In this episode of the Biocircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts interviews Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Ananas Anam, about the innovative leather-substitute Pinatex, made from pineapple waste. They discuss the environmental impact of traditional leather production, the journey of creating a sustainable alternative, and the positive social impact on local communities in the Philippines. The conversation also covers market acceptance, challenges faced in the industry, and the vision for a sustainable future that heals the relationship between people and the planet.

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges biotech startups face in scaling their innovations from lab to industrial scale with Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Operations at the Bio-Base Europe Pilot Plant. They explore the high costs associated with scaling, the importance of collaboration and expertise, and the regulatory hurdles that can delay market entry. The conversation also highlights emerging trends in biobased applications, including alternative proteins, biopesticides, and food colorants. In this conversation, Hendrik Waegeman discusses the evolution of the bioeconomy, focusing on the transition to natural colorants, the complexities of biofuels, and the scaling of bio-based infrastructure in Europe. He highlights the international nature of their customer base, investment trends, and the regulatory challenges faced in the sector. Despite these challenges, he expresses optimism for the future of bio-based innovation, emphasizing the impact of BBEPP on sustainability and innovation in the bioeconomy.

Useful Links

• https://www.bbeu.org
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/efb-bioeconomy-journal
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118#:~:text=The large gap for academic,et al.%2C 2018).
• https://biopilots4u.eu
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118
• https://theproteinnclub.eu

This episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast provides an in-depth exploration of the circular bioeconomy in Europe, featuring insights from Marco Rupp, Deputy Executive Director of the Bio-Based Industry Consortium (BIC). The discussion covers the evolution of the bioeconomy over the past decade, the role of innovation and funding, and the strategic importance of bio-based industries in addressing sustainability and climate change. Key themes include the challenges of biomass availability, the need for market creation, and the future outlook for bio-based industries in Europe amidst global geopolitical changes and growing demand for critical raw materials.

Useful links:

• EU Bioeconomy strategy: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/bioeconomy/bioeconomy-strategy_en
• B.I.C. https://biconsortium.eu/
• Bio-based Industries Consortium Annual Report 2024: https://biconsortium.eu/publication/bic-annual-report-2024
• Circular Bio-based Europe Joined Undertaking: https://www.cbe.europa.eu/
• Is there enough biomass to defossilize the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050? https://biconsortium.eu/publication/there-enough-biomass-defossilise-chemicals-and-derived-materials-sector-2050