bioCircular Loop

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this final episode of the miniseries features Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Business Operations at Biobase Europe Pilot Plant, reflecting on what it really takes to scale bio-based innovation in Europe.After two days of panels, pitches and workshops, the big question remains simple: how do we scale successfully?Hendrik breaks it down. Whether you are a startup or a corporate, the fundamentals are the same. Product market fit. Price competitiveness. Scalability. Fast time to market. The difference is often how you deal with those factors.Startups are pushed to move fast. Corporates move step by step. And in bio-based scale-up, step by step matters. At lab scale everything looks perfect. At industrial scale, pressure, shear, mixing, oxygen gradients and equipment realities change the game. The devil really is in the details.We also talk about:Why unrealistic cost assumptions can kill a scale-upThe importance of early techno-economic assessmentsSurrounding yourself with experienced advisorsPartnerships as a necessity, not a luxuryDedication as the defining founder traitThen we zoom out. Europe has historically been strong in pilot and demo infrastructure. But the US, China, India and others are investing heavily and moving fast. Europe analyzes well, but acts slowly. The race is getting more competitive.One takeaway that sticks: think big, act small. Keep moving, even when funding slows down or the path gets messy.This closes our 11-episode Pitch Perfect miniseries on scaling bio-based innovation. If you made it through all of them, you now have a pretty realistic picture of what scaling actually looks like. Not the hype version. The real one.If you’re building, investing, or scaling in the bioeconomy and want to share your own journey, lessons, or setbacks, send us a message on LinkedIn.The scale-up story is far from over.This episode is part of a Miniseries powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy.

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Marc Lankveld, Founder of Tasseikan, on building a biotech route to replace PET with a bio-based alternative.Tasseikan develops a fermentation process that converts sugar into FDCA, a building block for PEF, a bioplastic designed to substitute PET in packaging. Think bottles, food packaging, and applications where strength and gas barrier properties really matter.Unlike PLA, PEF is not biodegradable. It is meant to be recycled. The goal is not compostable plastic, but a drop-in, high-performance alternative to fossil-based PET.Marc shares the full journey. It started 15 years ago at Delft University, was scaled once inside Corbion, paused when strategic priorities shifted, and then rebuilt from scratch. Today the company is back in pilot phase and preparing for the next step: a demo facility.A few key themes from the conversation:Scaling is not just about the process. You need the application and value chain ready as well.Strategic partnerships matter. Tassekan works contractually with Technip Energies, keeping agility while leveraging large-scale engineering expertise.Entrepreneurs need optimism, but also realism.Plan for success. And plan for what could go wrong.One line that sticks: think big, act small.Scaling bio-based plastics is a long game. It requires patience, partnerships, and the ability to deal with whatever situation comes next.If you’re working on bio-based materials or industrial biotech, this episode is a grounded look at what rebuilding and scaling really takes.This episode is part of a Miniseries powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy.

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Bram Pareyt, Group Upstream R&D Director at Puratos, on what biomanufacturing actually looks like inside a global food ingredients company.Puratos is a B2B producer of ingredients for bakery, patisserie and chocolate. But behind the scenes, biotech plays a much bigger role than you might think.For Bram and his team, biomanufacturing means enzymes, functional fermentation and using nature as inspiration. One example is a thermostable protease inspired by Yellowstone, developed and scaled in-house to improve texture, extend shelf life and contribute to cleaner labels. It started as a technical project. It became a health and functionality play.We talk about what it takes to scale biotech inside a corporate:Focus and dedicated teamsAligning biotech expertise with application expertiseUnderstanding how and why a technology works, not just that it worksContinuous screening for new startup partners via SparkalisAnd then we get into the real tension: economics.A solution that costs ten times more than the benchmark will struggle, no matter how sustainable it is. Consumers may care about clean label and health, but there is still an economic reality in food. Regulatory complexity in Europe adds another layer.Bram also shares practical advice for founders: bring a real solution to a real problem. Not just a dream. Be clear about what you are good at and where you need help. Build trust early.If you want to understand how biotech scales inside established food companies and what corporates actually look for in partnerships, this episode is a very honest look behind the curtain.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy.

