Denmark: a platform for the advancement of biosolutions – case studies of new solutions in practice
Denmark is building on its long heritage of industrial applications of fermentation technology to spearhead the introduction of biosolutions across a range of sectors, such as food and beverages, construction materials, textiles, in agriculture for crop and soil protection, energy production but also waste heat and carbon capture, and many more.
Biosolutions can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster sustainable growth, with potential impacts in reducing food waste and land use, enhancing biodiversity, and creating high-paying jobs that contribute to Denmark’s overall sustainability agenda.
“Biosolutions are a driving force for economic development and sustainability, and Denmark offers the right platform to invent, scale, and mainstream these important technological advancements. We proudly invite international partners to explore the unique opportunities in Denmark's biosolutions sector, with a rich history in the industrial application of fermentation and enzyme technologies and continued position at the forefront of innovation. We offer a collaborative ecosystem involving academia, industry, and government, supported by world-class research facilities and a commitment to sustainable practices. Investing in Denmark means joining a community dedicated to pioneering a bio-economy, where green growth and innovation are not just goals, but increasingly becoming a reality."
Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) - The industrial revolution was defined by huge factories. The bio-revolution is defined by 'micro-factories'
The factories of the future will be microorganisms like yeast, bacteria, and algae. The industrial base of the future will be based on biology, with a reduction of fossil fuels as an input into economic growth. To make this vision a reality, an entire set of legacy technologies and supporting systems will be disrupted and new approaches will need to be implemented. The Confederation of Danish Industries (Dansk Industri or commonly known as DI) plays a key role in coordinating the collaboration among authorities, companies, and researchers to overcome barriers and implement biosolutions effectively. Companies based in Denmark, whether home-grown or headquartered abroad, have the opportunity to collaborate through the coordination function played by DI.
“The economic potential of biosolutions in Denmark is immense. This sector not only aligns with global sustainability trends but also presents substantial opportunities for economic growth. By investing in biosolutions, we are tapping into a market poised for expansion, driving innovation, and creating high-value jobs. It's a sector where economic advancement goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility, building on Denmark’s position as a key player in the global bioeconomy."
Food Nation: Reducing the climate footprint of our food production and consumption
The food system is ground zero for biosolutions. Approximately a third of all greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food production and consumption patterns, and a transformation of the food system will make a major impact on sustainability objectives. Biosololutions offer a way of achieving significant progress towards this transformation. The possibilities for the food system demonstrate the range of applications, from alternative sources of protein to technologies for extending the useful shelf life of products to managing waste and upcycling byproducts.
The case studies highlighted by Food Nation emphasize the urgent need to transform our global food systems to support a growing population and declining biodiversity, while reducing the climate impact of food production and consumption. Nature-inspired, industrially-applied tools like enzymes, fermentation, and biorefining are instrumental in transitioning to a bio-based economy, optimizing resource use, and reducing waste.
“Denmark's advancements in biosolutions are pivotal for revolutionizing global food systems. These innovations have the potential to drastically improve land use efficiency and sustainability. By harnessing nature's own mechanisms, like fermentation and biorefining, we can produce food more sustainably, reduce waste, and lessen the environmental impact of the food system. Denmark has set ambitious targets and we intend to achieve them. International partners play an important role in helping us identify and scale innovative solutions."