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FP5 - LIFE, Key Action 5
Renewable biological materials for non-food use: the impact of EU research (1998-2004) |
EUR 21466, ISBN 9289489774 (2006)
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Based on a workshop held in Brussels in June 2005, this publication presents an overview of the impact of recent EU-funded research in the field of renewable biological materials for non-food use. This workshop was the follow up to a technical review of 31 'non-food' research projects funded under the thematic priority 'Quality of Life and management of living resources' of the Fifth RTD Framework programme.
The workshop considered the technical review of the projects together with a series of specific presentations from eight pre-selected projects. The main objectives of the meeting was to identify the future needs of the non-food research sector, with the preparation of input for the seventh Framework Programme, and secondly to provide clear recommendations for emerging technologies, best crops and waste streams to invest in and on the way non-technical barriers can be overcome.
The workshop was linked to the concept of a knowledge-based bio-economy. The Various drivers this, includes the finite reserves of oil, the increased global demand for consumables, the need for cleaner processes, sustainability, concern about greenhouse gas emissions, and the Kyoto Protocol. Tackling these areas of concern from a biological viewpoint would both help address problems facing European agriculture and contribute to rural incomes. At the same time, expansion of the research effort in Europe towards the 3% GDP spending set by the Lisbon Process, linked to the major advances in 'omics' system biology, would create opportunities to tailor raw materials to the needs of industry, generating new markets and benefiting consumers. The bio-economy would fit well with recent and ongoing EU policy in the agricultural and energy sectors. The common agricultural policy (CAP) reform continues, decoupling support from products, with new market regimes for fibres, sugar, starch and wine. An energy crop premium is in place, as is a non-food production policy for set-aside land as part of the rural development policy.
On the energy front, Directives on liquid bio-fuel production and use offer a potentially very large market for biological raw materials. These initiatives are consistentwith the objectives of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) which recognises Europe's need to invest more in innovative ways to protect the environment whilst boosting competitiveness.
While bio-energy offers the largest potential market for solid, liquid and gaseous fuels, there are many opportunities for natural products in both bulk (e.g. fibre, paper, building materials, solvents and plastics) intermediate (paints, surfactants, lubricants) and higher-value (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics flavours, fragrances), markets. However, there are many questions to be addressed, covering economics, rural development, the environment, international (global) trade, and research itself. Public attitudes towards CMOs remain an impediment, while the concept of the bio-refinery offers many benefits. There is also a need to increase customer confidence since the quality and performance of many bio-materials remains poor when compared to fossil-based equivalents. Thus, a bio-based economy offers solutions to many of the perceived problems, generating raw materials from sustainable biological resources for energy and industry to the benefit of the environment and ultimately the consumer.
The EU has supported RTD activities in this area for several decades. This workshop covers what was achieved under FF5 and looks forward to what can be achieved under FP7.
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Workshop Highlights
Project Synopses
Expert Report
© Copyright 2006 Policy Statements
Updated
by CPL Press:
03/07/2007
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