Over the last seven years, the BBI JU has established itself as a game-changer in the European bio-based economy. By replacing fossil-based materials and products with bio-based ones, using local, sustainably sourced feedstock and developing circular production processes, the BBI JU-funded projects have given an important contribution to the green transition in Europe. This publication takes stock of BBI JU’s achievements and impacts in the 2014-2020 period.

What are the main achievements of the BBI JU and BBI-JU funded projects?

• Investing in green industries: BBI JU’s financial contribution to projects has reached €822 million, with each invested euro triggering €2.8 of private investments.
• Supporting researchers and businesses across Europe: 142 projects and 1,055 beneficiaries from 39 countries have received BBI JU funding. 40% of BBI JU beneficiaries are SMEs and 25% universities and research centres. Together they receive nearly 70% of BBI JU funding.
• Developing sustainable innovations: 18 finalised projects have already delivered 33 new bio-based value chains, 24 new materials and 17 products with an equal or overall better performance than their fossil-based counterparts.
• Boosting local economies: Most BBI JU-funded projects have diversified the local economies by creating new skilled jobs and alternative income sources, in particular in rural and coastal areas. The first 14 BBI JU-funded flagship biorefineries will generate more than 3,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.
• Focusing on sustainability: All feedstock used in BBI JU-funded projects must be sustainably sourced in Europe and not compete with food production. Nearly 100% of it is waste and by-products of the agri-food industry, forestry and aquaculture. In combination with circular production processes, this will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enrich biodiversity across Europe.