The European Investment Bank (EIB) has revised its Paris Alignment Framework for low-carbon investments, introducing an important clarification for the bioeconomy sector.
The updated framework recognises that food and feed crops may be eligible feedstocks for bio-based materials and chemicals, provided that strict sustainability criteria are met and food security is not compromised.
This update sends a strong and positive signal to the bio-based innovation ecosystem, as it reinforces the role of responsible sourcing in enabling climate-aligned industrial development. Rather than excluding specific feedstock categories, the framework focuses on how materials are produced and sourced, ensuring that only practices consistent with environmental integrity and sustainability objectives are supported.
In particular, the revised approach highlights that bio-based value chains can be considered Paris-aligned when they demonstrably avoid negative impacts on food systems, adhere to sustainability safeguards, and contribute to credible decarbonisation pathways. This creates new opportunities for investment in sustainable bio-based materials and circular economy solutions across Europe.
