Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant

The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) is a leading open-access facility supporting the scale-up of bio-based innovations from lab to industrial scale. By offering advanced infrastructure and expert support, BBEPP enables the transformation of renewable raw materials into high-value biochemicals, materials, and fuels.

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) is an independent, state-of-the-art facility that operates from a laboratory level to a multi-ton scale. BBEPP is a service provider for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of bio-based products and processes. A wide and flexible spectrum of modular unit operations, combined with the experience of engineers and technicians, enables BBEPP to translate bio-based lab protocols into viable industrial processes.

BBEPP enables the conversion of renewable feedstocks into biochemicals, biomaterials, biofuels and other bioproducts by using technologies, such as biomass pretreatment, biocatalysis, (gas)fermentation, green chemistry, and product recovery and purification.

Since its establishment in 2008, the BBEPP has grown into a mature organisation employing 180+ staff members. From 2013 to 2020, BBEPP has successfully conducted more than 450 bilateral (private) projects with over 150 different small-, medium- and large-sized companies. Along with private bilateral projects, BBEPP is currently involved in many consortium-based projects.

BBEPP performs the entire production chain in one single plant, from biomass feedstock to final refined products. The equipment and infrastructure allow BBEPP to perform bioprocesses at kilogram to multi-ton scales.

Scaling up forest-based innovations is essential to advancing Europe’s bioeconomy and achieving climate goals. This requires a coordinated approach that combines policy support, infrastructure investment, and industry engagement. Key enablers include strengthening public-private partnerships, expanding access to scale-up facilities, and improving financing mechanisms to de-risk early-stage innovation. Harmonised regulations, green public procurement, and market awareness are crucial to accelerate adoption. Additionally, fostering innovation ecosystems through skills development, technology transfer, and cross-sectoral collaboration will ensure a resilient and competitive forest-based sector across Europe.

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• Category: Resources, Factsheets
• Tag: workshop, scaling up forest innovations factsheet