BIC Publishes Landmark Study on Europe's Bio-Based Lead Markets
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) has published a landmark study arguing that Europe possesses the industrial capacity and technical expertise to become a global leader in bio-based products — but only if policymakers implement targeted demand-side measures to unlock that potential. Released in July 2026, the study arrives at a critical moment as European legislators draft the next phase of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy.
The research, produced in two parts, first maps the lead markets for bio-based products across four strategic sectors: chemicals, plastics and polymers, fibre-based packaging, and textiles. Each sector represents a significant share of European industrial output and offers a clear pathway to reduce fossil dependency. The second part translates this evidence base into concrete policy recommendations, including binding bio-based content requirements, stronger green public procurement criteria, and carbon pricing mechanisms that reward the environmental benefits of bio-based materials.
BIC Executive Director Philippe Mengal emphasised that the deployment of bio-based industries in Europe can be a real competitive advantage while strengthening strategic autonomy. That potential, he warned, stays untapped without the market signals to unlock it. The legislation to do this is being written now, and BIC stands ready to work with policymakers to get these measures into it.
The study concludes that there is no shortage of technology or ambition in Europe’s bio-based sector. Rather, the absence of a regulatory framework that stimulates demand is what holds the sector back. Covering chemicals, plastics and polymers, fibre-based packaging, and textiles, the research shows that Europe has a genuine opportunity to lead globally in bio-based products — but only if their full value, including their environmental benefits, is properly rewarded in the market.
Sources and Study Documents
Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), “BIC’s new study makes the case for demand-side measures to unlock Europe’s bio-based products market,” press release, July 20, 2026. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQBhENbUGdUgTKcIgGDBShGLAXPCiNxm6CKqHybPEDHul20?e=o4UvgX
BIC Lead Markets Study — Overview and Key Findings. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQCsp5-kwPPjTbKTBiXi8sbfAWwq3-i9ELDIba83ikhYBn4?e=PDzAkj
BIC Lead Markets Study — Policy Recommendations. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQCA7B7cllFORoyjQuKN3VwrAdllEN-vnG_wiPR3Eh9qRG8?e=2MLk4h
BIC Lead Markets Report — Bio-based Chemicals. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQDS7MuofJWNQr3XxiG1oxL_AcQJPJN6PSLij6ibAcpdgE8?e=FXNlMF
BIC Lead Markets Report — Textiles from Bio-based Fibres & Fabrics. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQA95BDIauH_TYg5f5DqNkDsAZ-bL9Z7mFFY53Y2DmyQvi4?e=0CdSIX
BIC Lead Markets Report — Bio-based Plastics, Polymers & Fibre-based Packaging. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQDulE2PRiTXSoTp4sEWV_ACAVfyjqqXxlsv_J6d-k7a8zw?e=0alYgW
BIC Lead Markets Study — Annex & References. Available at: https://biobased-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/onedrive_biconsortium_eu/IQCoXtKeuuL0Q5OdcrY0PRlsAbsCIcgl9NgN5htnuOosu3Q?e=HIjyDR
WebWire distribution of BIC press release, “BIC’s new study makes the case for demand-side measures to unlock Europe’s bio-based products market,” July 20, 2026. Available at: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=357903