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Corbion

Corbion is a biotechnology company that produces food ingredients, lactic acid and lactic acid derivatives as well as algae.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU taxonomy - Review of the environmental delegated act

4 Dec 2025

Corbion welcomes the opportunity to provide input on the EU Taxonomy and supports its objective of directing capital toward truly sustainable activities. However, the Environmental Delegated Act currently limits eligibility to bio-waste, excluding sustainably sourced primary biomass, which risks slowing innovation and investment in the EU bioeconomy. 1. Replace the exclusion of primary biomass with sustainability-based criteria Annex II (Manufacturing of plastic packaging goods) excludes primary biomass unless legally agreed sustainability criteria exist, treating sustainably sourced biomass as non-sustainable despite compliance with EU rules. Evidence shows that sustainably cultivated primary biomass can support food security, biodiversity, rural development, and climate mitigation simultaneously (ISCC, 2021; JRC, 2021; Nova-Institute, 2025). Corbion recommends replacing the blanket exclusion with clear, measurable sustainability criteria, as outlined in the Annex. 2. Recognise all types of sustainably sourced biomass A circular bioeconomy requires access to all sustainably sourced biomass, not just bio-waste. Eligibility should be based on sustainability performance, recognise synergies across sectors, allow imports under harmonised criteria, and include Commission-recognised certification schemes. 3. Align Taxonomy with EU LCA and biogenic carbon methodologies Taxonomy criteria should reflect EU LCA, PEF, and biogenic carbon accounting to allow fair comparison with fossil-based materials. Key points include using harmonised LCA methods, applying the 1/+1 biogenic carbon approach, allowing recognised secondary data, and avoiding direct transfer of RED fuel GHG criteria to material uses. Early incentives for sustainable bio-based materials are essential while final LCA rules are still under development.
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Response to Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus

14 Oct 2025

As the European Commission moves to simplify food and feed regulations, Corbion welcomes the chance to share its perspective. We see this as an opportunity to enhance Europes competitiveness while staying true to our commitment to food safety and environmental responsibility. We believe that improving the efficiency of EU pre-market approval processes, especially the Novel Foods Regulation, is key to fostering innovation. Early involvement of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in evaluations could help ensure consistent interpretations across Member States, while offering tailored scientific advice during dossier preparation would help companies make better decisions and strengthen the quality of submissions. To address current delays and inefficiencies, we propose a more flexible approach to dossier handling. Instead of withdrawals due to late notifications, dossiers could be placed on hold to save time and costs. Consolidating EFSAs inquiries into a single batch would also streamline assessments and reduce unnecessary delays. We also see value in integrating SCoPAFF Opinions directly into binding legislation, which would create greater consistency across the EU. Clarifying definitions and justification methods within the Food Additives Regulation would promote uniform application, and incorporating the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle into Directive 2002/32 would further strengthen consumer protection and align feed and food rules. Through these proposals, Corbion aims to help shape a regulatory environment that not only safeguards public health and the planet but also empowers innovation. We view this call for evidence as a vital step toward building a more resilient, sustainable, and forward-looking European food system.
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Meeting with Maria Ohisalo (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Jul 2025 · Cascading principle and the EU Bioeconomy strategy

Response to Towards a Circular, Regenerative and Competitive Bioeconomy

23 Jun 2025

Corbion supports the Commissions plans for a renewed Bioeconomy Strategy and sees the bioeconomy as key to achieving climate goals, reducing fossil dependence, and driving sustainable growth. Our input focuses on three priorities: (1) creating a strong market for bio-based products, (2) ensuring robust environmental safeguards and coherent policy alignment, and (3) unlocking the full potential of bio-based solutions through innovation and targeted market measures. These points are further elaborated in the attached document.
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Response to Biotech Act

