Biobased material constitutes one of the largest waste streams in European cities, and a central concern is how to use these streams in a circular way.

According to the waste hierarchy, after prevention, the preferred options are reuse, recycling and use as an energy source. However, disposal still occurs. Biowaste’s potential in contributing to circularity is notable, because it provides valuable soil-improving materials, fertilisers and biogas. With a share of 34%, biowaste is the single largest component of municipal waste in the EU. The recycling of this biowaste is key to achieving the EU’s goal of recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.

Due to the underuse of bioresources, valuable resources are lost, both in terms of material and of energy and nutrients, which is the case when biowaste is disposed of mixed with municipal waste.

Supporting the use and circulation of biobased materials in nutrient and energy loops is more important than ever. The partners involved in the project share the desire to develop a biobased circular economy and aspire to provide systemic solutions that include effective and innovative ways of organising policies to support the biobased circular economy, the circulation of bioresources and the collection and processing of separated biowaste, and to ensure this waste is used as effectively as possible.