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Bart Walcarius, Head of Technology Integration at Biotalys, on what it really takes to scale protein-based crop protection Biotalys is developing biodegradable, protein-based biocontrols as an alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. The twist? Their technology is built on unique single-chain antibodies derived from camels and llamas, engineered into highly specific proteins that target crop pests and diseases with precision.We talk about:Why cost of goods is everything in agricultureCompeting with ultra-cheap chemical pesticidesBuilding high-performing production strains via precision fermentationScaling from lab to pilot with Biobase EuropeThe importance of early manufacturing partnershipsWhy regulatory approval can make or break the timelineA major milestone: the US EPA has issued a proposed registration decision to approve their first biofungicide, EVOCA, a huge step toward entering the US market, potentially by 2028.But as Bart makes clear, scaling bio-based innovation in agriculture isn’t fast. It’s months and years of strain development, process optimization, regulatory work, and building trust with manufacturing partners.The key lesson? Start partnerships early. Build the right multidisciplinary team. And be patient, because real scale takes time.If you’re working at the intersection of biotech and agriculture, this will give you valuable insights on what it means to move from platform to product to field.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy. 

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Yvette Go, Investor at EIT Food, on what it really takes to finance and scale bio-based and food innovation in Europe.EIT Food, an initiative backed by the European Commission, supports agrifood innovation across the entire journey, from idea (TRL 1) to seed funding and beyond. Yvette sits right at the investment stage, bridging the gap between accelerator tickets and Series A capital.We dive into:What investors actually look for in bio-based startupsWhy market validation matters even at early stageThe importance of supply chain positioning from day oneFounder stamina and surrounding yourself with the right peopleWhat “scalability” really means (and what it doesn’t)We also unpack the food tech funding rollercoaster:After the 2021 peak, global food tech investment dropped by 70% (50% in Europe). The hype reset the market and pushed out generalists. What remains is a more specialized, hopefully wiser investor landscape.From agritech timelines to lab-grown food regulation, this conversation tackles the big question: how do we feed 10 billion people with finite resources?One thing is clear: this isn’t a short-term trend. It’s a long-term systems shift.If you’re building in food, ag, or bio-based innovation, this episode gives you the investor’s lens on what survives the reset.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy. 

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Martin Tangney, Founder & President of Celtic Renewables, one of Europe’s most established bio-based scale-up stories.Celtic Renewables takes biological residues from the Scottish whisky industry and turns them into high-value, low-carbon chemicals like acetone and butanol, the essential building blocks used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production, and everyday products.Less than 10% of what leaves a distillery becomes whisky. The rest? Untapped carbon.Celtic’s mission is simple: defossilize the chemical industry by squeezing more value out of what already exists above ground.In this episode, Martin shares:How a university research project became a commercial biorefineryWhy the biggest leap in scaling is from lab to pilotThe role of Biobase Europe in scaling 1,000xWhy surrounding yourself with complementary skills is everythingThe hard truths about funding, risk, and “everyone wants to be first to be second”Why founders need resilience, but also balanceOne of the strongest takeaways:Don’t build a pier. Build a bridge. Get to the promised land, even if it’s not perfect.This is a candid conversation about scaling industrial biotech, reframing “waste” as resource, and why change is the real driver of the bioeconomy.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Kristof Verbeeck, Business Development at ArcelorMittal Belgium, on what it actually means for heavy industry to bet on bio-manufacturing.ArcelorMittal Ghent is a 5-million-ton steel plant and the largest industrial CO₂ emitter in Belgium. Eight years ago, they decided to do something radical: build Europe’s first large-scale gas fermentation plant inside a steel mill, turning waste carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol. Meet Steelanol. On paper, it made perfect sense:Higher-value product instead of flaring gasesAvoided CO₂ emissions under the EU ETS systemA potential cornerstone in the company’s decarbonization roadmapIn reality? Scaling first-of-a-kind industrial biotech inside heavy industry is complex, technically and politically.We talk about:Why the EU ETS was central to the business caseHow changing regulation reshaped market accessThe challenge of certification under the Renewable Energy DirectiveWhat it takes to commission 550m³ fermenters at industrial scaleWhy innovation speed and regulatory speed are often misalignedThe plant is built. It runs. Ethanol has been produced. But technical scale-up and regulatory frameworks still need to align for the model to fully deliver.Kristof shares candid insights into corporate risk-taking, regulatory uncertainty, and what startups should know before approaching heavy industry: validate your technology, understand corporate roadmaps, and don’t oversell.This episode is a real-world look at what happens when decarbonization moves from strategy slides into steel and concrete.This miniseries is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy. 

