Top 6 Recommendations to Reduce Dependencies and Valorise Biowaste
This policy / strategy paper highlights the importance of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources to produce food, energy, and materials while enhancing European competitiveness. Despite progress, major challenges remain, including climate change, resource depletion, poor waste management, and unsustainable land use. As part of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, the European Commission plans to update the strategy to strengthen the transition toward a sustainable and circular bioeconomy—an initiative supported by Municipal Waste Europe (MWE).
A key shortcoming of the 2018 strategy was the limited recognition of bio-waste as a valuable resource. The 2025 update must address this by accelerating infrastructure development for separate collection and treatment across the EU. Unlocking bio-waste’s potential through anaerobic digestion and composting would reduce landfilling and incineration, enhance renewable energy production, and supply circular bio-based fertilising products such as compost and digestate. These actions would improve soil health, lower reliance on imported fertilisers, and support the EU’s goals of resource efficiency, energy autonomy, and climate neutrality.
Publication year: 2025
Language: EN
Published by: Municipal Waste Europe
Keywords: bio-waste, bioeconomy, policy integration, composting, anaerobic digestion, renewable energy, soil health, recycling, investment
