As Europe accelerates its transition toward a sustainable, circular economy, the role of bio-based products is becoming increasingly central. At the forefront of this transformation is Aranzazu Pagán, a Research and Development Technician at CETENMA (Technological Center for Energy and the Environment), who has spent nearly a decade working on technological innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact. In a recent interview, Pagán shared her expertise on the promise, progress, and persistent challenges of integrating bio-based solutions into industrial practice.
At CETENMA, Pagán’s work spans environmental and energy initiatives that support companies in aligning their operations with circular economy principles. One area of focus is biorefineries, achieved through biological processes using genetically enhanced microbial strains. This type of innovation, while promising, is still in its developmental stages. Many bio-based processes remain at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), making them a risky investment for industries accustomed to more mature technologies. Pagán explained that “the main limitation in any biological process is performance,” because “Competing with chemical yields makes it very difficult to economically implement biological processes. Therefore, we genetically enhance certain strains to increase yield and obtain these products”.
Despite the early-stage nature of many bio-based processes, their environmental benefits are significant. Bio-based products offer the potential to dramatically reduce environmental impact, promote the reuse of waste, and support compliance with new environmental regulations. “Europe is betting strongly on these lines of research,” said Pagán, noting that EU investment in research has risen by nearly 10% in recent years. European directives on waste, fertilisers, and chemicals are creating a regulatory environment that encourages the shift to more sustainable products, both through enforcement and funding. Projects coordinated by CETENMA, similar to SECREted, illustrate the real-world potential of these innovations, offering renewable alternatives to traditionally petrochemical-derived compounds used in industries such as pharma and the plastic industry.
While the advantages are clear, the transition is not without significant hurdles. One major challenge is, as mentioned previously, economic feasibility. Setting up bio-based production lines often requires substantial investment in equipment and skilled personnel. Additionally, as Pagán points out, even in cases where a bio-based alternative exists, legislation may not yet allow for its commercialisation. “You can’t bring a product to market because the law doesn’t even recognise its possibility yet,” she noted, emphasising the lag between technological innovation and legislative support. There is also a talent gap. Bio-based technologies demand highly skilled professionals trained in microbiological and biochemical processes—skillsets not traditionally prevalent in more “traditional” industries. “It’s easier to bring people into a traditional workflow than into a bio-based line because you have to start everything from scratch,” she observed.
To bridge these gaps, strong policy incentives and public education are essential. While awareness is growing, especially among young people, Pagán believes that consumer behavior is still heavily influenced by price. “That’s where incentives from governments or institutions should come in—to offset costs for the end user,” she argued. She also highlighted the critical role of industry associations and clusters, which provide vital support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) navigating the complexities of bio-based transformation.
Though the road ahead is long, the momentum is unmistakable. With increasing investment, supportive regulation, and a gradual cultural shift toward sustainability, bio-based products are poised to play a central role in Europe’s industrial future.
