Bioeconomy: bio-based and sustainable economic activity

The bioeconomy represents a fundamental shift away from fossil resources towards a sustainable economy based on renewable raw materials. It combines economic goals with ecological responsibility and uses biomass sources to produce food, materials, chemicals and energy in an environmentally friendly way. As it is not limited to one industrial sector, its potential is enormous.

Bioeconomy in Germany:
facts and figures

Icon_cyan_Mitarbeiter

With approximately 2.8 million people employed in 2020, the bioeconomy accounted for at least 7% of total employment in Germany. Almost half of employment in the bioeconomy is in the manufacturing sector.1

 

Icon_cyan_Kapital

With approximately 142 billion euros in gross value added, the bioeconomy accounted for around 5% of total gross value added in Germany in 2020.1

 

Icon_cyan_Co2

In 2022, research institutions spent 2.94 billion euros on bioeconomic science, research and development in Germany.2

 

Icon_cyan_Forschung

Over 850 research institutions in Germany were involved in the bioeconomy in 2022.2



Grafik-EN-Bioeconomy-Strategy-Germany

 

 

Bioeconomy: versatile applications

 

Icon_cyan_Mobilitaet

Automotive sector

Natural fibre-reinforced vehicle parts, bioplastic-based interior trim and car seats, and tires made from dandelion rubber

 

Icon_cyan_Hoher Automatisierungsgrad

Mechanical engineering

Bioreactors, bioprocess technology, biogas plants, agricultural technology and machinery, greenhouse technology, biolubricants

 

Icon_cyan_Bauwirtschaft

Construction

Lumber construction, natural fibre-reinforced composites, insulation materials, bio dowels, bio-based cement admixture

 

Icon_cyan_Ernaehrung

Food industry

Enzymes, flavours and amino acids, natural food additives, probiotics, food made from lupine protein

 

Icon_cyan_Positionierung des Unternehmens als attraktiver Arbeitgeber

Energy

Wood pellet heating, biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol, synthetic fuels, algae paraffin, biohydrogen

 

Icon_cyan_Vergabeservices

Consumer products

Bio-based tansides, bioactive cosmetics ingredients, enzyme-based cleaning additives

 

Icon_cyan_Recycling

Agriculture

Precision agriculture, plant and livestock breeding, short-rotation plantations, aquaculture, indoor farming

 

Icon_cyan_IGP

Textiles

Natural raw materials for synthetic fibres, high-tech fibres made from spider silk protein, vegetable tanning agents, vegan leather substitute

 

Icon_cyan_Stärkung Ihrer Innovationsfähigkeit

Chemistry

Bioplastics, bio-based platform chemicals

 

Icon_cyan_Life_Science

Pharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals, medicinal herbs

Success stories

 

AdobeStock_351805437-biooekonomie-protein-mehl-webInsect protein: demo plant for the extraction of sustainable raw materials such as proteins

The aim of the project is to set up a bioeconomic demonstration plant for the automated rearing of insects. Based on the principles of the circular economy, the plant will utilise residual materials from existing material flows (instead of thermally recycling them) and process them into feed for the insects. The automated rearing and reproduction of insects will be demonstrated in continuous operation and validated and optimised for further scale-up. The plant input comes from biological residual and waste materials such as stale baked goods, which are thus put to value-adding use.

About Alpha-Protein

Alpha-Protein, based in Bruchsal, is a start-up in the agri-tech industry. Its innovative production facility is technologically superior to conventional breeding facilities, thanks in part to its patented supply portal, and offers immense cost advantages in insect production. Alpha-Protein is thus laying the foundation for a transformation in the global diet.

 

 

AdobeStock_69425013-biooekonomie-gelbe-erbsen-low-res

Pea yoghurt: starter culture for pea fermentation to produce alternatives to dairy products

The aim of the funded PISUM development project is to develop an innovative platform technology for the production of sustainable pea yoghurt using microbial fermentation. This approach aims not only to optimally utilise the pea substrate from yellow split peas (Pisum sativum L.) and convert it into aroma and flavour compounds characteristic of cow's milk yoghurt, but also to enable the production process to be integrated into established workflows in the dairy industry. 

