BIOINNOVATION STRATEGIC AGENDA 1
- 2 - The bioeconomy’s size, raw materials and pr
oducts The EU bioeconomy has a turnover of around 2 billion Euros every year and employs more than 22 million people. Statistics Sweden, SCB, has developed statistics for the Swedish bioeconomy, which are based on statistics for industries and businesses producing goods or services that, wholly or in part, relate to the use of biomass. The Swedish bioeconomy is estimated at an annual value of 258 billion Swedish Kronor, or six percent of GDP in 2015, and it employs approximately 330,000 people.3 Around half of the value added comes from industries that Statistics Sweden classifies as 100 percent bioeconomic – such as agriculture and forestry, food, wood, paper and pulp. The other half comes from industries that are classified as bioeconomic only in part – for example textiles, construction and chemistry. Virtually everything that can be made from fossil raw materials can be made from biomass. This realisation means that there is enormous potential and many opportunities to replace climate-impacting materials and chemicals with bio-based alternatives, so-called substitution. The environmental benefits of circular bioeconomics can come from fossil raw materials being replaced by bio raw materials, but also through the circulation of bio raw materials. We have particularly good conditions in Sweden, for taking a leading role in development. There are several examples of global industrial companies here, with the broad competence both to produce resource-efficiently, and to deliver resource-efficient solutions. In addition to these companies, there are many small and medium-sized companies that play an important role in the development of new technology and new value for customers. There is world-class research here, skilled innovators and a strong desire to invest in fossil-free alternatives. And above all, there is extensive access to biomass in Sweden. The sustainably used forest is a great resource for the Swedish bioeconomy. Wood is the main raw material for a wide range of 6 Photo: Per Pixel Petersson, Södra