The Green Elephant Alliance: From Fossil to Biobased - Collaboration Central
20-05-2026
During the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE), The Green Elephant Alliance was launched yesterday. This new alliance brings together organizations that share the same ambition: to replace fossil raw materials with sustainable, bio-based materials for fuels, chemicals, and materials. During the launch, Peter Berben (ChemistryNL) handed over the investment brochure on behalf of the alliance to Rogier van Tooren from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Gezamenlijke agenda richting politiek en maatschappij
By combining knowledge, networks, and momentum, the alliance aims to accelerate the transition to a biobased economy. The Green Elephant Alliance focuses on several key priorities. The alliance seeks to actively contribute to communication and awareness surrounding biobased solutions while strengthening the societal debate about them. Additionally, the parties are pooling their efforts to influence government and political agendas, making biobased solutions more prominent among policymakers and administrators. Identifying opportunities, challenges, and innovations within the biobased economy is also a critical pillar.
With its launch during the EUBCE, The Green Elephant Alliance is taking the next step in connecting parties that want to build a sustainable, circular economy in which fossil resources are gradually replaced by renewable alternatives.
Biobased raw materials present an opportunity for the Netherlands
In the provided brochure, the alliance outlines how strategic investments in biobased raw materials can contribute to a future-proof economy, a sustainable industry, and a stronger agrifood sector. Specific projects and systemic solutions are presented, showcasing how agricultural residues and waste can be utilized for the production of sustainable chemicals, materials, and fuels. It is also emphasized that the Netherlands has a strong starting position due to the combination of an innovative agricultural sector, a high-quality chemical industry, and robust logistical infrastructure.
The alliance consists of VNCI, ChemistryNL, Groene Chemie Nieuwe Economie, BioBased Circular, Platform Bio-Economie, Platform Hernieuwbare Brandstoffen, and Energy Innovation NL. Organizations that share this ambition are invited to join forces to further strengthen the biobased transition.