The Catalan government spurs green transformation with a biological resource reuse strategy

The Bioeconomy Strategy 2030 means to spur the growth and sustainable development of the Catalan economy with greater competitiveness in the primary sector and job creation.

The Catalan Generalitat Government has approved Catalonia’s Bioeconomy Strategy 2030, a roadmap for the transition to a new economic model based on the optimal use of renewable biological resources. Making clothes from seaweed or wood; producing automotive components from rice straw; or creating drinks for athletes with surplus whey from the dairy industry are examples of the circular bioeconomy and the green transformation that the New Republican Generalitat has promised to spur, along with a social, feminist and democratic transformation.

The main objectives of the strategy, which will give forestry, agrifood and maritime products a second life, are the growth and sustainable development of the Catalan economy in a context of climate emergency, a need for greater competitiveness in the primary sector, and job creation. The strategy will be led by the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda.

Among the specific measures that are to be taken is the creation of a Bioeconomy Hub, which will connect actors from different industries, creating new trade synergies. For example, it could make it easy for a sports-drink company to take advantage of residual products from a dairy factory to make a new energy product. The government will also continue to provide financial support for projects that promote the circular economy and the reuse of waste.

The ministry, led by Teresa Jordà, has drawn up this strategy with the collaboration of a commission made up of representatives from other government departments, research centres and universities, the businesses and social agents involved, and the public. And in order to encourage the coordinated management of the strategic deployment, a joint-management board will be set up, composed of all public and private agents committed to the Catalan bioeconomy.