Treatment and valorization of bio-waste in the EU

Moving away from fossil feedstock requires industrial sectors to switch to renewable raw materials. One option is the processing of biomass. However, agricultural, forestry and marine production of biomass cannot be expanded indefinitely. The linear value chains established in the fossil-based economy, leading from primary raw material to products and then to waste, are therefore no sustainable option. Instead circular value chains that recycle waste and make it available again as a raw material are needed. This also applies to bio-waste, as it arises in the primary production of biomass, as well as residual and waste materials from their processing, use and disposal. This paper reports on the volumes and current processing of bio- and biogenic wastes in the EU, presents recycling options that can lead to higher value added and employment as well as a lower environmental footprint, and also discusses the research, infrastructure and framework conditions needed.