Biobased or renewable materials and plastics
Industry demands materials and plastics that are sustainable, circular, fossil-free and safe. We help manufacturers develop those materials without compromising on quality or economic viability. With over thirty years of experience, we develop high-performance, renewable materials based on biomass and side streams, such as agricultural and forestry residues.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) creates new applications for novel polymers like PLA and PHAs, specifically designed for recyclability or biodegradation. We also explore how we can use natural fibres for textiles, paper and building materials. Our approach maximizes the natural functionalities of biomass to produce high-quality materials ranging from packaging and textiles to construction, while reducing environmental impact.
In addition, we support legislators with system analyses for strategy and policy development in the biobased and circular economy. We also help legislators, biomass suppliers, plastic manufacturers and other stakeholders across the value chain by building regional biobased ecosystems and developing biorefinery technologies that ensure efficient, scalable, and sustainable use of bioresources.
This way we accelerate the transition from a fossil-based to an economically viable circular and biobased economy by delivering materials that are safe, circular, and fit for future demands.
Discover our expertise
Sustainable plastics technology
Our expertise covers plastic recycling, biobased plastics development and processing and biodegradation. We help industry and policymakers move towards a circular plastics economy by creating practical solutions and strategies that phase out fossil-based plastics.
Sustainable plastics technology
Our expertise covers plastic recycling, biobased plastics development and processing and biodegradation. We help industry and policymakers move towards a circular plastics economy by creating practical solutions and strategies that phase out fossil-based plastics.
Sustainable and circular chemistry
Renewable chemicals and materials can be efficiently recycled or converted into new raw materials after use. We call this Circular by Design. Within our expertise in Sustainable & Circular Chemistry we aim to achieve sustainable chemistry. Renewable raw materials are converted into compounds and materials for the circular economy.
Biopolymer functionalisation and characterisation
Biopolymers such as pectin, lignin and cellulose are used for many applications, from asphalt and construction material to paints, personal care products and packaging. However, each application requires biopolymers with a specific set of properties. We characterise and improve the functional properties of biopolymers to create functional materials for industrial use.
Biomass fractionation for biobased solutions
We create viable routes to produce food ingredients, sustainable materials and chemicals from biomass. For this, we develop new mild separation and fractionation concepts and design technological processes that deliver high-quality products.
System analysis and chain design
We support companies and local, regional and national governments in the transition from fossil-based systems to circular, biobased chains by providing system analysis and chain design rooted in real-world feasibility.
Fermentation technology for sustainable chemicals and food ingredients
We develop fermentation technologies in which micro-organisms produce sustainable food ingredients and biobased chemicals. For this, we combine microbiology, process expertise, and industrial scaling.
Products & services
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Advanced material development testing and infrastructure and facilities from lab to pilot-scale
- Cross-sectoral expertise in fibre based materials, plastics, packaging, construction and recycling
- Deep knowledge of renewable feedstocks and material performance
- Integrated circular design: from molecule to material to product to end-of-life
- Strategy support tailored to EU policy
Contact us
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research works at the interface between fundamental and industrially driven applied research, together with industrial partners. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact us.
Focus areas
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Health benefit substantiation for food
The food industry continuously strives to develop healthier products that align with consumer expectations and evolving regulations.
Wageningen University & Research supports companies to reformulate their products with trusted, evidence-based health benefit substantiation.
Ingredient flexibility for smarter food reformulation
Ingredient flexibility is becoming essential as costs rise, ingredients change and sustainability targets grow.
Food producers need to reformulate, but without losing taste, texture or processing performance. Wageningen University & Research helps make that possible.
Biobased or renewable materials and plastics
Industry demands materials and plastics that are sustainable, circular, fossil-free and safe.
We help manufacturers develop those materials without compromising on quality or economic viability. With over thirty years of experience, we develop high-performance, renewable materials based on biomass and side streams, such as agricultural and forestry residues.
Biobased chemicals for safe and circular materials
Industries face growing pressure to replace persistent and harmful substances with safe and sustainable alternatives. We closely work together with businesses to create and implement new circular materials that are non-hazardous and mechanically, or chemically, recyclable or (bio)degradable to the highest content possible.
We develop biobased chemicals and materials that are renewable, non-toxic and compliant with future regulations. Our techno-economic analyses make sure they’re also economically viable.
Industrial and agricultural water solutions
Water scarcity, rising treatment costs, rising energy consumption, and stricter environmental rules. These are the main challenges industries and agricultural businesses face when it comes to their water usage.
We help to overcome these challenges by developing water technologies that reduce costs, support regulatory compliance, and improve sustainability.
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