The EC’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy has carried out an assessment of the European bio-based plastics sector. The work illustrates characteristics and technical properties of bio‑based plastics, classified by production step where biomass is introduced. Although it currently holds a minor share of the global plastic market, the bio-based plastic industry could potentially grow in the EU, relying on domestic feedstock. Such development is expected not only to bring socio-economic benefits, but also to help improve recyclability and end-of-life management.

The European Environment Agency has investigated the need for an economic shift towards climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) in Europe. This briefing links climate hazards to farm vulnerability and economic impacts and synthesises quantified findings from 51 European farm-level case studies to demonstrate that CRA can improve economic stability, reduce cost exposure and strengthen the long-term viability of agricultural systems under increasing climate stress.

The JRC presents a harmonised and globally consistent map of forest presence or absence at 10 m spatial resolution for the year 2020. Combining multiple spatial datasets, primarily derived from Earth observation, it represents 4562 million hectares of forests globally, to inform the deforestation risk assessments under supply chain-oriented regulations such as the European Union's Deforestation Regulation.

The European Clean Energy Technology Observatory has released reports on bioenergy and advanced biofuels. They highlight the EU's leading position in innovative bioenergy technologies, shift to sustainable feedstock, constant increase in biomethane and advanced biofuels production, and their key contribution to 2030 renewable energy targets.

The fifth Global Bioeconomy Summit will take place in Dublin, on 20-21 October 2026, bringing together global leaders to advance sustainable bio-based innovation and solutions. Interested organisations, individuals, and initiatives are invited to propose workshops on bioeconomy issues at the intersection of research, innovation, policy, industry, finance, and society. The Call for Workshop Proposals will close on 8th May.

The European Commission adopted the first set of methodologies under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation to certify activities that permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The new rules cover three types of activities: direct air capture with carbon storage, biogenic emissions capture with carbon storage, and biochar carbon removal. The Commission is finalising two additional delegated regulations for certification methodologies, respectively addressing i) agriculture and agroforestry, peatland rewetting and afforestation and ii) bio-based construction products.

The European Commission has adopted a revised recommendation on the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to chemicals and materials innovation that aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal’s ambition for a toxic-free, circular, and competitive economy. The design principles have been developed in different contexts, such as in green chemistry, green engineering, circular chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and safe by design as well as policy-related ambitions (e.g. circular economy, bioeconomy, or zero pollution).

On 9th March, the European Commission formally adopted the Directive amending the Nitrates Directive as regards the use of fertilisers, derived from processed livestock manure, in which nutrients are recovered and transformed into forms that can substitute mineral fertilisers. The so-called RENURE (REcovered Nitrogen from manURE) will reduce costs for farmers, thereby increasing the strategic autonomy of the EU agricultural sector by lowering its dependence on imported fertilisers. The amendment will apply only to Member States choosing to authorise RENURE, transposing it into national law.