<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><texts method="xml-texts">
<page method="xml-texts" num="1"><![CDATA[Biomass a source of innovative molecules and materials Enter Enter Enter kit Press Version française Version française Version française]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="2"><![CDATA[Sum -mary Introduction Introduction Introduction Harvesting the bounty of biomass Harvesting the bounty of biomass Harvesting the bounty of biomass Transforming complex materials Transforming complex materials Transforming complex materials Transitioning towards low-carbon industries Transitioning towards low-carbon industries Transitioning towards low-carbon industries INRAE resources for buildingthe bioeconomy INRAE resources for buildingthe bioeconomy INRAE resources for buildingthe bioeconomy]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="3"><![CDATA[Intro -duction 00. Building a strong bioeconomy is crucial if we wish to achieve carbon neutrality and limit greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This process requires us to effectively produce, mobilise, and transform biomass . We must replace our current economic model—based on fossil fuels—with a circular economy that is based on bioresources. This task requires prioritising food and feed production while simultaneously directing biomass towards the development of renewable molecules, materials, and energies, all while preserving the environment and biodiversity. In this spirit, the European Green Deal aims to boost economic growth in the EU while simultaneously limiting natural resource use, which has tripled over the last 50 years. INRAE scientists are exploring how products and byproducts can be transformed into new molecules and biomaterials with utility in a wide range of sectors, including the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, medical, chemical, agricultural, food processing, automotive, and construction industries.]]>
<container id="_idContainer109" parent_id="_idContainer110"><![CDATA[Biomass the biodegradable part of 1) products, residues, and waste resulting from the agricultural and forestry industries (plus related industries) and 2) industrial and household waste.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer112" parent_id="_idContainer113"><![CDATA[Biomaterials In the context of the bioeconomy, «biomaterials» is a synonym for biobased materials; originally, biomaterials was a term exclusive to the medical industry.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="4"><![CDATA[Intro -duction Closing bioeconomic loops]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="5"><![CDATA[Harvesting the bounty of biomass 01.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="6"><![CDATA[The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that, by 2050, the global population could be consuming up to 140 billion tonnes of minerals, ore, fossil fuels, and biomass per year, a three-fold increase over current levels. Clearly, we must develop worldwide systems for transforming, exploiting, and reusing biomass to promote sustainable and purposeful usage as well as to foster greater planetary health. Harvesting the bounty of biomass Bones yield useful molecules Bones yield useful molecules Bones yield useful molecules Making rubber from tomato peelings Making rubber from tomato peelings Making rubber from tomato peelings New business models to valorise olive by-products New business models to valorise olive by-products New business models to valorise olive by-products]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="7"><![CDATA[Bones yield useful molecules Harvesting the bounty of biomass 01. In the livestock production system for meat and milk, nearly 50% of the animal weight ends up as residue. To increase bioresources efficiency, INRAE researchers are exploring how these residues can be transformed into valuable commodities. They have found that animal bones contain beneficial molecules with antioxidant, antidiabetic, haemostatic and antihypertensive properties. These molecules also possess functional features and can act as gelling agents, plasticisers and flame retardants. For example, the researchers highlighted the antioxidant effects of bone-derived molecules in meat products and butter. In addition, they are studying how these compounds perform mechanically and thermally when used to formulate bio-based plastics with flame retardant properties. 1. Vincenza Ferraro / BIA Research Unit /TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Pays de la Loire]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="8"><![CDATA[Finally, as part of a collaboration with the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, INRAE scientists have characterised the haemostatic action of bone-derived molecules and have obtained promising results. In short, animal bones are a rich supply of resources, whose valorisation can have an important role to promote the food transition. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="9"><![CDATA[Making rubber from tomato peelings The fruit industry produces large amount of by-product, making it an important target for the development of the circular economy. Researchers at INRAE have been particularly interested in the structure and function of the fruit cuticle. They have developed a process for hydrolysing the cuticle to release its constituent compounds for instance from tomato industry. The researchers found that the cuticle is thin, hydrophobic, insoluble and elastic. By taking inspiration from this cuticle, they were able to create a 100% natural, biodegradable rubber. This environmentally-friendly bio-sourced material could be used to generate small quantities of high-value commercial products. It could also be used to design composite materials. 2. Bénédicte Bakan / BIA Research Unit / TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Pays de la Loire Harvesting the bounty of biomass 01.