On 24 March, the SustaiNext project was presented at the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026, organised by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), one of the key European platforms bringing together stakeholders across the circular bioeconomy.
During the event, SustaiNext was showcased by its project coordinator, José María Pinilla (Natac), who highlighted the project’s ambition to bridge the gap between research and real-world industrial deployment. As a flagship initiative, SustaiNext aims to scale up a new generation of plant extract production based on a sustainable, circular and digital biorefinery model.
In parallel, SustaiNext was also featured in the event’s exhibition, which presented bio-based materials, products and technologies developed by CBE JU-funded projects. Visitors explored the origins of the feedstocks for innovative solutions and learned how each product supports Europe’s industrial transformation and climate goals.
Within this framework, SustaiNext was showcased under the “Food & feed” category, highlighting its developments in capsules and botanical powder extracts. More information about the exhibition is available here.
The participation in the forum marked an important step in positioning SustaiNext within the European innovation landscape, reinforcing its role in advancing the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive biocircular economy.
In addition, Antonio Delgado-Romero, CEO of Natac, contributed to a panel discussion, sharing key reflections on the role of flagship projects in driving industrial transformation. He underlined that initiatives supported by CBE JU not only benefit from financial backing, but also represent a recognised seal of excellence at European level.
He also emphasised the importance of integrating the entire value chain and fostering win–win collaboration models among stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and long-term impact.
SustaiNext’s presence at CBESF2026 underscores the growing importance of large-scale innovation projects in speeding up sustainable solutions and reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the circular bioeconomy.