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Line Kloster Pedersen, Founder & CEO of Visibuilt, and one of the boldest ideas we’ve seen on the bio-based stage this year. Visibuilt is developing the world’s first fungal binders for road construction, replacing fossil-based bitumen and highly polluting cement with mycelium, nature’s own underground binding network.Yes, you read that right.They’ve already built the world’s first mycelium bicycle parking lot in Denmark.We talk about:Why asphalt and concrete are massive climate problemsHow mycelium can bind rocks at low temperaturesCutting fossil dependency and energy use in constructionUsing local agricultural and forestry side streamsWhat it really takes to scale biotech into heavy industryLine shares how a run around the lakes of Copenhagen sparked the idea — and how Visibuilt has since raised €4.7M, built a team of 18, and is now raising a €4.5M seed round to move from manual production to modular scale.This is bioeconomy in action: science leaving the lab and entering infrastructure.If more than 60% of the roads in 2050 haven’t been built yet, the question is simple:Why should they be fossil-based?This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

Recorded live at the Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy event in Brussels, this episode features Rob van der Meij, Partner at Capricorn Partners, on what it really takes to scale bio-based innovation.The key message? Scaling bio is not like scaling software.As an investor who has helped grow multiple tech-driven companies, Rob breaks down why process development is the most underestimated factor in bio-based scale-up. In digital, you can iterate fast. In bio-based manufacturing, scale-up is sequential, capital-intensive, and often more art than science.We dive into:Why process data matters more than pitch decksWhy rushing scale can destroy valueWhy MVP thinking doesn’t work in industrial biotechWhen equity, grants, debt, and government-backed loans make senseWhy the right investor mix is critical in early phasesIn bio-based industries, 90% of the cost is defined in the first 10% of a capital project. Speed matters, but pushing at the wrong moment can cost years.For founders and investors navigating long R&D cycles, heavy CapEx, and patient capital, this is a grounded conversation about reality versus hype.If you’re building in the bioeconomy, this episode is a must-listen.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

Recorded live at Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels (24–25 November 2025), this episode features Agata Kotkowska from the European Commission on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and what it really means for scaling bio-based innovation in Europe. The message is clear: Europe has the science, the infrastructure, and the know-how. What’s missing? Speed.With China, the US and India accelerating investments in bio-manufacturing, competitiveness is no longer abstract, it’s urgent. The new strategy focuses on:Scaling from lab to deploymentBuilding real lead markets (construction, biochemicals, textiles, biorefineries)Ensuring sustainable biomass useStrengthening Europe’s global positionBut this isn’t just about policy papers. It’s about simplifying regulation, aligning investors and innovators, and treating the bioeconomy as a serious growth engine, not a side topic.If Europe wants to lead, business as usual won’t cut it.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

Recorded live at Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels, this episode features Nicolo Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director of CBE JU, on Europe’s competitiveness in scaling bio-based innovation from lab to market Ten years ago, the bioeconomy was niche. Today, it’s backed by EU strategies, public-private partnerships, and large-scale demonstration funding. Europe has successfully helped companies overcome the first valley of death, moving from research to first industrial plants.But the real challenge remains: commercial scale.We unpack how Europe compares to the US and China, why access to capital is the missing link, and how regulatory clarity, standards, public procurement, and the European Investment Bank could unlock the next phase of growth.There’s no silver bullet.The key is alignment, between policy, finance, and market demand.If you’re building, investing, or shaping policy in the bio-based economy, this conversation is for you.This episode is powered by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. 

