EEA calls for biomass innovation to strengthen Europe’s bioeconomy

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has issued a call to accelerate innovation in biomass and other bio-based sectors as a way to reduce Europe’s environmental footprint and dependency on imported resources.
A new assessment published this week highlights the environmental pressures linked to Europe’s current consumption model and argues that greater investment in circular bioeconomy solutions will be essential to achieving long-term sustainability.
According to the EEA, its 32 member countries collectively produce only about half the biocapacity required to sustain existing levels of consumption.
Much of the shortfall is made up through imports, particularly in high-impact sectors such as forestry, grains and energy, placing significant environmental pressure on supplier regions beyond Europe’s borders.
The report, Opportunities for Innovation in the Bioeconomy, stresses that reducing this dependency will require more efficient and sustainable use of domestic biological resources - especially biomass derived from agricultural and food waste.
The briefing identifies several promising examples of bio-based innovation that could help reduce reliance on fossil-based materials.
Agricultural residues such as husks, stover and stubble, along with processed food waste, are seen as underutilised sources of sustainable biomass.
These waste streams could be redirected into value-added materials and fuels, supporting a more circular and resilient European economy while also helping to meet climate and biodiversity goals set out under the European Green Deal.
One of the sectors identified as having the highest environmental impact is construction, which accounts for a substantial share of Europe’s carbon and forest footprint.
The EEA notes that much of this impact stems from upstream supply chains, suggesting that the use of renewable, biomass-based materials in construction could play a significant role in mitigating emissions and resource extraction.
The report also stresses that sustainability must be central to any future bioeconomy strategy.
Responsible sourcing, deforestation prevention and biodiversity protection are essential to ensure that shifting to bio-based systems does not result in unintended environmental harm.
It further cautions that trade-offs related to land use and social equity must be carefully considered and that policy decisions should be grounded in strong evidence and stakeholder engagement.
The findings are expected to feed into the forthcoming revision of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy and offer guidance to national and regional governments seeking to align economic development with climate and environmental targets.