A new study commissioned by Cepi highlights rapid growth in Europe’s wood fibre-based biorefinery sector, which has more than doubled its turnover to €6 billion since 2021.
Conducted by Germany’s nova-Institute, the research showcases how biorefineries are poised to replace fossil-based products across multiple industries by producing sustainable alternatives derived from biomass.
Biorefineries convert organic materials, primarily wood, into a variety of byproducts such as chemicals, fuels, materials, and energy. The study identifies 143 biorefineries across Europe, including 126 operational and 17 in development. Key players include countries like Sweden, Finland, Germany, Portugal, and Austria, but the biorefinery footprint extends across 18 European nations.
The products generated by these facilities provide greener alternatives to those typically supplied by Europe’s petrochemical industry, catering to a growing demand from sectors such as aviation, fashion, and pharmaceuticals seeking sustainable solutions.
Currently, biorefineries contribute to 6% of the turnover in Europe’s pulp and paper industry. The sector is expected to grow by 5% annually through 2050, as companies diversify revenue streams and improve resource efficiency. Crucially, these biorefineries are projected to reduce over 3.1 megatons of CO2 emissions by replacing fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives, helping Europe move closer to its climate targets.
Jori Ringman, Cepi’s Director General, underscored the potential: “No other industry can combine the scale and expertise required to innovate with bio-based products, presenting significant growth opportunities for Europe’s economy.”
The full study emphasizes the role of biorefineries in driving Europe’s bioeconomy while supporting climate goals.
Link to Cepi’s biorefinery report executive summary.
About Cepi
Cepi is the European association representing the paper industry, providing a range of renewable and recyclable wood-based fibre solutions, including packaging, textiles, hygiene products, printing papers, bio-chemicals, bio-composites, and bioenergy. Sourcing 85% of raw materials sustainably from Europe, the industry leads in recycling, with a rate of 70.5%. Committed to decarbonisation and industrial transformation, Cepi contributes €25 billion to the EU economy, investing €5 billion annually. Representing 480 companies and 860 mills, Cepi supports over 179,500 direct jobs through its 18 national associations.