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="10"><![CDATA[For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="11"><![CDATA[New business models to valorise olive by-products Long unexploited or only very little, the by-products of olive oil production are full of important treasures. As part of the COLIVE projet, INRAE studied the strategies and conditions of companies in this sector for the recovery of its by-products in the Mediterranean basin. The scientists have identified that new business models are emerging that valorise residues from olive oil production for multiple uses in the context of a circular economy. Despite the often high cost of such a valorisation, various initiatives continue to emerge. For example, in Morocco, the company Aveo transforms local biomass into energy to power luxury hotels. In Spain, Elayo Group produces high-end food ingredients and cosmetics made from olive seeds, while in France, the company Méditerranée Environnement spreads crushed olive stones on the artificial turf of football stadiums, replacing rubber balls. 3. Mechthild Donner / MOISA Research Unit / ECOSOCIO Division INRAE Centre of Occitanie-Montpellier Harvesting the bounty of biomass 01.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="12"><![CDATA[However, the study shows that the majority of companies that are involved in these activities do not communicate much about the use of by-products. While these initiatives are acclaimed by consumers who are increasingly including environmental criteria in their purchasing processes. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="13"><![CDATA[Transforming complex materials 02.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="14"><![CDATA[Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers are developing new ways to break down plant matter, a key process in green chemistry. These methodologies have promising industrial applications. Transforming complex materials Camelina: a source of custom-made oils Camelina: a source of custom-made oils Camelina: a source of custom-made oils Flaxseed makes lots! Flaxseed makes lots! Flaxseed makes lots! Transforming wood with chemistry Transforming wood with chemistry Transforming wood with chemistry Extracting plant compounds from lignins Extracting plant compounds from lignins Extracting plant compounds from lignins]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="15"><![CDATA[Flaxseed makes lots! Transforming complex materials 02. Textile plants as well as linseed plants can be used in their entirety to generate products that meet growing consumer expectations for transformed and recycled goods. Around 75% of all flax production occurs in Western Europe. INRAE researchers have thus been collaborating with Italian scientists to study the ways in which flaxseed can be incorporated into composite materials. They have found that flaxseed holds promise across nearly all industries, from construction to animal feed.The researchers underscored that humans have been using the plant’s long fibres to create fabric for millennia. 1. Johnny Beaugrand / BIA Research Unit / TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Pays de la Loire]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="16"><![CDATA[The woody byproducts of production can be used as mulch or animal bedding. The automotive industry also uses the plant to line the trunks, dashboards, and doors of vehicles, reducing overall mass and fuel consumption. Finally, the researchers noted that the construction industry can use linseed-derived products as thermal and sound insulation. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="17"><![CDATA[Camelina: a source of custom-made oils As the agroecological transition has taken off, so has the popularity of camelina. This plant grows well on poor-quality soils and is particularly tolerant to abiotic stress, like water and thermal stress. It can also be grown alongside other plants, such as legumes (e.g., peas or lentils), to provide structural support limiting lodging effect while allowing double harvests. However, INRAE researchers are interested in camelina for additional reasons. It has the potential to serve as a model plant species in the agricultural sciences, given its close evolutionary proximity to the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress). Moreover, camelina has a short life cycle compared to other crops and its seeds are larger than those 2. Jean-Denis Faure / IJPB Joint Research Unit / BAP Division INRAE Centre of Île-de-France-Versailles-Saclay Transforming complex materials 02.]]>
<container id="_idContainer498" parent_id="_idContainer499"><![CDATA[Biotic or abiotic stress Stress caused by living organisms or environmental factors, respectively; examples include extreme temperatures, extreme levels of relative humidity, and the presence of certain chemical compounds.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer501" parent_id="_idContainer502"><![CDATA[Camelina A herbaceous plant with small yellow flowers that produces oil-rich seeds.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="18"><![CDATA[of A. thaliana, making them easier to handle. Like rapeseed and wheat, camelina also displays polyploidy with several subgenomes. The researchers are studying how these very similar subgenomes interact during sexual reproduction. Finally, they are breeding camelina varieties for the production of oils with different profile for various applications for health, food, feed, and cosmetic industries. Increasing genetic diversity of camelina will help diversify the oilseed industry while promoting more sustainable agricultural systems. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="19"><![CDATA[Extracting plant compounds from lignins Worldwide, the paper industry and bioethanol production generate more than 50 million tonnes of lignins. In addition to supplying energy, these byproducts could also furnish many plant-based molecules of interest. Consequently, INRAE researchers and their collaborators have been exploring how to obtain useful ingredients and materials from lignins, their associated recalcitrant cellulose, and the humins arising from sugar condensation. This work was the focus of the ZELCOR project. Researchers broke down, transformed, and reassembled these byproducts, employing environmentally friendly methodologies and cascading. The overarching aim was to generate as much value as possible from the products of interest. To this end, the researchers used enzymes, an approach that aligns with green chemistry principles. More specifically, they took a detailed look at populations of bacteria, fungi, and insect microbiota and identified 16 previously unknown enzymes capable of modifying lignin structure and function. These enzymes were then produced at different scales 3. Stéphanie Baumberger / IJPB Joint Research Unit / BAP Division INRAE Centre of Île-de-France-Versailles-Saclay Transforming complex materials 02.]]>
<container id="_idContainer570" parent_id="_idContainer571"><![CDATA[Lignins biological compounds that are one of the main components of wood, along with cellulose and hemicelluloses.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer573" parent_id="_idContainer574"><![CDATA[Cellulose a compound found in plant cell walls that is used to manufacture paper and textiles.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer576" parent_id="_idContainer577"><![CDATA[Humins The insoluble organic matter present in soils.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="20"><![CDATA[at INRAE and the University of Warwick in the UK. The researchers found that one enzyme could induce water dispersibility in lignin fractions that are only soluble in organic solvents, which are pollutants. Other enzymes were found to transform lignin such that it acquired adhesive properties and could be used to ensure the cohesiveness of materials such as particleboard. However, the researchers emphasised that enzyme «cocktails» maximised biocatalyst performance. Now, it is up to private stakeholders to develop industries that exploit this valuable form of waste. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="21"><![CDATA[Transforming wood with chemistry Tree bark, wood and knots contain precious chemical compounds extractable with water or ethanol. Yet, very often bark and knots are used to produce energy, although bark could also serve as horticultural mulch. The EXTRAFOR_EST project (2017–2021) paves the way for a future sector in which chemistry and forestry will join forces. In this project limited to major forest species of Eastern France, researchers evaluated the quantity of bark, knots, sawdust and other by-products, their respective extractable chemical compounds and highlighted their potential industrial uses. To name a few promising ones: for cosmetics, food supplements, feed supplements, biocontrol compounds, and crop bio-stimulants. A modelling of the different segments of innovative forest-chemical chains, from forest to chemistry markets, was also included. 4. Francis Colin / FARE Joint Research Unit / ECODIV Division INRAE Centre of Grand Est-Nancy Transforming complex materials 02.]]>
<container id="_idContainer647" parent_id="_idContainer648"><![CDATA[Biocontrol adjective referring to plant protection methods that use living organisms or natural substances to prevent or reduce the damage caused by insect pests, weeds, or pathogens.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer650" parent_id="_idContainer651"><![CDATA[Bio-stimulants inert substances or microorganisms used to improve plant functioning, soil functioning, or soil-plant interactions.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer653" parent_id="_idContainer654"><![CDATA[Horticultural mulch a layer of protective material (e.g., shavings, straw, or bark) that is applied to soils. Among its many functions are weed control, protection against soil erosion and extreme weather, and the preservation of soil moisture and nitrogen content.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="22"><![CDATA[For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="23"><![CDATA[Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="24"><![CDATA[We must speed up the adoption of agroecological practices to respond to the global climate emergency . This goal can be accomplished by establishing a circular bioeconomy that encourages the transformation and recycling of waste and residues. Indeed, something must be done to deal with the billions of tonnes of waste generated by the global population, which could swell to 9 billion by 2050 (source: recent UN and INED estimates). Additionally, the bioeconomic model accounts for all the social and environmental impacts of economic activities. Transitioning towards low-carbon industries Multifunctional enzymes Multifunctional enzymes Multifunctional enzymes Biodegradable packaging materials Biodegradable packaging materials Biodegradable packaging materials A European research infrastructure for biotechnology & biomanufacturing A European research infrastructure for biotechnology & biomanufacturing A European research infrastructure for biotechnology & biomanufacturing BETTER urban bioeconomies BETTER urban bioeconomies BETTER urban bioeconomies]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="25"><![CDATA[Biodegradablepackaging materials Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03. To reduce persistant micro and nanoparticles health and environmental impacts of petrochemical-based plastics, INRAE researchers are working with myriad other scientists to develop ecofriendly materials that offer a functional alternative to conventional non biodegradable plastics. The objective is to create food packaging from renewable but non food sourced materials, whose origin is liquid and solid agricultural residues. The liquid effluents are fermented by bacteria consortia, leading to the production of PHA, a polyester that biodegrades under natural conditions. The PHA is then mixed with solid agricultural byproducts (e.g., vine shoots or straw) that are rich in lignocellulose; byproduct quantity varies depending on food preservation requirements. With the circular economy in mind, the researchers have also developed modelling and decision-making tools and have successfully designed materials that can be reused and recycled, including as compost. 1. Natalie Gontard / IATE Joint Research Unit / TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Occitanie-Montpellier]]>