11 Jun 2025

Corbion welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a European Biotech Act and appreciates the opportunity to contribute through this call for evidence. As highlighted in the Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU, biotechnology plays a vital role in strengthening the EUs competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy. Realizing this potential will significantly increase demand for biobased productsand, consequently, for sustainable biomass. However, current projections suggest a substantial shortfall in biomass supply by 2050, raising important sustainability concerns. To address these challenges effectively, Corbion urges the Commission to adopt a broad and ambitious scope for the Biotech Act, incorporating the cascading use of biomass, clear sustainability criteria and definitions, and concrete measures to stimulate market uptake of sustainable biomanufactured products. Further details are provided in the attached document.
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Response to Critical Medicines Act

10 Jun 2025

Corbion welcomes the European Commissions initiative to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the pharmaceutical supply chain through the Critical Medicines Act. As a European-based manufacturer of high-quality fermentation-derived ingredients, including lactic acid and its derivatives, Corbion supplies essential components used in pharmaceutical manufacturing across a diverse global customer base. Please find attached Corbions official input regarding the European Commissions Critical Medicines Act. Our feedback highlights key priorities to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and innovation capacity of the pharmaceutical supply chain across Europe. We look forward to contributing further to this important initiative and supporting the development of a robust and strategic framework for Europes pharmaceutical industry.
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Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament) and Neste Oyj

10 Apr 2025 · Biotech

Response to Taxonomy Delegated Acts – amendments to make reporting simpler and more cost-effective for companies

26 Mar 2025

We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the Taxonomy Delegated Acts establishing technical screening criteria for economic activities contributing to environmental objectives. Corbion is a global leader in sustainable biobased solutions, specializing in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and biopolymers. Our innovations support the transition to a circular economy by offering renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials, including bioplastics. As a company committed to sustainability, we welcome the EUs efforts to define clear criteria for sustainable economic activities. However, we would like to highlight a critical issue in Annex II, which sets the criteria for the manufacturing of plastic packaging goods. The current criteria exclude primary biomass unless legally agreed sustainability criteria are in place. As a result, the production of plastic packaging from first-generation feedstock is not recognized as a sustainable economic activity under the Taxonomy Regulation. This exclusion co
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Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and European Chemical Industry Council

20 Mar 2025 · Biotech and Biomanufacturing

Response to The European Oceans Pact

17 Feb 2025

Corbion welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to this call for evidence. We fully support the Commissions initiative to develop a European Oceans Pact, building on the Fisheries and Oceans Package and the Sustainable Blue Economy Communication. While aquaculture plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for fish-based foods, its expansion must be managed sustainably to minimize environmental impact. We believe that algae-based fish feed can play a key role in enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the aquaculture sector. To support this, the European Oceans Pact should encourage Member States to set minimum requirements for algae-based fish feed in aquaculture production, reducing reliance on traditional fish-based feed. Please find attached our response to this call for evidence.
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Response to Single Market Strategy 2025

28 Jan 2025

Corbion welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the Commissions Call for Evidence on the EU Single Market Strategy 2025. We emphasize the importance of a consistent regulatory framework across Member States to ensure the effective functioning of the Single Market. To address current ambiguities and harmonize interpretations in food policies, we recommend implementing targeted measures to streamline regulations and enhance clarity. By implementing these measures, the EU can create a more harmonized regulatory framework, fostering innovation while ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace. Please find enclosed our contribution. Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid and its derivatives. Our sustainable solutions provide an alternative to fossil-based ingredients or building blocks across a wide range of industries such as food, home & personal care, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and bioplastics. At Corbion, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our purpose is to preserve what matters: Preserving food and food production, health, and the planet. We do this by using science to propel natures ingenuity.
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Response to Streamlining EU scientific and technical work on chemicals through the EU agencies