In this episode of the BioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts discusses the advancements in the European circular bioeconomy, focusing on cellular agriculture and lab-grown leather. She interviews Michael Newton, CEO of Qorium, a Dutch startup pioneering lab-grown leather production. They explore the differences between European and American entrepreneurship ecosystems, the innovative processes behind lab-grown leather, and the sustainability and ethical implications of this technology. In this conversation, Michael Newton discusses the challenges and innovations within the leather industry, particularly focusing on sustainability and efficiency. He shares insights on scaling operations at Qorium, the cultural differences between the US and Europe in startup ecosystems, and offers advice for European founders. The discussion also highlights the significant environmental impact of Qorium's leather alternatives compared to traditional methods.Useful linksQoriumDutch Startup Qorium Bags $25M to bring Lab-Grown Leather to MarketEntrepreneurship ecosystem theory Pitch Perfect Bioeconomy in Brussels

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts recaps the 2025 edition of the International Forum for Industrial Biotechnology (IFIB) with Mario Bonacorso, the organizer and Director of the Italian SPRING cluster. They explore the topics discussed, highlighting the importance of circular bioeconomy in addressing global challenges such as climate change, waste management, and geopolitical dependence. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and effective communication to promote the bioeconomy as a viable solution for a sustainable future. This conversation delves into the pressing need for action in the bioeconomy sector, highlighting the importance of coherent regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and the role of clusters in fostering innovation. The speakers discuss the competitive landscape of Europe in the global bioeconomy, the challenges posed by overregulation, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of sustainable practices across various industries. Personal insights into the evolution of the bioeconomy and the cultural shifts necessary for its growth are also shared.Useful linksIFIB 2026il bioeconomista - keep up to date with bioeconomy newsSPRING - Italian cluster for circular bioeconomyEuropean Biosolutions CoalitionEU Bioeconomy Strategy 2025 

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges of sustainable protein production with Yvain Chardonnens, CEO of Standing Ovation. They explore the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming  and the innovative process of producing casein through precision fermentation. The conversation highlights the founding story of Standing Ovation, the importance of casein in dairy products, and the company's mission to revolutionize the dairy industry with animal-free alternatives.https://standing-ovation.co/

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, host Melina Gerdts discusses the critical role of soil in climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and global food security with Azadeh Farajpur, Founder of BetterSoil. They explore the importance of soil health, the alarming rate of soil loss, and the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices. Azadeh shares her personal connection to soil and provides insights into what constitutes healthy soil, the dangers of monoculture, and the implications for food security as the global population grows. The conversation highlights the urgent need for regenerative practices to ensure soil health and sustainability for future generations. In this conversation, Azadeh discusses the critical role of soil in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity. The discussion also covers the innovative approaches her company, Better Soil, is taking to enhance soil management practices through technology and awareness-raising efforts.

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 Linkshttps://www.bbeu.orghttps://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/efb-bioeconomy-journalhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118#:~:text=The large gap for academic,et al.%2C 2018).https://biopilots4u.euhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667041022000118https://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_enB.I.C. https://biconsortium.eu/Bio-based Industries Consortium Annual Report 2024: https://biconsortium.eu/publication/bic-annual-report-2024Circular 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

