Biobased and circular society
The world faces major challenges in the areas of climate, biodiversity and the use of natural resources. A biobased and circular society offers a way forward: an economy that makes smart use of renewable raw materials and gives new purpose to what would otherwise be waste. Wageningen University & Research collaborates with partners on solutions that close resource loops and reduce dependence on fossil materials.
About a biobased and circular society
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What is a biobased and circular society?
In a biobased and circular society, fossil resources are replaced with renewable alternatives. The economy functions as a closed loop, where almost no waste is produced. When water, nutrients or materials remain, they are reused.
Why is this transition important?
The way economies currently function depletes the planet and accelerates climate change. Shifting to circular systems and biobased materials helps to prevent waste, reduce harmful substances and contribute to achieving climate goals.
What are the main challenges in this transition?
The path towards a circular, biobased society presents several challenges. We must find solutions to reduce waste, develop alternative materials, create new business models and help society think and act differently.
What is a biobased and circular society?
In a biobased and circular society, fossil resources are replaced with renewable alternatives. The economy functions as a closed loop, where almost no waste is produced. When water, nutrients or materials remain, they are reused.
Why is this transition important?
The way economies currently function depletes the planet and accelerates climate change. Shifting to circular systems and biobased materials helps to prevent waste, reduce harmful substances and contribute to achieving climate goals.
What are the main challenges in this transition?
The path towards a circular, biobased society presents several challenges. We must find solutions to reduce waste, develop alternative materials, create new business models and help society think and act differently.
Waste and inefficiency are things of the past
In the second half of this century, waste and inefficiency will be concepts of the past. We will live in a waste-free society where products re-enter the cycle as raw materials, energy sources or nutrients. Materials will be safe, renewable and designed for reuse and repair. Farmers will provide not only food, but also fibres and raw materials for biobased building materials, bioplastics and textiles. Factories will function like ecosystems: what one process leaves behind becomes the raw material for another.
Human behaviour will have changed as well. Ownership will have given way to use – renting, sharing and reusing will be second nature. Cities will be centres of circular activity where craftsmanship, technology and creativity come together. Waste streams will create new jobs, and innovation will thrive in local networks of citizens, designers and entrepreneurs. It will be a society that erases its footprints instead of leaving them, constantly in balance with what the Earth can sustain.
The transition to a biobased and circular society requires collaboration between science, industry, government and society. Only together can we make the shift to an economy that operates within the planet’s limits. Wageningen University & Research contributes knowledge on biobased products, circular agriculture, renewable resources, circular design and system innovation. Together, we are building a circular economy within a circular region, where agriculture, food, materials, production, consumption and energy are sustainably connected.
A circular transition in progress
Impactful projects (8)
Let's make a difference together
A biobased and circular society uses renewable resources and restores natural cycles. Products are designed for reuse and safe biodegradability, drastically reducing waste and CO₂ emissions. Factories, farmers and designers work together in chains where residual flows regain value. This transformation requires not only technological innovation, but also behavioural change, cooperation and supportive policies. The result is an economy that lives in balance with what the Earth can sustain. Together, we make the difference.
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Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?