BBI JU in the front line for green recovery

The 2020 annual activity report of the BBI JU is now online. The report confirms the achievements of the BBI JU-funded projects and the Programme Office. It highlights in particular the high impact of the initiative contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal while developing and strengthening the bio-based industries sector in Europe.

Despite the unprecedented challenges triggered by the pandemic in 2020, BBI JU maintained a high level of service to its community and kept on delivering outstanding results. The yearly survey of BBI JU-funded projects shows that they are creating more bio-based materials and products, as well as more industrial interconnections and bio-based value chains than expected, thus strengthening the sector across Europe.

The report also offers an analysis of the 2020 Call for proposals. ‘I am very pleased with the diversity and quality of the 18 projects resulting from this call, which have brought the BBI JU portfolio to 142 projects advancing the European bioeconomy across sectors and regions,’ BBI JU Executive Director Philippe Mengal stated in the foreword of the report. ‘In these trying times for Europe, more than ever, BBI JU is in the front line to help deliver a green recovery, and together with our community, we are up for the challenge.’

Positive impacts for Europe

The BBI JU project portfolio analysis shows how the ongoing projects contribute to the post-pandemic recovery by bringing socio-economic benefits to European citizens. Over 80% of projects are creating new jobs, mainly in rural and coastal areas, while also increasing the competitiveness of the European bio-based sector and bringing new sustainable and healthier products to the market.

When it comes to the expected environmental impact, the report highlights how BBI JU-funded projects contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and help meeting the EU’s climate targets. For instance, over 50% of ongoing projects anticipate lower greenhouse gas emissions than their fossil-based counterparts, while more than 60% of them contribute to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. In addition to their objectives, a significant number of BBI JU-funded projects also safeguard and enhance biodiversity.

High standards assured

Other sections of the report focus on implementation aspects, such as support to operations (communication, legal and financial management, IT, logistics and HR), governance, annual accounts, as well as internal control framework, giving assurance that the activities entrusted to the joint undertaking have been carried out to the highest standards.

Read the full report.