Plant-based compounds for a circular bioeconomy
Companies and policymakers are seeking sustainable alternatives to production processes based on fossil resources. With its broad expertise in plant science, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) enables the use of plants for this purpose — from breeding and cultivation optimisation to valorising crop residues and designing sustainable biotechnological production and valorisation processes in and from plants.
The transition to a circular bioeconomy requires biomass that can be used for a wide range of (fine) chemicals and materials with diverse applications. Plants are naturally a rich source of biomass, containing a great variety of compounds that can — and already do — serve this purpose. WUR develops knowledge and technology for crops that not only produce food but also yield high-value nutritional ingredients, bioactive compounds with unique functionalities, and feedstock for chemicals and materials ranging from bioplastics to natural rubber.
Our researchers focus on breeding, cropping systems, plant metabolism and biotechnology to unlock the potential of plant-based products. This work lays the foundation for sustainable applications in food, materials and energy.
We support companies, growers and policymakers in developing robust value chains that replace fossil resources and valorise side streams. For the next steps in the chain — ingredient and product development — we seamlessly connect with WUR’s expertise in the food & biobased research domain. Together with our partners, we accelerate the essential transition towards a fossil-free, circular future.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Protein crops for the protein transition
Development and breeding of new protein crops (such as faba beans, lupins and duckweed) with higher yield, quality and nutritional value, essential for a successful protein transition.
Protein crops for the protein transition
Development and breeding of new protein crops (such as faba beans, lupins and duckweed) with higher yield, quality and nutritional value, essential for a successful protein transition.
Plant-based food, ingredients and food quality
Selection and breeding of plants with improved nutritional quality (more vitamins, proteins or bioactive compounds)
Biobased materials and plant-based compounds
Cultivation and breeding of crops for sustainable chemicals and materials, from natural rubber to building blocks for bioplastics that can replace fossil-based raw materials.
Plant-based biosynthesis for sustainable raw materials
Research into genetic and metabolic pathways that enable plants to produce desired compounds. This knowledge supports targeted breeding and biotechnological production of high-value plant compounds.
Circular cropping systems and biobased valorisation
Design of circular cropping systems that maximise the use of crops and residues, with applied research at facilities such as ACRRES.
Related products and services
Related facilities
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Why partner with WUR?
Why WUR?
- Unique combination of expertise in crop breeding, cultivation systems, plant metabolism and plant compounds
- Access to practical facilities for testing and upscaling innovations
- Over 100 years of experience collaborating with companies, growers and policymakers
- Independent scientific partner with an international reputation
- Integration with WUR expertise across the entire chain, from field to product and from plant to molecule
Contact us
Would you like to collaborate on plant-based solutions for a circular bioeconomy? Contact our business developer.
Explore related focus areas
Climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable agriculture
Integrated, area-specific systems that balance productivity, ecology and climate resilience — creating robust, future-proof production for open-field cultivation.
Climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable agriculture
Integrated, area-specific systems that balance productivity, ecology and climate resilience — creating robust, future-proof production for open-field cultivation.
Future-proof greenhouse horticulture
Circular, fossil-free and emission-free cultivation concepts that enable sustainable innovation in greenhouse production — without compromising on yield or quality.
Plant breeding and biotechnology
Advanced breeding technologies that accelerate genetic innovation for high-yielding, nutritious and naturally resilient plant varieties.
Plant and crop health
Sustainable crop protection strategies that reduce chemical use through smart diagnostics, resilient varieties and biological solutions.
AI, robotics and smart cultivation technologies
Knowledge and technology that unlock the potential of plants to produce nutritional ingredients, bioactive compounds and renewable feedstocks for sustainable materials.
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