12 Mar 2024

Thank you for the chance to provide input on this consultation. We have the following comments: 1. Avoid increased administrative burdens for business operators: The administrative burden on companies and the Agency has proven to be more time- and resource-intensive than initially anticipated. Not only the pre-submission phase but also the notification of studies should be proportionate and focused on contributing values to risk assessment. Flexibility should allow companies to use all kinds of studies. To prevent significant delays in application processing, hindering innovative products to enter the EU market, consideration should be given to prevent introduction of complex and ineffective procedures which leads to additional delays and increased administrative burden. 2. Ensure a high level of confidentiality: Maintaining competition and fostering innovation requires the protection of the industry's confidential and strategic data. While it is crucial to provide public access to information regarding the properties and effects of chemicals, it is equally important to uphold businesses' rightful claims to safeguard commercially valuable information and intellectual property. 3. Prevent redundancy: The suggested Data Generation Mechanism should steer established mechanisms, clear from duplication, or replicating procedures outlined in current European legislation. Its utilization should be limited to situations where there is a distinct necessity for data that cannot be obtained through existing processes. Additionally, redundancy should be avoided by different technical Committees. Different Committees conduct assessments proportional to their study goal, duplication to their scope and methodologies should not occur. This should be sufficiently described in the explanatory memorandum of the legal text. 4. Reuse of data: Prior to data reuse, it is crucial to examine the studys design, including substance identity, limitations, protocols, scope and units. The study context and applicability domain should be valid for reuse. 5. Impact assessment: Despite the proposal not introducing new data requirements, it may lead to more complex, time-consuming and costly administrative processes for business operators. Emphasizing that the proposed measures will impose costs on business and have significant economic implications the Commission should do a comprehensive impact assessment with stakeholders, especially the industry, to analyze existing data-sharing processes in different legislations. The consequences of the legislative initiatives should be evaluated to ensure evidence-based and transparent EU law-making considering the views of those impacted.
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Response to Improving access to and availability, sharing and re-use of chemical data for the purpose of chemical safety assessments

12 Mar 2024

1. Avoid increased administrative burdens for business operators: The administrative burden on companies and the Agency has proven to be more time- and resource-intensive than initially anticipated. Not only the pre-submission phase but also the notification of studies should be proportionate and focused on contributing values to risk assessment. Flexibility should allow companies to use all kinds of studies. To prevent significant delays in application processing, hindering innovative products to enter the EU market, consideration should be given to prevent introduction of complex and ineffective procedures which leads to additional delays and increased administrative burden. 2. Ensure a high level of confidentiality: Maintaining competition and fostering innovation requires the protection of the industry's confidential and strategic data. While it is crucial to provide public access to information regarding the properties and effects of chemicals, it is equally important to uphold businesses' rightful claims to safeguard commercially valuable information and intellectual property. 3. Prevent redundancy: The suggested Data Generation Mechanism should steer established mechanisms, clear from duplication, or replicating procedures outlined in current European legislation. Its utilization should be limited to situations where there is a distinct necessity for data that cannot be obtained through existing processes. Additionally, redundancy should be avoided by different technical Committees. Different Committees conduct assessments proportional to their study goal, duplication to their scope and methodologies should not occur. This should be sufficiently described in the explanatory memorandum of the legal text. 4. Reuse of data: Prior to data reuse, it is crucial to examine the studys design, including substance identity, limitations, protocols, scope and units. The study context and applicability domain should be valid for reuse. 5. Impact assessment: Despite the proposal not introducing new data requirements, it may lead to more complex, time-consuming and costly administrative processes for business operators. Emphazising that the proposed measures will impose costs on business and have significant economic implications the Commission should do a comprehensive impact assessment with stakeholders, especially the industry, to analyze existing data-sharing processes in different legislations. The consequences of the legislative initiatives should be evaluated to ensure evidence-based and transparent EU law-making considering the views of those impacted.
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Meeting with Andreea Ticheru (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager) and #SustainablePublicAffairs

11 Mar 2024 · EU Biotech initiative

Response to European Critical Raw Materials Act

16 Jun 2023

Corbion welcomes the Commissions initiative to ensure Europes secure and sustainable access to critical raw materials. The proposal is an essential step towards reducing strategic dependencies on third countries imports and improving the resilience of the EU. We, at Corbion, notably appreciate the introduction of the concept of material substitution within the text. Assessing the availability of alternative supply sources and substitute materials is crucial to reduce use of critical materials with the highest environmental footprint. The Commission, in its Communication A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, rightly pointed out that the Critical Raw Materials Act should ensure high environmental standards and continuing research and innovation, e.g. to reduce material use and to develop bio-based substitutes. However, access and promotion of substitutes, including bio-based materials, needs further consideration in the proposed Critical Raw Materials Act. Such materials can be great substitutes for critical raw materials, which are finite by nature and depend on environmentally harmful extractive processes. Reliance on bio-based materials promotes greater materials efficiency, sustainability and circularity, without the supply risks associated with strategic raw materials. Corbion encourages the Commission to recognize and support the role of renewable bio-based substitution materials in reducing the environmental footprint of EU raw materials, both in this proposal and other priority files under development.
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Meeting with Joan Canton (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton) and Nordea Bank Abp and

