Wageningen Food & Biobased Research
As a preferred research partner for industries, governments and NGOs, we translate science into scalable and sustainable technological solutions across the full value chain — from raw materials to consumers — enabling evidence-based decisions for high-quality food and biobased products.
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About Wageningen Food & Biobased Research
At Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, we develop insights, technologies and practical innovations that help companies, governments and philanthropic organisations make well-informed, future-proof decisions. Our work addresses challenges related to food quality, sustainable production chains, renewable materials and circular solutions.
Our applied research spans the entire value chain: from developing and scaling up processing technologies and improving product formulations, to designing sustainable packaging, valorising side streams and closing material loops.
By combining our expertise in food and health, process technology, biobased and circular materials, sensory research and digital tools, we create solutions with measurable impact — ranging from climate-friendly production chains to biobased alternatives to fossil-based materials. This ensures that decisions are both scientifically sound and societally credible.
From bioresources to human needs: Translating front-line science to applied solutions that safeguard human needs through efficient use of bioresources.
We make a significant contribution to four transitions that are essential for a sustainable future:
Biobased and circular materials – developing renewable feedstocks, biobased chemicals, circular packaging and high-value applications for side streams.
Clean industries – process innovations that help companies reduce emissions, improve energy and resource efficiency and accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Responsible food production – strengthening sustainable, efficient and future-proof food chains, including reducing food loss and waste, improving preservation technologies and advancing the shift towards plant-based proteins.
Optimal nutrition – enabling healthy and sustainable food choices through product improvement, nutritional insights and tools that support evidence-based decision-making.
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research accelerates the transition to a circular, climate-resilient and healthy society every day. Together with our partners, we develop innovations that:
Reduce environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions – through more efficient processes, climate-friendly production chains and the replacement of fossil resources with biobased and circular alternatives.
Maximise the value of agricultural and biobased resources – with technologies for full biomass utilisation, high-value upcycling and smart chain designs that prevent losses and waste.
Strengthen food security and supply chain resilience – by enabling energy-efficient preservation, reducing food loss and waste, and supporting robust ingredient strategies and systems that can withstand climate and market shocks.
Support evidence-based decision-making and policy – through models, health and material assessments, systems analysis and scientifically grounded advice.
Through close collaboration with leading companies and institutions, our research directly contributes to measurable change – from the introduction of recyclable packaging materials and sustainable plastics to the development of climate-friendly food systems and circular value chains.
We believe that lasting impact starts with strong partnerships. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research works with industry, governments, and NGOs in a variety of ways — from strategic research collaborations and public-private partnerships to contract research and consultancy.
Our experts combine in-depth scientific knowledge with practical experience to co-create solutions tailored to your specific challenges.
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