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the challenges of food packaging, particularly in preserving fruits and vegetables while reducing plastic waste. She interviews Arash Fayyazi, co-founder of Savage, a Swedish startup focused on innovative, plant-based packaging solutions. They explore the importance of sustainable food packaging, the technology behind Savagie's products, and the collaboration with industry partners to tackle food waste effectively. In this conversation, Arash discusses the innovative food packaging solutions developed by Savaggy, focusing on sustainability, consumer acceptance, and the challenges faced in product development and regulatory compliance. The dialogue highlights the importance of transparency in addressing consumer concerns about food safety and environmental impact, as well as the positive reception from the industry towards sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, we discuss the challenges facing the cocoa industry and the innovative solutions being developed to create sustainable chocolate alternatives. The conversation features Massimo Sabatini, CEO of Foreverland, who shares insights into the cocoa supply chain, the impact of climate change, and the development of a new cocoa-free chocolate alternative made from carob. The discussion highlights the importance of taste, sustainability, and the challenges of scaling production in the food tech industry. Massimo Sabatini discusses the innovative approach of Foreverland in creating an alternative to chocolate using carob, known as Choruba. He elaborates on the challenges of scaling production, the importance of collaboration with cocoa producers, and the need to build a new ecosystem around this alternative chocolate. The conversation also touches on sourcing carob from the Mediterranean, regulatory challenges, consumer perceptions, and the nutritional benefits of Choruba.Useful LinksForeverland: https://foreverland.it/About the Choruba innovation: https://foreverland.it/pages/innovationRising cocoa prices: will the chocolate crisis continue in 2025? An article by J. P. Morgan

This episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast discusses the innovative use of lignin, a byproduct of wood processing, to create bioplastics. The conversation explores the environmental impact of traditional plastics, the potential of lignin in sustainable materials, and the business model of Lignin Industries, a Swedish startup focused on turning lignin into bioplastics. Fredrik Malmfors, CEO of Lignin Industries, shares insights on the company's journey, the importance of circular economy, and the challenges and opportunities in engaging with brand owners in the plastics industry. In this conversation, Fredrik Malmfors discusses the innovative solutions offered by Lignin Industries, focusing on the use of lignin as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. He highlights the importance of cost competitiveness, recyclability, and real-world applications, such as E-commerce bags, while addressing the challenges faced in the biocircular economy. The discussion also touches on regional differences in market readiness and the dynamics between fossil fuel industries and bioplastics.Useful links Lignin Industries: https://www.lignin.se/ourinnovationTransforming lignin into renewable fuels, chemicals and materials: a reviewBiobased, biodegradable and compostable plasticsLignin - a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived raw materials

Tommaso Barbieri shares the story of Tomapaint, a startup focused on creating bio-resins from byproducts and waste from the Italian tomato processing industry. He discusses the innovative technology behind their product, bio-based cutin, and its applications in various industries, including food packaging and cosmetics. The conversation also explores Tomapaint's integration within the Italian tomato industry, their partnerships, and the family dynamics of the founding team. Tommaso highlights the scalability of their process, funding strategies, market demand for sustainable solutions, and the impact of EU regulations on their business. He concludes with insights on future innovations and the environmental impact of their technology compared to fossil-based alternatives.Useful linksTomapaint: https://www.tomapaint.com/How the cutin is extracted: https://www.tomapaint.com/what-we-do/productive-process/ Food waste and bioeconomy: opportunity for Italian tomato industry: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652619312594 Circular economy and tomatoes: https://www.tomatonews.com/en/circular-economy-the-tomato-sector-values-by-products_2_1501.html

In this episode of the BioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts interviews Viktoria Kanar, CEO of Refresh Global, a startup focused on innovative textile recycling. They discuss the challenges of textile waste management, the impact of fast fashion, and the upcoming EU Waste Framework Directive. Viktoria shares the founding story of Refresh Global, the technology behind their SmartUp system, and the potential applications of their recycled materials. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving a circular economy and the need for regulatory changes to drive sustainable practices in the fashion industry.Useful links: - https://re-fresh.global- Fast fashion effects on the environment: https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/- Sustainable fashion inn the EU: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/reset-trend/how-eu-making-fashion-sustainable_en- EPR Regulation across EU countries: https://deutsche-recycling.com/blog/comparing-epr-regulations-europe/ 

