As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, driven by human consumption, so does the temperature of the planet. This is causing disease, food shortages, fuel poverty and a loss of biodiversity. We simply cannot afford to keep digging up fossil resources and releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The transition towards bio-based and biodegradable products and materials offers significant economic and environmental benefits. These materials, derived from renewable biological sources like plants, algae, or microorganisms, have the potential to replace traditional fossil-based products and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. These solutions will help to tackle global challenges and to create opportunities in the production of agri-foods, chemicals, materials, energy and fuel, as well as in health and the environment.