This report summarises the main findings resulting from the assessment of the potential to enhance the circularity of bio-based waste in the EU. By mapping major bio-based waste streams, it identifies substantial untapped circularity potential. This includes over 58 Mt of food, garden and vegetable waste and 26 Mt of wood waste (wet weight), as well as 75 Mt of crop residues (dry weight), that could be used for new bio-based materials or other products, excluding bioenergy.

This outlook report presents the EU agricultural markets, income and environment medium-term prospects, relying on market intelligence available until the end of October 2025. It depicts a continued productivity growth, albeit at a slower rate amidst challenges from climate change and availability and affordability of inputs, while EU agriculture transforms towards more sustainable production systems. Structural changes in the EU farming sector are expected to continue shaping the economic and environmental performance of the sector.

In this report, the United Nations Environment Programme explores the role of the bioeconomy in addressing climate change, with a particular focus on the bio-based technologies that are most relevant in this context. The report is intended as a resource for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to advance integrated, effective, and equitable climate and nature action.

The 2026 edition of the Summit will take place on 20-21 October at the Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland. The Irish Government (Departments of Climate, Energy, and the Environment and Agriculture, Food, and the Marine) and the International Advisory Council of the Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) will jointly organise the summit.