Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
“In 10 years, bio-based products have increased their share of the insulation market tenfold!”
Written by The Town Crier
Bio-based materials are taking on a whole new dimension in the construction industry. Driven by regulatory and environmental challenges, as well as by an increasingly concrete demand from the field, the sector is accelerating its growth and expanding the range of available solutions. On the occasion of the 4th Bio-based and Geosourced Materials for Construction Day in Hauts-de-France, organized by FRD-CODEM on June 18 in Amiens, speakers and new industry players will shed light on the sector’s current challenges and its latest innovations.
The AICB, an association of professionals in the bio-based construction sector, examines the current trends and challenges facing the industry.
“Our annual market barometer shows steady growth.”
How would you describe the current state and trends of the bio-based materials market in France?
Yves Hustache: “ Since 2016, our annual market barometer has shown steady growth. Between 2016 and 2023, we observed a 55% increase in value and a 95% increase in volume. For 2024 and 2025, the market is following the same growth trend despite a slowdown in the construction sector. Overall, bio-based materials are holding up better than other materials. Today, bio-based materials account for 10% of the insulation market by value, which is starting to be truly significant, whereas we were at around 1 to 2% in 2016. And we still have significant room for growth. We have the advantage of offering a wide variety of solutions with industry players ranging from large corporations to SMEs that are still developing new solutions.”
What are the remaining barriers to the development of bio-based products? And what are the drivers of growth?
Yves Hustache: “ Today, industry stakeholders have succeeded in convincing users to adopt bio-based materials. Now, to take things further, we need to focus on financial incentives and regulations that can mandate the shift toward bio-based materials. Incentives promote the use of bio-based materials. To further integrate these bio-based materials, we must therefore ensure that the various levels of the RE2020 standards are maintained. And then we need to address the issue of enhanced Energy Efficiency Certificates (EECs), which can also help advance the integration of bio-based materials in construction. “Of course, there are technical barriers that prevent us from accessing certain areas of application, but we are working on this within the AICB through development and research programs. There is also a great deal of training work to be done regarding bio-based materials and their implementation.”
"Today, manufacturers have the ability to double their production capacity."
Is the industry now sufficiently developed to handle a surge in demand?
Yves Hustache:“Absolutely, manufacturers have the capacity to double their production output. In 2023, sales volumes were approximately 28 millionsquare meters. Now, they are capable of producing around 60 millionsquare meters. Manufacturers have invested in these production capacities in recent years to meet the increased demand driven by the bio-based content levels mandated by the RE2020. They are also anticipating the upcoming regulation that will require 25% of buildings to incorporate a significant share of bio-based materials by 2030. In total, more than 100 million euros have been invested. The goal over the next 5 to 10 years will then be to increase the share of bio-based materials in the insulation market, that is, to reach a 20% market share. Manufacturers are ready!”
On June 18 in Amiens, the AICB is partnering with the Bio-based and Geo-based Materials Day for the Construction Industry. Why is this event so important for industry stakeholders?
Yves Hustache: “ This event is essential because it doesn’t just bring together an audience of already convinced individuals. The purpose of this gathering is to convince new players in the sector—developers, craftsmen—of the value of bio-based materials. We are partnering with the event this year because we believe it’s important to support an initiative that helps raise even greater awareness of the use of our materials. It’s also an important opportunity for dialogue among the various players in the value chain. Over the past few years, we’ve seen this Bio-based and Geosourced Materials Day grow. It demonstrates the sector’s momentum in France, with new players continuing to join this event organized by FRD-CODEM. For this edition, visitors will be able to discover the latest innovations as well as more mature products that help meet ever-growing demand. Project managers and clients, if you have projects, bio-based solutions exist and comply with current regulations. Come discover them!
New players in the bio-based sector from the Hauts-de-France region are taking part in the event in Amiens!
They tell us about their solutions…
This year, three new companies expanding in the Hauts-de-France region will be showcasing their innovations in miscanthus, bamboo, and hemp. They exemplify the growing momentum of the bio-based sector, particularly in the Hauts-de-France region.
This year, three new companies expanding in the Hauts-de-France region will be showcasing their innovations in miscanthus, bamboo, and hemp. They exemplify the growing momentum of the bio-based sector, particularly in the Hauts-de-France region.
Florence Delassus, Farmer at SCEA Delassus
Miscanthus
What's your solution?
“We will be there on June 18 with our non-load-bearing insulation block, MISCANBLOC, made from a plant-based aggregate: miscanthus. This solution was developed under the Biosys brand, a Vicat initiative.”
The blocks are manufactured in Merville (59), where a production line will be operational starting this summer. The blocks can then be used for interior partitions or insulation lining, or on non-load-bearing facades by filling an existing post-and-beam structure.
A solution to today's challenges?
“MISCANBLOC helps address certain regulatory challenges by incorporating nearly 35 kilograms of bio-based materials persquare meterof facade. It combines winter comfort, thanks to its breathability, with summer comfort, thanks to its thermal inertia. The installation technique is easy for contractors to learn. The block is easy to cut and install. Finally, it is a product 100% made in France.”
Bio-based and Geosourced Materials Day for the Construction Industry in the Hauts-de-France Region?
“Attending the event organized by FRD-CODEM on June 18 will allow us to expand the miscanthus industry by introducing a new market for this crop!”
Pierre Vion, co-founder and CEO of Fiboo
Bamboo fiber
Your solution?“In Amiens, we will be presenting the first semi-rigid insulation made from natural bamboo fibers. Manufactured in Blaringhem in the Hauts-de-France region since December 2025, this insulation is made up of more than 95% natural bamboo fibers grown in France and Italy. It offers numerous advantages: it is the first water-resistant semi-rigid insulation material, and it provides benefits in terms of summer comfort, winter comfort, and sound insulation.”
A solution to today's challenges?
“Bamboo sequesters carbon at a rate far greater than that of wood, and its rapid annual growth makes it a remarkable natural resource. Our natural fiber offers optimal technical characteristics that are reflected in the product’s quality: no settling, a binder content of less than 5%, very little dust, and ease of cutting. In addition to its technical characteristics, it is an insulation material that is easy for contractors to install.”
Bio-based and Geosourced Materials Day for the Construction Industry in the Hauts-de-France Region?
“For a manufacturer like Fiboo, this is a tremendous opportunity to energize the local network and showcase the quality and unique features of our product, which was developed in collaboration with FRD-CODEM. We need this kind of event as part of our market launch.”
Ludovic Loire, Hemp Growers of the Oise
Hemp fiber
What's your solution?
“We produce hemp shives and hemp fiber from our farmland in the Oise department. Hemp fiber can be used to insulate attics, sloped ceilings, or unused spaces.”
"For installation, we use a blowing machine. In the near future, we plan to pursue certification for this technique so that we can expand its use."
A solution to today's challenges?
“Today, at Les Chanvriers de l’Oise, we are a group of seven farmers committed to providing a sustainable and self-sufficient source of bio-based materials. Current regulations, public expectations, and geopolitical events are driving the need for a local and sustainable supply of building materials. Hemp fiber can meet this need.”
Bio-based and Geosourced Materials Day for the Construction Industry in the Hauts-de-France Region?
“By participating in this4thedition, we hope to raise awareness of our project among a wider audience and expand our market opportunities. We would like to promote and expand the use of hemp fiber as insulation.”
Mproject managers and building owners, architects, contractors, cost estimators… This is your chance to learn more about these alternative solutions! The Bio-based and Geosourced Materials Day for the Construction Industry in Hauts-de-France will be held on June 18 at the BATlab in Amiens