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses the pressing issue of plastic waste and recycling with Christian Sigmund, CEO of WildPlastic. They explore the current state of plastic recycling, the system innovation approach WildPlastic is taking to collect and repurpose plastic waste found in the environment around the world, and the importance of changing consumer perception. The conversation also delves into the social impact of their work, the challenges of scaling their operations, and the future of sustainable plastic solutions.Only 9% of plastic is recycled globally, highlighting the urgent need for better recycling systems.Wild Plastic aims to recover plastic waste from the environment and give it a second life.The company collaborates with informal waste collection organizations in highly polluted regions.Quality control is crucial in ensuring the recycled plastic meets industry standards.There is a growing demand for recycled plastics as companies seek sustainable solutions.Wild Plastic's approach includes a social mission to improve working conditions for local collectors.The narrative around plastic waste needs to shift from villain to valuable resource.Life cycle assessments show significant CO2 savings when using recycled materials.The company is focused on creating a fair trade model for recycled plastics.Innovations in product development are key to expanding the use of wild plastic in various applications.https://wildplastic.comhttps://wildplastic.com/en/blogs/stories/plastic-vs-paper-wildplastic®-im-test-in-der-otto-verpackungsstudie https://plasticseurope.org/sustainability/circularity/recycling/

In this episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast, Melina Gerdts discusses waste valorization and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing these processes with John Goriup, CEO of VCG.AI. They explore how AI can optimize waste management, predict waste flows, and create sustainable business models. The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling waste valorization, the importance of data-driven approaches, and the various industries that can benefit from these innovations. In this conversation, Jon from VCG.AI discusses the transition to sustainable industries, focusing on biomass availability in Europe, the role of AI in the bio circular economy, and how they support companies in securing feedstock. He emphasizes the importance of building ecosystems around waste streams and the impact of their work on reducing CO2 emissions. The discussion also touches on the future of the circular economy and the necessity of virgin materials in a growing economy.Useful Linkshttps://vcg.ai/https://vcg.ai/portfolio/developing-value-chains-in-6-eu-regions/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/waste-valorizationTakeawaysWaste valorization transforms waste into valuable resources.AI plays a crucial role in optimizing waste management processes.Predictive analytics can enhance decision-making in waste management.The circular economy requires collaboration across sectors.The future of waste valorization lies in innovative data solutions.The transition to sustainable industries requires smart utilization of resources.Building ecosystems around waste streams is crucial for valorization.AI can play a pivotal role in the bio circular economy.The future of the circular economy will still involve some virgin materials.Maximizing the value of byproducts can significantly reduce emissions.VCG.AI aims to valorize 100 million tons of byproducts by 2030.Understanding local connections is key to successful valorization.

In this episode, the bioCircular Loop podcast discusses fungi-based alternative proteins and the use of innovative raw material sources to soy. The guest, Simo Ellilä, CEO and co-founder of Enifer, a biotech startup in Finland, shares insights on their process of fermenting side streams to produce sustainable protein ingredients. The conversation covers the benefits of plant-based proteins, the environmental and ethical concerns of animal agriculture, and the challenges of soy dependency in Europe. They also discuss Enifer’s journey of scaling production, their target markets, and the advantages of their mycoproteins compared to soy or meat-based proteins. Enifer is a company that produces sustainable and high-quality protein ingredients from fungi. They have faced challenges in fundraising due to the adverse funding climate and the need to demonstrate a shorter-term vision for generating revenue. They have a strong intellectual property portfolio and valuable know-how from the old process. Building new markets and convincing B2B clients to change their recipes are ongoing challenges. Sustainability is important but not always a top priority for consumers and companies. Enifer compares favorably to soy-based alternatives in terms of carbon emissions and land use. Measuring impact is complex, but Enifer uses economic allocation to account for the environmental emissions of their side streams. Enifer’s protein can offer up to 70% CO2 emission savings compared to Brazilian soy.

