Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is a €2 billion public-private partnership established in 2021 under the Horizon Europe framework. It continues the work of its predecessor, the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), and will operate until 2031. Its primary goal is to accelerate innovation in bio-based industries and contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal by fostering sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient practices in the bioeconomy.
CBE JU focuses on developing bio-based products, chemicals, and materials while excluding sectors like biofuels, bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. A critical component of its mission is to harness the potential of underutilized resources in rural, coastal, and urban areas, aligning with its commitment to fostering economic and environmental benefits across diverse regions. The partnership also emphasizes biodiversity preservation, environmental performance monitoring, and adherence to principles of circularity and sustainability.
The initiative is governed through a collaborative structure that includes equal representation from the European Commission and the Bio-based Industries Consortium. Building on the BBI JU model, its governance framework includes a Governing Board, a Scientific Committee, and a States Representatives Group involving EU Member States and Associated Countries. The creation of a Deployment Group as a third advisory body marks a new development, offering insights into market adoption and deployment of bio-based innovations.
CBE JU supports various actions to advance its objectives. Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) focus on developing and validating technologies, while Innovation Actions (IA), including large-scale flagship projects, aim to scale up and demonstrate these technologies. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) facilitate resource accessibility and collaboration for stakeholders like SMEs and start-ups. In its 2022 call for proposals, CBE JU targeted areas such as optimizing wood-based value chains, enhancing bio-based packaging properties, and valorizing aquatic biomass. The 2023 call expanded this focus to address challenges like improving fermentation processes, advancing bio-based plastics recycling, and developing sustainable fertilizers to improve soil health.
By building on the successes of the BBI JU, which funded 142 projects benefiting over 1,000 participants from 2014 to 2020, CBE JU aims to further establish Europe as a global leader in the bioeconomy. Its projects span diverse feedstock sources, including agricultural residues, aquatic biomass, and industrial by-products, while applications range from bio-based chemicals, polymers, and packaging to food, feed, and cosmetics. CBE JU ensures that funded projects contribute meaningfully to sustainability, economic development, and the transition to a circular economy.
CBE JU's activities involve close collaboration with public and private entities, NGOs, and regional authorities, broadening participation across Europe. Funding rates depend on project types, with rigorous evaluation criteria that prioritize innovation, environmental impact, and scalability. The initiative reflects Europe’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.
