Thirteen new contracts and a total of almost € 125,000 in innovation vouchers for researching, developing and implementing bio-based solutions for real problems in industry. That’s the yield from the first BioVoice round. The contract partners were introduced on Friday (24 May) during a celebratory meeting in Bergen op Zoom.

Natural fibers are getting more and more attention. For example as an insulation material, as a matrix for biocomposites or for their aesthetic and additional properties. This became apparent on 18 April during the annual Natural Fibertastic congress. The well-attended event in the monumental "Great Arsenal" in Bergen op Zoom attracted the interest of at least 175 visitors from home and abroad. Many examples were discussed here.

Getting the biobased and circular economy off the ground is not only a technological problem. The success also depends on whether chain partners and customers can be convinced to take part. To create new combinations, modify production systems and really start using innovative products. It may be useful and necessary to look beyond the boundaries of sectors in order to get this job done.