<container id="_idContainer785" parent_id="_idContainer786"><![CDATA[Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Biodegradable polyesters that naturally result from the bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="26"><![CDATA[The AgriLoop project illustrates how this concept can be applied at an international scale. It has brought together 35 collaborators in academia and industry from Europe and China and is using a frugal by design approach to develop minimalist biodegradable materials that can replace the plastics used on farms. For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="27"><![CDATA[Multifunctionalenzymes Focusing on the fungi that extract nutrients from dead wood in forests, INRAE researchers discovered powerful oxidative enzymes capable of breaking down the polysaccharides cellulose and chitin. They then incorporated these enzymes into new biotechnological processes that make it easier to recycle wood. Cellulose and chitin are the main targets given that they are highly resistant polymers. The broader aim is to use these biocatalysts as part of environmentally friendly processes applied at industrial scales. Using a collection of 3,000 fungal strains from all over the world, INRAE researchers at the International Centre for Microbial Resources identified previously unknown fungal enzymes that could be used to degrade artificial polymers that cause environmental harm. 2. Jean-Guy Berrin / BBF Joint Research Unit / TRANSFORM and MICA Divisions INRAE Centre of Province-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03.]]>
<container id="_idContainer852" parent_id="_idContainer853"><![CDATA[Chitin The main compound making up arthropod exoskeletons; it is also found in certain fungi and lichens.]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer855" parent_id="_idContainer856"><![CDATA[Polymers Macromolecules that are composed of smaller molecules called monomers (e.g., the polymer starch is made up of glucose monomers).]]></container>
<container id="_idContainer858" parent_id="_idContainer859"><![CDATA[Polysaccharides Complex carbohydrates comprising a large number of sugar monomers; cellulose and starch are polysaccharides.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="28"><![CDATA[For more information For more information For more information Reference Reference Reference]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="29"><![CDATA[BETTER urban bioeconomies The UN estimates that around 70% of the global population will be living in urban areas by 2050. These figures helped inspire the BETTER metaprogramme, launched in 2020. INRAE researchers and their collaborators are studying how to build bioeconomies within cities and between urban and rural areas, with the goal of making cities more sustainable. The metaprogramme seeks to help decision-makers account for socioeconomic, organisational, structural, and technological shifts so that cities can reduce waste production; improve waste recycling and recovery; and diminish the direct and indirect consumption of fossil fuels. Its goals include transitioning to zero net carbon emissions by 2050 contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals increasing resilience to unexpected events and crises The metaprogramme is striving to account for the needs and constraints of urban areas while simultaneously addressing the challenges that arise in neighbouring areas when cities 3. Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03. Sophie Thoyer / UMR CCE-M/ Centre of Montpellier Pascal Sarni / UMR SPO / Centre of Montpellier]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="30"><![CDATA[undertake a bioeconomic transition. BETTER’s five priorities are ensuring a food supply that is rooted in cities, optimising urban use and reuse of water and waste, striving for low carbon emissions in cities, improving urban metabolic systems, and transitioning to the cities of tomorrow. For more information For more information For more information]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="31"><![CDATA[A European research infrastructure for biotechnology & biomanufacturing Industrial biotechnology is a key driving force behind the bioeconomy transition. This branch of biotechnology uses microorganisms and their molecular machineries to obtain diverse products and services from renewable feedstocks such as biomass and organic waste. However, the broader-scale deployment of industrial biotechnology requires substantial resources and the mastery of multifarious skills. This necessity has given rise to IBISBA, a collaborative, INRAE-led European research infrastructure dedicated to supporting the growth of industrial biotechnology. IBISBA federates individual research facilities across Europe, organising these within a coordinated network. The goal is to support R&D efforts aimed at producing biotechnological concepts that can then be transferred to the commercial sector. Headquartered in France, IBISBA pools expertise and strengthens links among R&D players, with a view to 4. Michael O’Donohue / TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Occitanie-Toulouse Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03.]]>
<container id="_idContainer964" parent_id="_idContainer965"><![CDATA[Biotechnology technical methodologies that employ living organisms for industrial purposes; their use is particularly common in the food industry.]]></container>
