Part of the BioRural Success Stories Blog Series
Across Europe’s rural landscapes, communities, cooperatives, and innovators are putting bio-based solutions into action—strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, and promoting circularity. As part of this movement, the BioRural project began by documenting eight real-life success stories—from Greece to the Netherlands—demonstrating how small-scale initiatives in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, bioenergy, and biomaterials are already delivering tangible results.
As the project evolved, more inspiring examples were identified by BioRural partners and added to the BioRural Toolkit, creating a growing repository of replicable and scalable solutions tailored to rural contexts. These success stories serve not only as proof of concept but also as practical roadmaps for stakeholders looking to turn rural areas into sustainable bioeconomy hubs.
This blog post is part of a thematic series spotlighting selected cases by bioeconomy sector. In this edition, we focus on biomaterials—highlighting how rural entrepreneurs and innovators are transforming agricultural and forestry residues, invasive plants, and other bio-based resources into valuable materials for packaging, construction, cosmetics, and more. These stories illustrate how nature-inspired innovation can lead to sustainable growth and new market opportunities. Let’s explore them below!
Power of Plants
Inspired by the waste of mechanically damaged, non-marketable garlic, a Latvian entrepreneurial team developed an innovative bioeconomy solution to transform this “junk” garlic into a natural plant protection product. Drawing on centuries-old knowledge and scientific research, they created Garlic Power, a 100% garlic hydrolate-based repellent that effectively controls garden pests without synthetic chemicals. This sustainable product meets growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives and revives traditional, nature-based pest management methods, reducing agricultural waste while promoting healthier crop protection.
APIMI – Natural bee cosmetics manufacturer
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Vecpiebalga, Latvia, Apimi is a family-founded company inspired by a deep respect for bees, nature, and traditional knowledge. Rooted in childhood experiences, the founders have developed a range of natural health and skincare products using honey, propolis, and beeswax—unique bee products renowned for their antibacterial, antifungal, and rejuvenating properties. Apimi’s biocosmetics address common issues like dry skin caused by harsh weather, while maximizing the value of bee products through sustainable practices. The company embodies the essential role of bees in pollination and ecosystem health, aiming to expand its natural product line in the future.
Paper and packaging solutions made from invasive plants or horticultural residues from the idea to the prototype
CiP (Circular innovative papers) is a sustainable solution developed by ICP in Slovenia that transforms discarded, residual, or waste biomass into custom-designed paper and packaging products. Originating from efforts to address invasive plant overgrowth in Ljubljana, the project demonstrated that residual biomass holds valuable cellulose suitable for papermaking. ICP maintains a dedicated database on lignocellulosic biomass properties, enabling the selection of optimal raw materials for different paper products. CiP supports local businesses and municipalities in creating bespoke, high-added-value materials—such as office, printing, or packaging paper—while promoting circularity, reducing waste, and enhancing environmental and economic impact.
Innovative biostimulants and plant protection bioproducts from wood residues
BiocharTech began as a technological enterprise focused on developing pyrolysis and gasification plants for processing various residues, initially prioritizing electricity generation from wood-based synthesis gas. Following a decline in public subsidies in Italy, the company pivoted its focus toward high-quality biochar production. A key innovation was the development of a liquid-form biochar, eliminating health risks associated with volatile dust from solid biochar. This safer, high-value product is supported by tailored post-sale technical services to ensure optimal application in vineyards and olive groves. Led by CEO Francesco Barbagli, the interdisciplinary team of agronomists and engineers combines agronomic insight with technical expertise to advance sustainable agriculture.
Alcarrás BioProductors – Cooperative composting and biogas production
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture and bioenergy
Alcarràs Biohub began in 2006 when 150 small pig and cattle farms in Alcarràs, Spain—an area with one of Europe’s highest livestock densities—joined forces to address the collective challenge of managing over 300,000 m³ of slurry and 250,000 tons of manure annually. Facing legal and environmental pressures, individual solutions proved unfeasible. Through collaboration between local farmers’ associations, they established a medium-scale composting and biogas plant, creating a foundational step toward a circular local biohub model, reducing environmental impact and management costs.
ACIES BIO
Acies Bio is a leading European biotech CDMO with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in microbial biotechnology, synthetic biology, and precision fermentation. Their SmartRoute platform enables seamless project execution from ideation to production. With a team of over 100 scientists, Acies Bio offers integrated R&D, proprietary chassis strains, and efficient project management. Key services include algorithm-driven strain design, high-throughput strain optimization via automated microfluidics, precision fermentation process development, and product isolation. Their pilot facility supports scale-up from small bioreactors to 10 m³ industrial processes with on-site downstream processing.
MycoMedica
MycoMedica d.o.o. is a high-tech company specializing in the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms and the production of organic food supplements. With 20 years of expertise developed through extensive scientific research and international collaboration, they cultivate all fungi on their own farm in a pristine rural environment, fully compliant with EU organic standards. Their in-house technologies ensure high-quality, traceable products free from harmful microbes, pesticides, and heavy metals. Recognized for their effectiveness and purity, MycoMedica’s supplements are trusted by pharmaceutical companies for use in branded food supplements and animal feeds. Their products promote health and well-being by delivering essential nutrients through carefully cultivated fungi.
Design and Manufacturing of Microalgae Cultivation Reactors and Their Use Across Different Fields
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: aquatic & water systems
Tecnoalgae SL, founded in 2024, combines academic research and entrepreneurship to develop advanced microalgae reactor technology. Their patented system improves efficiency by 20–30% through enhanced hydrodynamics without moving parts. Originally for industrial use, it was scaled down to a compact reactor for small farmers to produce algae-based biostimulants for up to 10 hectares. The company also applies this technology in air purification, using closed-column systems indoors and microalgae-integrated urban furniture outdoors. A pilot project is active in Algeciras.