Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR)

WFBR (Wageningen Food & Biobased Research) plays a leading role in the transition towards bio‑based and circular composite materials, leveraging its expertise in design and development of novel biomass-derived monomers and building blocks, polymer science, biomass valorization, and sustainable product design and development. Their work focuses on replacing fossil‑based composites with renewable alternatives derived from non-food agricultural feedstocks such as lignocellulosic fibers, starch, and bio‑polymers. WFBR develops both biobased resins and natural‑fiber reinforcements, enabling composite systems with lower environmental footprints and improved end‑of‑life options. They are specialized in design and development of both high- and low-performance resins tailored for a wild range of applications.

A major part of their activity centers on circularity, where WFBR explores thermal,  mechanical and chemical recycling routes for composite materials, designs composites for easier disassembly, and evaluates waste‑to‑resource pathways. Their polymer recycling expertise allows them to support companies in creating recyclable or partially recyclable composite structures, addressing one of the biggest challenges in the composites industry.

WFBR also works on process innovation, optimizing biomass fractionation, polymer synthesis, and composite manufacturing techniques to ensure industrial scalability. They collaborate closely with industry partners to validate new materials, perform performance testing, and conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to quantify environmental benefits.

Their developments target a wide range of applications where sustainability, lightweighting, and performance intersect. Key sectors include automotive (interior panels, lightweight structures), construction (façade elements, insulation panels), aerospace & Defense (under the hood parts, drone frames, additive manufacturing/3D printing), consumer goods (durable housings, sports equipment), packaging (rigid bio‑composites), and agriculture/horticulture (biodegradable stakes, trays, and tools). Through these efforts, WFBR helps industries shift toward low‑carbon, renewable, and circular composite solutions that meet both performance and sustainability demands.