</page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="32"><![CDATA[optimising the use of resources, enhancing knowledge sharing and accelerating R&D processes designed to deliver end to end bioprocess development. By providing essential infrastructure, IBISBA supports and boosts both public sector R&D and commercial entities, notably start-ups and SMEs. For example, previously IBISBA successfully supported Bisy GmbH, an Austrian start-up, performing R&D aimed at validating proprietary tools developed for use in yeast. These were tested at laboratory and pilot scales in fermentors. IBISBA is now playing an active role in the development of smart biomanufacturing, notably through its participation in European-funded projects such as Bioindustry 4.0 (Grant N° 101094287). Coordinated by INRAE, this project aims to contribute to the development of highly automated, smart bioprocesses and the integration of new information technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, cloud computing). For more information For more information For more information]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="33"><![CDATA[INRAE resources for building the bioeconomy The research activities of INRAE encompass a broad range of themes, utilizing various technological fields. The objective of the Institute is to develop Research Infrastructures (IR) across all these areas. While already coordinating IRs within its area of expertise, INRAE also supports generic IRs or those shared by multiple institutions. These infrastructures span various research domains, including bioeconomy. Below is an overview of some infrastructures INRAE in the field of biotechnology.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="34"><![CDATA[IBISBA IBISBA is a European research infrastructure dedicated to industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Headed by INRAE, IBISBA aims to provide the EU with innovative biotechnological solutions. It seeks to bolster the global transition towards a circular bioeconomy by creating a shared pool of European expertise and facilitating access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities. In this way, IBISBA is accelerating the production of knowledge and its transfer among European researchers and research infrastructures, thus nurturing a range of projects, particularly those focused on biotechnologies with industrial applications. IBISBA is also facilitating access to the equipment needed for biotechnology research in the EU. In addition, IBISBA wants to respond to scientific challenges by drawing strength from collaborations within Europe. Such is necessary if the new opportunities supplied by information technologies are to be translated into more sustainable circular bioeconomies. Website Website Website Website Website Website Watch video Watch video Watch video BIBS BIBS is a platform dedicated to the physicochemical characterisation of processed and unprocessed biobased resources at multiple scales, from molecules to whole objects. BIBS carries out structural analyses of biopolymers, multiscale and multimodal imaging, and data processing of spectra and imagery. The platform possesses top-level scientific equipment for conducting mass spectrometry, microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and chemical phenotyping. It processes orders from over 50 French, European, and international projects every year. Its main responsibilities are providing expertise and analytical support to researchers in the public and private sectors; developing innovative methodologies; and making specialised equipment accessible to trained users.]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="35"><![CDATA[CIRM-CF (International Microbial Resource Centre—Filamentous Fungi) The CIRM-CF is a biological resource centre dedicated to the filamentous fungi—mainly basidiomycetes and ascomycetes—that transform plant biomass. Strains of these fungi are collected in particular habitat types (e.g., temperate forests, tropical forests, polluted agroindustrial sites). With quality in mind, CIRM-CF has maintained ISO 9001 certification for its collections and services since 2006. This standard applies to the acquisition, authentication, conservation, distribution, and functional screening of fungal resources. . TWB (Toulouse White Biotechnology) Part of IBISBA, TWB is fuelling the growth of industrial biotechnologies through its commitment to finding concrete solutions that meet the needs of established stakeholders and entrepreneurs in the biotech industry. Starting from biobased commodities, TWB develops products and processes at varying scales (i.e., laboratories to pre-industrial pilots). Under the aegis of INRAE, INSA Toulouse, and CNRS, TWB and its staff of 70 provide support to established stakeholders and entrepreneurs who want to develop new production chains that are based on renewable carbon. Its objective is to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainable development. Website Website Website Website Website Website]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="36"><![CDATA[LBE (Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology) The Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology is a research unit within INRAE’s Occitanie-Montpellier Research Centre, located in Narbonne. It is affiliated with the divisions TRANSFORM (pilot), AgroEcoSystem, and MICA. LBE is conducting research to expand the functional breadth of environmental biorefineries. This task involves creating greater value from residues, waste, organic effluent, and certain types of biomass by creating products of industrial appeal (e.g., bioenergy, biomolecules, organic soil amendments and fertilisers) while also minimising environmental and health impacts. Website Website Website]]></page>
<page method="xml-texts" num="37"><![CDATA[kit Press Join us: inrae.fr/en/press Press service presse@inrae.fr]]></page>
</texts>
