EBIC’s session recognised as official EU Green Week partner
May 2025
EU Green Week at the EBIC Summit
One of the parallel problem-solving sessions that will take place at this year’s Summit, ‘Fostering Innovation on Animal By-Products in the Circular Economy’, has been officially selected as a Partner Event of EU Green Week 2025, recognising its relevance to EU policy priorities on sustainability, resource use, and innovation.
Taking place on 12 June 2025 as part of a breakaway session during the day, the session will bring together leading voices from industry and policy to address regulatory and innovation challenges around animal by-products (ABPs). They are a key input for plant biostimulants and have significant potential for contributing to a circular bioeconomy.
A timely discussion at the intersection of circularity and regulation
The use of animal by-products in fertilising products is currently restricted by regulatory inconsistencies and outdated assumptions about risk. These materials have proven to offer an opportunity to reduce waste, support nutrient cycling, and improve the sustainability of EU agriculture, which are central goals of within the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
“Unlocking safe and circular uses of animal by-products is not just a technical issue — it’s a regulatory and political opportunity,” said Kristen Sukalac, EBIC Consultant. “This session will help chart a path forward for enabling innovation while upholding safety and building farmer confidence.”
Featured Speakers
The panel will feature:
- Jacques Pidoux, Chairman, BCF Life Sciences and EBIC member
- Aline Granjard, Policy Officer, European Compost Network (ECN)
- Arnaud Bouxin, Director for Feed Safety and Regulatory Affairs, FEFAC
Collectively, these speakers bring expertise in bio-based innovation, bio-waste recycling, and feed safety, ensuring that this session will bridge both policy and practice in relation to safe revalorisation of animal by-products in the food, feed and fertilising value chains.
More than a biostimulant issue
EBIC has consistently called for science-based updates to EU regulations that currently limit the use of ABPs in fertilising products under the Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). This issue was raised in our recently released position paper calling for simplification of EU regulation, were we stated that enabling their safe use aligns with the EU’s circular economy goals, helps farmers diversify their inputs, and reduces dependence on synthetic alternatives.
This EU Green Week partner session offers a platform to confront barriers and explore practical policy solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment. Find out more about other EU Green Week events or register your interest in the Summit.