Episode #5 explores the chemicals and plastics value chains and a technology that uses CO2 as a renewable resource for circular chemicals production. A key discussion topic is the importance of partnerships in driving circular transformations and the need for collaboration across value chains. The conversation delves into the technology developed by Photanol, a Dutch startup, which uses CO2, sunlight, water, and bacteria to convert carbon into renewable chemicals. Renolit and Photanol are partnering to develop a technology that converts CO2 into renewable chemicals for plastics and other products. The collaboration aims to transition the chemical industry away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable and circular economy. The technology uses CO2 and sunlight as inputs and has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The first commercial facility is expected to have an impact equivalent to the annual emissions of 10,000 passenger cars or 10,000 round trips between New York and London.

Carbios is a French biotech company that has developed enzymatic processes to recycle plastic, particularly PET. They have engineered enzymes specifically for PET and other types of plastic, allowing them to break down the polymers into monomers that can be used to produce new high-quality plastics. They have built a bio-recycling plant in France that can process 50,000 tons of waste per year. Their business model is based on licensing their technology to make it accessible in many countries. Their customers come from various industries, including cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, automotive and textiles. Carbios technology enables the recycling of waste PET (polyester) that is currently being sent to landfills or incinerated. Scaling the technology to other parts of the world, particularly in Asia, where textile manufacturing and consumption are high, requires building a new value chain and addressing challenges in collection, sorting, and preparation. While regulatory aspects can pose challenges, Carbios' technology aligns with existing regulations for recycled PET. However, there is a need for regulations to keep pace with innovation and consider different types of chemical recycling technologies. Traceability along the value chain is ensured through the short loop of Carbios' technology, which allows for a chain of custody. Overall, Carbios' technology has a significant environmental and sustainability impact by enabling the recycling of non-recyclable waste, reducing reliance on oil-based plastics, and cutting down CO2 emissions.Key TakeawaysCarbios has developed enzymatic processes to recycle plastic, particularly PET, into high-quality monomers that can be used to produce new plastics.Their technology is more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to mechanical and chemical recycling methods.Carbios' bio-recycling plant in France can process 50,000 tons of waste per year and is focused on recycling non-recyclable waste.Their business model is based on licensing their technology to make it accessible in many countries.Their customers come from various industries, including cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, and textiles.The technology enables the production of 100% waste-based PET, reducing reliance on oil-based plastics.Traceability along the value chain is ensured through the short loop of Carbios' technology, and external certification is important to build trust and prevent greenwashing.

Chaincraft is a Dutch startup that manufactures fatty acids from local food waste, specifically pre-consumer plant-based organic residues. They use a two-step fermentation process to convert food waste into medium chain fatty acids, which is more sustainable with a lower carbon footprint than traditional palm oil-based fatty acids. The company currently operates a demo plant in Amsterdam and is planning to build a larger flagship factory in the Netherlands. Their products have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to industry standards and offer a stable and local supply of sustainable chemicals. Chaincraft's customers include the animal nutrition industry, fragrance and flavors, home and personal care, and the lubricants market. In the episode the Commercial Manager, Jeroen van Dorp, dives into the downstream challenges and experiences of building a new market for circular fatty acids. TakeawaysChaincraft manufactures fatty acids from local food waste, reducing the carbon footprint and offering a sustainable alternative to palm oil-based fatty acids.Their two-step fermentation process converts pre-consumer plant-based organic residues into medium chain fatty acids.The company operates a demo plant in Amsterdam and plans to build a larger flagship factory in the Netherlands.Chaincraft's products have a stable and local supply, making them attractive to customers in various industries, including animal nutrition, fragrance and flavors, home and personal care, and the lubricants market.Useful Linkswww.chaincraft.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/chaincraft/?originalSubdomain=nlhttps://www.ecover.com/too-good-to-waste/

