John Vos, from BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, partner of the BIOSWITCH project

What’s your role within the BIOSWITCH project?

I have a very diverse role in this project. I’m helping to make connections with similar earlier projects, and the results these generated. I’ve contributed to the approach and the questions used in the brand owner and consumer surveys and I’ve also coordinated the development of, and was a main provider of content for, the communication material tools. And last but not least I lead the identification of a series of best practice cases on companies that switched to bio-based.  

How does your entity contribute to the bioeconomy? 

The involvement of BTG Biomass Technology Group in the bioeconomy is of two kinds. As technology innovators, we develop and commercialise proprietary pyrolysis technologies and processes to produce bio-based materials and products from fast pyrolysis liquids. As consultants, we offer our expertise on technologies and markets for bio-based products and support awareness-raising in this field.

In our EU-supported market uptake projects, we inform and engage with a wide range of audiences (including public procurers, bio-based and chemical industries, waste management companies, students and citizens, as well as the general public) about practical opportunities and hot-topic issues in the bio-economy.

What do you expect to achieve within the framework of the BIOSWITCH project?

To investigate and bundle knowledge on inspirational good practices in bio-based production and on information needs of both bio-based producers and consumers in easy-to-grasp formats that help foster the switch of these groups towards socially and environmentally responsible behaviour.

Where do you think the main change should be produced to boost bio-based alternatives in replacement for fossil-based ones?

In my opinion, a smart combination of technology push and market pull instruments is essential to give bio-based alternatives a real boost. Growing demand from consumers for more sustainable products has been noticeable and is highly welcome. Nonetheless supportive legislation and a level field with other biomass applications (like renewable energy production) are key for an acceleration in the take-off of bio-based production and consumption with a low environmental footprint.