About vly

The Berlin-based FoodTec start-up vly attaches great importance to sustainability, healthy nutrition and innovation in the development of its milk alternative made from pea protein. In the medium term, the technology can be applied to many biogenic raw materials, enabling numerous nutrient-rich milk product alternatives to be offered to the general public and laying the foundations for further research projects

Our services for you

The broad field of bioeconomy offers many opportunities. For this reason, EurA provides you with comprehensive services on all aspects of this matter. Take advantage of our expertise by choosing the right support for your project from our range of services.

Funding check

The funding check identifies suitable European and national funding opportunities for you and serves as a strategic orientation for your research and development activities. The goal is the selection of suitable funding opportunities.

Take advantage of the individual and project-specific advice of our specialists to find the right solutions to your questions.

Grant application

As an expert in European and national funding, EurA knows the funding landscape perfectly. Permanent screening of current funding offers and calls enables us to advise you in the best possible way.

Our service covers the complete funding process: from project conception to competent application, to project monitoring and beyond.

Project conception

We provide holistic support for you and your research project during the application process. This includes, among other things, the rough structuring of the project with regard to personnel planning, work package planning and other resources. We guide you through the entire project conception. The goal is a structured approach that also includes the interfaces to possible project partners. Questions around the project conception are among others

- What are critical milestones on your development path?

- How can development risks be minimised?

- At which point do you need external knowledge exchange?

Our support in project conception enables you to implement your project efficiently and in a structured manner.

Application

A well-thought-out project conception is necessary to be successful in the application process. We know the requirements for the application of the individual programs and take them into account at an early stage of the project. This way you can be sure that all formal and legal requirements are met. The application process includes the compilation of the necessary attachments and the communication with the project sponsor as well as the processing of subsequent requests and supplements in terms of technology and business management.

Concentrate on your core business, we relieve you by accompanying the application process.

Project support

We support you beyond the phases of project conception and application. The most important aspect of project monitoring is the support of the call for funds at the project executing agency.

In the case of compliance with deadlines and requirements, we take over the preparation of plan-actual comparisons as well as commercial reporting. In technical reporting to the project executing agencies, we provide feedback on the reports.

Innovation networks and exchange

The central element of innovation networks is the networking and initiation of project plans. We are able to connect you horizontally and vertically along your value chain with other partners. Through insights into other processes, we realise your ideas and stimulate knowledge transfer.

As a network management organisation, we bring you together, whether in online meetings, in face-to-face meetings with network partners, or at interesting, network-relevant locations on site.

Your benefits are expert lectures, information on current funding programmes, market information, project workshops, and laboratory and company tours. We regularly organise interactive and engaging networking meetings in different locations.

Ask us today about your networking and cooperation opportunities in the field of innovation networks.

Finding project partners

With the right project partners, you can quickly integrate important knowledge transfer into your development project or establish strategic partnerships for subsequent product sales. As EurA, we have contacts with almost all national universities and a large number of companies.

Finding the right project partners and coordinating the processes can be time-consuming. With us, you have a partner who can manage the project and connect you with the right project partners.

Innovation workshops

Innovation workshops provide you with professional and technical know-how. Through the innovation workshops, which take place in seminar form in small groups, you will learn about future needs. The workshops stimulate knowledge transfer and support you in finding project partners. The knowledge gained in the innovation workshop provides the basis for further project conceptualisation.

EurA organises workshops on your behalf. Through our numerous contacts, we arrange suitable speakers and can organise the event.

Contact us now for an offer tailored to your needs.

If you are interested in participating in such workshops, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Technology transfer

The cross-industry exchange of know-how and technologies offers you enormous innovation and sales potential. Through our large network, we find solutions from different industries and fields of knowledge. 

Technical advice

Do you want to introduce new technology in your company or looking for the right business model?

Take advantage of our professional knowledge transfer. Our employees are specialised academics with technical expertise and have industry experience in a wide range of technology fields. We use the connection of the different fields of knowledge and the know-how of our experts to develop and evaluate technical alternatives for you.

Develop new products, processes, and services faster and more safely with our technical consulting. Our experts from the fields of engineering and natural sciences, financing, and project management are available to advise you.

