Set during EU Green Week, this timely conference offers a platform to discuss the policies and transformations needed to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials, in light of recent EU policy developments. With the publication of COM(2025) 85 on 26 February 2025—Green Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonization—the European Commission has underlined the strategic importance of the bioeconomy. In particular, it calls for the use of recycled and bio-based raw materials to replace virgin fossil inputs in sectors such as plastics, closely aligning with upcoming regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, whose work plan is expected in April 2025.

The BRILIAN partnership has been actively developing pilot-scale bioeconomy operations in three EU Member States since June 2023. These pilots focus on transforming agricultural residues—such as potato, rapeseed, and cardoon waste—into bio-based, biodegradable materials. The key question now is how to scale these innovations to industrial level, and what policies are required to support that transition.

The bioeconomy touches numerous sectors—from agriculture to packaging, from waste management to retail. This event will bring together diverse stakeholders to explore the economic, industrial, and social implications of shifting to circular, bio-based models.