Strengthening circular bioeconomy links with Norway

Biosirkel delegation visiting The National Robotarium

We were delighted to help welcome the Biosirkel delegation from Norway to Scotland this week, as part of a three-day study visit organised by Zero Waste Scotland.   The visit brought together partners from across Scotland’s bioeconomy ecosystem to share insights, showcase innovation and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Showcasing Scotland’s strengths

With presentations from Zero Waste Scotland, Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Scottish Enterprise, Institute of Aquaculture, Scottish Ocean Cluster, Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh Genome Foundry, UK Biochar Research Centre, the programme highlighted a strong cross-section of Scotland’s innovation landscape.

IBioIC hosted the start of this 3-day delegation at the National Robotarium where early-stage Scottish companies shared insights and showcased Scotland's progress and opportunities in the circular bioeconomy.

Across each stop, there was a clear sense of Scotland’s strengths in industrial biotechnology, low-carbon innovation and circular approaches to resource use.

‍Collaboration at the core

A key theme throughout the visit was collaboration. From early-stage company showcases and research facility tours to knowledge exchange sessions, there was strong engagement on both sides.

‍We were particularly pleased to hear directly from the Biosirkel delegation about the innovative bioeconomy projects underway in Norway, and their strong interest in developing industrial synergies with Scotland.  Their ambition to build connections and explore joint opportunities aligns closely with our own priorities around circular economy growth and international partnership.

‍It also closely aligns with the ambitions of the European Circular Innovation Valley (ECIV) project, building stronger ecosystems, accelerating collaboration and turning circular principles into real-world opportunities.

‍Looking ahead

The visit reinforced the value of bringing together international partners to share expertise, spark ideas and identify areas for collaboration. 

‍Ciaran McGuigan, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "It's been wonderful to welcome the Biosirkel delegation to Scotland in what has been a fantastic week of conversation, inspiration, and collaboration. From hearing about their innovative work in Norway, to exploring the many opportunities we have to work together. Visits like these do so much to strengthen our partnerships - enabling us to further our shared commitment in progressing circularity in the bioeconomy industry, while highlighting Scotland as a key player in this space. We look forward to further visits like these in the future."

‍There is clear potential to build on this engagement, particularly around industrial symbiosis, bioprocessing and scaling sustainable solutions, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with our Norwegian colleagues in the months ahead.

‍A big thank you to Zero Waste Scotland for organising an excellent programme, and to all partners who contributed to making the visit such a success.