As Europe advances toward a greener and more sustainable future, rural areas are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the transition to a circular bioeconomy. At the forefront of this movement is BioRural, a Horizon Europe-funded project that was launched in September 2022 with a clear purpose: to connect rural communities with small-scale, nature-based, and circular innovations that can improve livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and support local economies.
Now reaching the end of its project lifecycle, BioRural has identified more than 35 real-life success stories across 12 European countries, illustrating how bio-based solutions—rooted in local knowledge and resources—can tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. These stories span a wide range of themes, including bioenergy, biomaterials, food and agriculture, forestry and natural habitats, and aquatic and water systems.
Among these inspiring examples, several stand out for their innovative approaches. In France, NaturePlast is converting agricultural and industrial by-products into biodegradable polymer materials, replacing conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives. In Poland, the Fish Welfare initiative is improving aquaculture by feeding fish with natural plankton and regionally sourced cereals, enhancing both ecological impact and product quality. In Spain, the Olive Pomace Gasification project is transforming waste from olive oil production into renewable energy and biochar, creating a closed-loop agricultural model. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the Bio-based Garden is experimenting with over 80 crops that can be used in bio-based products—such as natural pesticides, insulation materials, and bioplastics—showcasing the untapped potential of underused species.
From Greece, the social enterprise Staramaki offers a compelling example of circular economy and social innovation in practice. Based in Kilkis, the initiative produces biodegradable drinking straws from wheat straw and coffee waste, while also generating employment opportunities for people from vulnerable social groups—demonstrating how environmental and social goals can go hand in hand.
These diverse examples reflect the heart of BioRural’s mission: to make the bioeconomy more accessible, inclusive, and practical for rural communities across Europe. By identifying and sharing these stories, the project not only raises awareness but also supports the replication and scaling of successful models—ensuring that rural regions are not left behind, but actively lead the way in Europe’s green transition.
For more information, visit www.biorural.eu.