Episode #2 explores the importance of nutrient recovery, specifically the recovery of phosphorus, from wastewater and waste sludge. The depletion of phosphorus reserves and the overuse of fertilizers have led to environmental pollution like eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Rag'n'Sells, a recycling company, has diversified to become a future material producer, focusing on phosphorus recovery. Their technology, called Ash2Phos, extracts phosphorus and other valuable materials from sewage sludge and other waste streams. Pär Larshans, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rag'n'Sells shares insights into the Havbruk project, where waste from Norwegian fish farms is turned into biogas and nutrients are recovered. The recovered phosphorus can be used as a feed phosphate or in organic farming. However, regulatory challenges and the need for partnerships and infrastructure pose obstacles to scaling up the technology. Moving towards a bio-circular economy and transforming wastewater treatment plants into resource plants is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental protection.TakeawaysPhosphorus is a critical raw material that is essential for stable food production, but its reserves are depleting and overuse is causing environmental pollution.Recovering phosphorus and other valuable materials from wastewater and waste sludge can address the problem of resource depletion and pollution.Rag'n'Sells has developed the Ash2Phos technology, which extracts phosphorus and other materials from sewage sludge and waste streams.Scaling up the technology requires regulatory changes, partnerships, and infrastructure development.Useful Linkshttps://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/critical-raw-materials/https://foodplanetprize.org/initiatives/easymining-is-recycling-nutrients-agriculture-needs-2/https://www.ragnsells.com/what-we-do/inspired/cop28-sustainable-fish-farming-norway/https://www.ragnsells.com/what-we-do/inspired/norwegian-fish-poop-can-replace-russian-gas-and-phosphorus/https://www.10billionchallenge.org

The first episode of the bioCircular Loop podcast introduces the concept of circular bioeconomy and its importance in addressing global challenges. The circular bioeconomy involves shifting towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy, where externalities like pollution become the responsibility of companies. It aims to create value from waste and challenges the linear value chains that dominate the current system. The podcast explores the people, companies, organizations, technologies, and countries driving this transformation. The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is highlighted as the first venture capital fund dedicated to investing in bio-based and circular startups. The conversation explores the use of waste as a feedstock in the bioeconomy and the challenges of cost and production. It also discusses the regulatory and policy framework in Europe and the support available for startups in the industry. The Netherlands is highlighted as a pioneer in the circular bioeconomy, and other countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also mentioned as bioeconomy hubs. The conversation concludes with the expectation of continued growth in the bioeconomy driven by regulatory push, consumer demand, and the sustainability policies of companies.TakeawaysCircular bioeconomy is a sustainable and resource-efficient economic model that addresses global challenges.It involves shifting responsibility for externalities like pollution to companies and creating value from waste.The current linear value chains need to be challenged and transformed into circular systems.The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital fund investing in bio-based and circular startups. Waste can be used as a feedstock in the bioeconomy, but the cost and production challenges need to be addressed.Europe, particularly the Netherlands, is a pioneer in the circular bioeconomy, with other countries also making advancements.Regulatory and policy frameworks in Europe support the development of the bioeconomy, with a focus on production conditions, feedstock sources, and sustainability.Startups in the bioeconomy can access financial and advisory support from organizations like the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) and the European Innovation Council (EIC).Consumer demand, regulatory push and the sustainability policies of companies are driving the growth of the circular bioeconomy.Useful Linkswww.ecbf.vchttps://www.weforum.org/publications/circular-transformation-of-industries-the-role-of-partnerships/https://www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-and-circular-bioeconomy/slides/detail/en/c/1329591/https://www.cbe.europa.eu/https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/312121/reporting/es#:~:text=The principal barrier to fully,from elsewhere in the world.www.biocircularloop.com 

The Biocircular Loop podcast aims to educate and inform listeners about the circular bioeconomy in Europe. It highlights the innovations and businesses driving the growth of a circular economy powered by renewable biomass and recycled materials. The podcast explores the goal of moving away from linear systems and towards a circular system that considers the whole life cycle of a product. The host, Melina Gerdts, is a market researcher and strategy consultant who works with companies developing circular innovations. The podcast aims to educate, inform, and inspire listeners to rethink their own work and business models.