Planned outputs for the next few months include feedback from the fascinating Microenvironments workshop led by Dr Joe Weaver, then of Newcastle, now at Durham University. Journal papers in preparation or review include those based on a study of the implications of emerging biotech for bioreactor materials, and from the …
The AF Working Group is working on follow‑on outputs from its Anaerobic Fermentation workshop, with a detailed outcomes report and a WG Position Statement to be published later in 2026. In parallel, the WG has been carrying out small-scale proof‑of‑concept studies investigating chemical‑free product extraction as a means to facilitate …
Last week, EBNet director Prof Sonia Heaven took part in an IEA Task 37 meeting that was timed to coincide with the triennial Central European Biomass conference in Graz, Austria. The plan was to network with participants on behalf of a number of EBNet’s groups, but this fell through when …
IEA Bioenergy has published an Inter-Task report on Synergies of green hydrogen and biobased value chains deployment (see here for accompanying blog). An associated webinar is available here. Dr Luca Alibardi of Cranfield University, co-Lead of EBNet’s Anaerobic Fermentation WG, welcomed the report with the following comment: “The case study targeted a carbohydrate-rich wastewater, …
While the European Union is updating some of its sustainability and supply chain rules to simplify reporting requirements,  its new Bioeconomy Strategy published on 27 Nov 2025 shows both commitment and ambition. The new Strategy revises the 2012 version and its 2018 update. The four main goals identified in the Strategy …
A summary of key findings from a workshop on the Role of Anaerobic Fermentation in the Circular Bioeconomy is now available on the Resources page. The workshop was organised by EBNet’s Anaerobic Fermentation WG and was jointly funded by EBNet and our sister-NIBB the Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet). The Summary …
In a valuable and promising initiative, a joint Biorefinery and Biomethane event was held on 22 Oct 2025 at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The event was organised by IEA Bioenergy’s Task 42 Biorefining in a circular economy and Task 37 Energy from Biogas as part of a two-day joint …
Dr Yue Zhang’s invited talk on The Anaerobic Fermentation Working Group, and the role of Anaerobic Fermentation in the circular bio-economy is now available here on EBNet’s Youtube channel. The talk was given at the 4th BBNet conference The Future Prospects for Biorefining: Feedstocks, Technologies & Products held on 15-17 Oct …
An IEA Inter-Task report on Synergies for bioenergy supply chain in Bioeconomy networks describes efforts to expand the current linear value chain perspective into a broader network-based view of bioenergy and bioeconomy systems. The report introduces a framework to help identify and leverage synergies between bioenergy supply chains, biobased materials …
A recent review paper looks at the application of anaerobic digestion (AD) for treatment of tannery wastes – including waste generated in leather production, and sludges from the treatment of tannery effluents. Leather production has historically been a notoriously polluting process, and despite technology improvements it continues to produce a …
The Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) is hosting three free online sessions introducing key concepts in Bio-based and Biodegradable Materials for the circular bioeconomy. These sessions may be of interest to all EBNet members, especially ECRs and those interested in the activities of our Anaerobic Fermentation WG. Demystifying the …
Application deadline: Sun 21 Sept 2025 23:00 UK Dates: 09:00 on 20 Nov to 17:00 on 21 Nov 2025 Venue: Radisson Hotel York (day 1) & Biorenewables Development Centre, York (day 2) IB scale-up course: From concept to kilos: scaling-up in biorefining The Biomass & Biorefinery Network (BBNet) is accepting …
Earlier this year UKWIR published a study entitled Circular Economy – Water Treatment Sludges, which aimed to assess the current uses and marketplace for water sludges. The work forms part of UKWIR’s Big Question 11 – how do we embed and maximise a sustainable circular economy within the water sector …
A recent piece in the Insights section of CIWM’s Circular Online journal has the intriguing title, Does the Circular Economy give you the ick? The article, by Trewin Restorick of Sizzle Innovation, makes the point that while many sources talk up public enthusiasm for the circular economy, there is genuine …
Two recent reports by IEA Bioenergy’s Task 43 add to the literature on assessing and tracking the availability of biomass feedstocks for production of bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts. The Review of feedstock supply for bioenergy in selected IEA Bioenergy member countries aims to define and inform a structured framework for …
