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The Key Players in the Bio-Based Economy in Wallonia

Published on 1 January 2025

Publication

Wallonia is emerging as a key player in the bio-based economy through innovative initiatives in biomethanization, plant extraction, hemp, wood, and innovation. Across five themes and thirteen video portraits, explore the companies and organizations that are shaping a more sustainable and circular economic model by harnessing renewable natural resources.

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The bio-based economy in Wallonia is experiencing significant growth through innovation and sustainability, leveraging renewable natural resources. To support this transition, the Walloon Circular Economy Deployment Strategy (Circular Wallonia) was adopted in 2021, introducing 60 measures to assist stakeholders in this sector.

This initiative highlights key five thematic areas, showcasing the companies and projects shaping this new economic model:

  • Wood: A Local and Renewable Resource

    • Vanheede Logistic: specialist in waste collection and wood recycling in Wallonia.

    • Phitec: agricultural company bridging farming needs with production.

    • ITS Energy: repurposing forestry by-products into wood chips for energy.

  • Hemp: A Versatile and Innovative Plant

    • CanBe: producer of wellness and relaxation products from responsibly grown hemp.

    • IsoHemp: pioneer in ecological building materials made from hemp.

    • CBX Medical: specialist in cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

  • Biomethanization: Producing Green Energy from Local Biomass

    • Ochain Energie: developer of biomethanization installations in Wallonia.

    • SurizEnergie: on-farm biomethanization unit supplying heat and electricity.

    • Méthaverneux: farm project striving for food and energy self-sufficiency.

  • Plant Extraction: Applications in Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and Phytotherapy

    • Natextra: facilitator of scaling up natural extracts from R&D to industrial production.

    • Ortis: expert in plant-based health solutions for over 60 years.

  • Innovation as a Driver for Sustainable Change

    • Eclo: production of mushroom substrates from renewable biomass.

    • Minagro: developer of bio-based solutions for agrochemicals, reducing environmental impact.

In addition, Valbiom, in collaboration with organizations like GreenWin and the Walloon Economic Office for Wood, has launched a mapping tool listing over 450 players in the bio-based economy in Wallonia. This directory aims to enhance visibility and foster collaboration among companies engaged in this ecological and economic transition.

Through these numerous initiatives, Wallonia is reinventing its industrial model, demonstrating that the bio-based economy offers a viable alternative to combine economic development with natural resource conservation.

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