Over the last decade, the UK’s biorefining sector has evolved from a nascent research-driven field into a critical component of the nation’s bioeconomy. Public investment, notably through BBSRC’s £413 million commitment and initiatives such as the IB Catalyst and NIBB networks, has delivered significant returns in intellectual property, spin-outs and collaborative research. These efforts have positioned the UK as a global leader in industrial biotechnology research and innovation, with strong academic capabilities and regional clusters driving progress, such as Scotland and Yorkshire.

The UK stands at a crossroads. It possesses world-class research, strong regional capabilities and proven commercial successes. Yet, without bold and coordinated action, these strengths risk being overshadowed by structural weaknesses and international competition. Biorefining is not only an industrial opportunity, but also a strategic imperative for achieving net zero, enhancing economic resilience, and securing global leadership in sustainable manufacturing.

By investing in infrastructure, mobilising feedstocks and delivering coherent policy frameworks, the UK can unlock the full potential of its bioeconomy, creating green jobs, driving innovation and positioning itself as a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.

This report, commissioned by the Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet), assesses the evolution, current status and future prospects of the UK biorefining sector. It draws on a decade of published literature (2014–2024), stakeholder engagement conducted in 2025, and economic analysis to identify barriers, opportunities, and strategic interventions required to unlock growth and global competitiveness of the UK’s biorefining sector.

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