Chemical and material biorefineries in the EU

Bio-based chemicals and materials are innovative, high value-added products contributing to the transition to a more sustainable European manufacturing sector. The Joint Research Centre and BTG publish a dataset on chemical and material biorefineries in the EU and in selected non-EU countries to understand the current status of this building block of the bioeconomy. The dataset focuses on biorefineries that produce bio-based chemicals and materials as main products, on a biomass basis. Traditional bio-based products such as pulp and paper and wood as well as the use of biomass for the production of energy are not included. The dataset builds on the JRC bio-based industries and biorefineries database and extends it in two ways: i) by focusing on the main components of bio-based value chains (feedstock, conversion process platforms, and products); ii) by introducing data on non EU-biorefineries, thus enabling the comparison between the current status of this subsector of the bioeconomy in different parts of the world. The dataset is presented in the form of a user-friendly, interactive dashboard that facilitates the user navigating through the world of innovative bio-based value chains. Each visualization has interactive properties, i.e., allows the user to drill down on a specific subset of the dataset and tailor the focus.