Research themes
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, with our clients and partners, can create economical viable and sustainable solutions to contribute to supplying a rapidly growing world population with healthy, delicious, sustainably produced food and high quality materials, chemicals and fuels made from biomass.
Postharvest quality
The world's population is growing, cities are increasing in size and, as a result of climate change, production areas are disappearing in one place, while new ones are emerging elsewhere. Guaranteeing food security requires a smart (re)design of production chains. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops the knowledge, insights and technological applications that make this possible.
Creating value from biomass
Biomass is a versatile and widely available source for providing the growing world population with food, chemicals, materials, cosmetics, fuels and other products in a sustainable way. To be able to move towards a fossil-free, sustainable and climate-neutral society, this biomass needs to play a crucial role. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops biorefinery technologies that enable us to use biomass ingredients in a sustainable manner and apply these ingredients in the highest possible quality. We want to make a meaningful contribution to a better environment while at the same time taking care of a growing population.
Safe and circular bioproducts
Climate change, depletion of fossil feedstocks, accumulation of (micro)plastics and persistent hazardous chemicals that pose a threat to human health, biodiversity and our environment: They all are huge challenges urging society to develop a more sustainable, safe and circular economy. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research helps industry with safe and circular biobased solutions.
Renewable materials
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is involved in research and development of biobased materials and products. Examples of materials and products we are working on include bioplastics for packaging, casings for consumer electronics, textiles and parts for the automotive industry. We also work on inks, coatings, paper, cardboard, construction materials and biomedical materials.
Nutrition and health
From children and the elderly to people with a food allergy: with tailor-made nutrition consumers start – and keep on - eating healthier food. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research enables the development of scientifically proven products and services for specific target groups and individuals.
Proteins for life
It is time for a revolution in the production and consumption of protein. The world's population is growing and with it the demand for high-quality protein. The supply is unbalanced in the world, leading to both over-consumption and malnutrition. Agriculture causes large greenhouse gas emissions--- food production can be more efficient in terms of energy, water and raw materials. We can solve these problems by using more sustainable sources such as legumes, aquatic crops and insects. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops groundbreaking knowledge and technologies that bring a protein transition on a large scale within reach.
Agro Food Robotics
Food innovations for responsible choices
Today’s consumers require clarity about food in order to make conscious choices. They expect foodstuffs to be healthy, durable and sustainably produced, while also consisting of recognisable natural ingredients. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research supports the food industry in developing products that consumers actively choose to buy.
Water Treatment & Technology
Sustainable water treatment, preventing water scarcity and using alternative water sources, without compromising water quality. These are the main challenges for sectors such as the food industry, agriculture and horticulture. Other sectors also face challenges concerning optimum water processing as vital part of industrial processes. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research helps companies to close water cycles thanks to smart, integrated solutions for water treatment and desalination. These solutions contribute to the transition towards a circular and biobased economy and reduce CO2 emissions and climate change.
Prevention of food loss and waste
The world population is growing fast and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. To be able to feed all these mouths with healthy food now and in the future, a transition to a sustainable food system is necessary. A vital step in this transition is the prevention of food loss and waste. Currently about 1/3 of all food is lost somewhere in the food suplly chain and sidestreams and food waste are often used for the production of low-value products. An increasing number of companies, governments and institutions are therefore working on combatting food loss and waste, both by consumers and in the food supply chain. Wageningen University & Research is working together with them to develop effective strategies, innovations and solutions to prevent loss and waste and for the optimum utilisation of food commodities in our food system.
Sustainable and circular textile materials
To reduce its carbon footprint and minimise the use of fossil resources, the focus of policy makers and the textile industry is on developing biobased and circular materials. At Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, we develop affordable materials from renewable and bio resources with circular properties by design that also fulfil all functional and aesthetic user demands.