future of the European bio-based sector.