24 May 2023 · REACH revision

Meeting with Tom Vandenkendelaere (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

16 May 2023 · European protein strategy

Response to Initiative on EU taxonomy - environmental objective

28 Apr 2023

Corbion feedback on Draft Delegated Acts supplementing the Taxonomy - Sustainable investment EU environmental taxonomy Corbion is a sustainable ingredients company dedicated to preserving what matters, including food and food production, health, and the planet. We specialize in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, food preservation solutions, functional blends, and algae ingredients, using our deep application and product knowledge to propel natures ingenuity through science. With more than a century of experience, we continue working side-by-side with our customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Leveraging our advanced capabilities in fermentation and preservation technology, we help customers differentiate their products in diverse markets ranging from food and animal nutrition to home & personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and bioplastics. In all these industries, we provide safe and sustainable alternatives to conventional, fossil-based ingredients. Corbion wants to provide feedback on Annex II Chapter 1.1 Manufacture of plastic packaging goods and suggest the following amendments, see attached file.
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Response to Carbon Removal Certification

2 May 2022

Corbion welcomes the recommendation in the Communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles (Communication) that: "at least 20% of the carbon used in the chemical and plastic products should be from sustainable non-fossil sources by 2030". • Evidence put forward in the annex proofs that this percentage could and should be much higher than 20%! Corbion also welcomes that the Communication recognises the climate change mitigation potential through the temporary carbon storage in biobased material. • Biobased chemicals and plastic get their carbon by sucking it out of the air and storing it in plants. It is then turned into biobased materials and thereby helping mitigate climate change. The CO2 uptake from the atmosphere, calculated using the biomaterial storage approach, is 1.833 kg CO2 per kg PLA. • To enable the contribution of bio-based plastics to climate change mitigation, it must be recognised that bio-based plastics carry intrinsic biogenic content and are thereby weighed in when calculating the carbon removed from the atmosphere and stored in a final product. Proposal: when drafting the upcoming measures, the GHG emission calculation uses the standard EN 16760 Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment [or ISO 22526/4 related to the LCA for bioplastics, which is still under development]. After recognition of the uptake of carbon, the duration of storage of that carbon needs to be properly addressed: • PLA bioplastics should, in any case, be recognised for the duration of their storage potential of carbon. In the Staff Working Document to the Communication for Sustainable Carbon Cycles it is stated that biobased materials can form a carbon pool of bio-based products [that] can act as a temporary reservoir that delays emissions of the renewable biogenic carbon to the atmosphere). This holds even more true since, if there is growth, the inflow of biobased plastics is greater than the outflow, which increases the size of the pool. • This storage duration can be further extended if the biobased material is recycled. PLA can be perfectly recycled, helping keep the carbon stored in final products and increasing the storage length of this recycled, non-fossil carbon. Proposal: include bio-based recycled plastics to create a level playing field with “Bio-based products with a long lifetime”. • Furthermore, certified compostable plastic (plastic with biodegradable properties, which are defined by the standard EN 13432) is beneficial feedstock for composting and bring several co-benefits and ultimately contribute to bring back carbon in soil. Proposal: include compostable plastics when it is used in applications that contribute to bring back carbon in soil How can the duration of storage be accounted for? • Storage of carbon can be accounted for using the standard EN 16760 Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment and the ISO/DIS 22526-4 Carbon and environmental footprint of biobased plastics (under development). Both standards include temporary storage.. Corbion welcomes that the Communication recognises: the substitution effect of biobased plastics and chemicals [with fossil-based equivalents.] • Bioplastics made from annually renewable biomass offer a reduced carbon footprint compared to virgin fossil-based equivalents (counting the intrinsic biogenic content of PLA) and reduce our dependency on fossil-based resources, allowing fossil carbon to remain where it belongs: in the ground. The graph underneath shows how much C02 emissions are saved when using PLA. Last but not least: Land that is used, should be managed sustainably. This can be demonstrated through existing, objective and third-party validated schemes, all of which Corbion adheres to – and which it believes should be asked from all industry players. • For example: Corbion has a CDP water, climate and forests, Bonsucro certificate, Ecovadis rating, an LCA for PLA and Global Risk Assessment Services (GRAS) satellite studies, etc
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Meeting with Mohammed Chahim (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Korea Business Association Europe

