World Bioproduct Day, celebrated annually on July 7, highlights the growing importance of bio-based products in reducing our dependence on fossil resources. Initiated by the World Bioeconomy Forum, the day raises awareness of the role that sustainable bioproducts play in Europe’s transition to a circular economy.
Bioplastics in Europe: growing but still a small share
Europe plays a leading role in advancing bioplastics. According to European Bioplastics, global bioplastics production capacity was 2.18 million tonnes in 2023, and is projected to reach 7.43 million tonnes by 2028. However, this still represents less than 1% of total plastics production.
The largest market segment for bioplastics is packaging, accounting for 43% of the global bioplastics market, or around 934,000 tonnes in 2023 (European Bioplastics).
Europe’s recycling challenge: a circular economy gap
While bioplastics are growing in production, recycling remains a challenge. According to Eurostat, the recycling rates for plastic packaging in the EU in 2022 varied widely:
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Belgium: 80% recycling rate
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Netherlands and Luxembourg: over 60%
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Malta: only 16.4%
Bioplastics often end up in mixed waste streams where they are incinerated or landfilled instead of recycled. This limits their contribution to reducing carbon emissions and resource use.
MoeBIOS: developing circular solutions for Europe
At MoeBIOS, we aim to close this gap. Our project develops innovative recycling and upcycling processes specifically for bioplastics used in:
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Packaging: creating recyclable and reusable materials.
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Agriculture: developing biodegradable mulching films and other products that do not pollute soils.
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Textiles: innovating in sustainable, recyclable textile fibers.
By creating separate recycling streams for bioplastics, MoeBIOS helps build a truly circular bioeconomy in Europe.
World Bioproduct Day: a call to action
World Bioproduct Day is more than an awareness campaign. It is a call for businesses, researchers, and consumers to rethink how products are made, used, and recycled. Europe’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan set ambitious goals for reducing plastic waste and promoting bio-based alternatives. Bioproducts, if properly recycled, are key to achieving these targets.
Learn more about MoeBIOS
MoeBIOS is part of this change. By focusing on industrial applications in packaging, agriculture, and textiles, we aim to make bioplastics a sustainable, recyclable material stream—not just a temporary solution.
Follow our journey on LinkedIn!