ZIM Network of 2022

 

 

 

 

EurA networks in the bioeconomy sector

 

Biooekonomie_rgb-transparent

The network's mission is to advance the bioeconomic transformation of the market and society by developing bio-based solutions for current and future challenges. The network focuses on the material use of biomass (crops, harvest residues and other waste bioresources) for the production and extraction of feedstocks for use in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industries as well as the chemical industry.

 

Eura_next2ENZYME_logo_rgb

The use of enzymes across biotechnology sectors is seen as the central core of the bioeconomy. By producing biotech products sustainably with the help of enzymes and microorganisms, the eco-balance of biotechnology can be optimised. To meet this challenge, our national research institutions, SMEs and large companies within the sector have joined forces to produce innovative approaches to solutions. Innovation network NEXT2ENZYME aims to implement new concepts that apply revolutionary enzyme engineering techniques and facilitate more sustainable fermentation processes.

Eura-innohemp-logo-rgb

 

Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Due to the long ban on its cultivation in Germany, there is a lot to catch up with in the area of research and development of new products. The network's vision is to bridge knowledge gaps and identify unused potential through new products, processes and technologies. Due to the appealing market potential in many areas of application, versatile hemp can take on a central role as an economic driver in Germany and the network partners can help shape the newly emerging market through early market entry and cooperation.

 

 

 

 

Well connected: other EurA networks

The networks we manage promote exchange between companies and research institutions that are involved in sustainable value chains.

eura-aquaponik-logo-RGB
Aquaponik

Producing sustainable food from aquaponic systems, www.aqua-ponik.net 

IOT4FOOD -logo
Iot4Food

Digitalisation of food processing, www.iot4food.com 

zellkultur-2-0-logo-reindaten-(RGB)-transparent
Zellkultur 2.0

Advanced production methods in cell culture, www.zellkultur-netzwerk.de 

eura_planet_logo_rgb
PLaNet

Combination of process technology with automated labs at a physical and data-based level, www.pla-network.com 

Screenshot 2021-10-04 092221
FruitAdapt

Fruit cultivation in climate change, www.fruitadapt.info 

KlarWasser_Logo_RGB_transparent
Klarwasser

Water for drinking supplies and wastewater treatment, www.klarwasser-netzwerk.com 

biomastec_logo_final-transparent
Biomastec neue Biomasse Effizienz

Technologies for effective use of biomass, www.biomastec.de 

logo_danube
Biomastec Danube

Innovation potential in international partnerships, www.biomastec-danube.de 

EurA-ProVeTchi-Logo-RGB
ProVetchi

New methods of technology processes and developing plant proteins, https://provetchi.jimdoweb.com/ 

 

Sustainability consulting

 

Evaluating the environmental impact of a product hitting the market has now become a standard requirement and calls for a precise and standardised evaluation method. EurA's sustainability consulting provides answers to your questions regarding economic and environmental sustainability. More information can be found on our sustainability consulting page. 

 

Blog

You can find interesting blog articles about our main topics and services on our blog.

featured image

Bioeconomy in Baden-Württemberg – new calls for funding in 2025

With its state strategy ‘Sustainable Bioeconomy’, Baden-Württemberg already gave the impetus for an economy based on renewable and biological...

featured image

Cellular agriculture: the food revolution?

The food industry has been facing enormous challenges for around ten years. Companies are searching intensively for valuable ingredients that can be...

featured image

Bio-based Joint Undertaking: Sustainable and European Together

The European funding program and its goals are now even more sustainable and bioeconomic. Under the new name Circular Bio-based Europe Joint...

featured image

3 Tips for Profitable Bioeconomy

The National Bioeconomy Strategy from 2020 was the starting point. New bioeconomy research findings are to be applied faster in practice. The focus...

featured image

Bioeconomy Innovation and Investment Programme for Rural Areas

The Bioeconomy Innovation and Investment Program (BIPL BW) of the State of Baden-Württemberg aims to promote innovation and investment in the field...

chat-icon

EurA AG
Max-Eyth-Straße 2
73479 Ellwangen

T- 079619256-0
info@eura-ag.com