In 2023 four Dutch ministries launched a shared program to promote biobased value chains: National Approach for Biobased Buildings (NABB).
It comprises an integrated program worth €200 million, which will be in place for multiple years. It focuses on both promoting demand (new biobased housing and product development) as well as supply (more fibre crops and regional value chains). With this, The Netherlands want to shift from fossil/mineral based materials towards biobased materials that can be grown in their own region or Europe.
In the file below, we elaborated on the NABB and how the Frisian region is working on developing the biobased value chains on hemp, flax, cattail and miscanthus. Through the Circulair Friesland Association, over 40 new construction projects will have biobased criteria set by regional governments, project developers and social housing cooperatives. Moreover, construction companies, architects, education, product developers and farmers work together on creating new value chains. Of the new biobased value chains, the Frisian hemp chain is the most developed, with over 500 hectares grown in 2024 and over 400 houses that will be renovated with Frisian hemp insulation. In 2025 a new factory will open in the region to have the value chain completely regional, with benefits for farmers, builders and residents. The biobased economy is fostered by ‘just doing it’ and new cooperations in value chains.