30 Mar 2022 · CBAM

Response to Revision of EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals

29 May 2021

The Revision of EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals is crucial for the successful implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and we therefore thank the European Commission for the opportunity to provide inputs to the roadmap consultation. Corbion in principle supports and contributes to Cefic’s own CSS Impact Assessment which will contribute to an accurate and targeted revision of CLP. We also acknowledge the problems the initiative aims to tackle, such as the incomplete information about certain hazards to human health and the environment. To our opinion it does make sense to harmonize the new hazard classes within the various regulations, such as endocrine disruptors which are already included in the Biocides and Plant Protection Products Regulation. The ultimate benefit would of course be when the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) becomes really ‘harmonized’ but it is not very likely that a targeted CLP revision will be automatically followed by other countries. For Corbion the administrative burden of the CLP revision may be limited; our policy to stay away from SIN substances in our end products may give us a certain advantage here. And by doing so we can offer safer and sustainable alternatives for several traditional substances, e.g. solvents in agrochemicals. We’d like to better understand what is meant by the economic impact “Voluntary substitution of chemicals singled out as hazardous may also happen, hence leaving room to other (new) innovative and safer chemicals”. Substitution of chemicals is for Corbion a very important topic; and perhaps a voluntary route may not be sufficient to reach our ambitious goals. We are about to start an internal project to investigate a possible reduction of the use of substance of concern also in our processing aids and sampling materials etc. On this and other issues, we stand ready to assist the European Commission and other stakeholders to make the REACH revision a success, for example through our involvement in the High-Level Roundtable on the implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
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Response to Revision of EU legislation on registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals

29 May 2021

We thank the European Commission for the possibility to provide inputs to the roadmap consultation regarding the revision of REACH Regulation to help achieve a toxic-free environment as a crucial next step in successfully delivering on the objectives of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). Corbion in principle supports and contributes to Cefic’s own CSS Impact Assessment which will contribute to an accurate and targeted revision of REACH. We also acknowledge the problems the initiative aims to tackle, such as the knowledge gaps, lack of combination effects, inefficient communication in the supply chains and the heavy and lengthy authorization procedure. Of course we are not happy with the administrative and regulatory burden that a REACH revision will bring. On the other hand, to a certain extent such revision was to be expected and it would be a missed opportunity not to fully exploit the unique and leading REACH concept. We’d like to understand in more detail about “how changes will further incentivise innovation and substitution and that the European industry as a whole will rebound through the greening of the industry towards more safe and sustainable products”. This promise is not new and is exactly what Corbion stands for. But REACH should support such position much more than it has done so far. Staying away from SVHC, restricted and authorized substances has proven not to be beneficial on its own. And proposing substitutes in an authorization process is a too complex process. Part of the solution may be that a targeted REACH revision leads to simplified, transparent and predictable provisions. And that no more revisions of the regulations are scheduled for the future. On this and other issues, we stand ready to assist the European Commission and other stakeholders to make the REACH revision a success, for example through our involvement in the High-Level Roundtable on the implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
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Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and European Environmental Bureau and

5 May 2021 · Implementation of the chemicals strategy for sustainability

Meeting with Katherine Power (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness)

19 Mar 2021 · Sustainable Finance & Taxonomy draft delegated act