The Bioeconomy in Lithuania

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Explore: Lithuania’s Bioeconomy Explore: Lithuania’s Bioeconomy
  • Key areas of focus
  • Why Lithuania
  • Already here
  • Reports & Publications
  • Latest news
  • Contact us
Explore: Lithuania’s Bioeconomy Explore: Lithuania’s Bioeconomy
  • Key areas of focus
  • Why Lithuania
  • Already here
  • Reports & Publications
  • Latest news
  • Contact us

Lithuania’s bioeconomy sector is rapidly expanding, integrating biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy principles. With a robust R&D ecosystem, strong governmental support, and a highly skilled workforce, Lithuania provides an optimal environment for businesses seeking bio-based solutions and sustainable industrial innovation.

  • Bioeconomy part of GDP
    Economic impact
    In 2020, Lithuania's bioeconomy generated approximately €4.2 billion in value-added, accounting for 8.4% of GDP.
    Source: The strategic concept for the Lithuanian bioeconomy - insights for niche bioenergy sectors, PMC
  • Biomass
    Biomass opportunities
    Lithuania's land is 52% agricultural and 33.5% forested, offering vast potential for biomass-based industries.
    Source: Statistics Lithuania, 2023
  • Agricultureal technology
    Quality feedstock
    €18B has been invested in local agriculture technology and sustainable practices since 2004.
    Source: Ministry of Agriculture, 2024

Key Sectors Driving
Lithuania’s Bioeconomy

Key wheat exporters Lithuania
Biorefining Key local industry players
Agrofood Key local industry players
Waste management Key local industry players

AgriTech and Biomass Utilization

Agriculture contributes 3.5% to Lithuania’s GDP, with a grain self-sufficiency rate of 313%. In 2023, 71% of the grain harvest was exported, making Lithuania the 4th largest wheat exporter in the EU. Crops like versatile grains and high-potential beans are helping drive exports, supported by AgriTech innovation, government incentives and growing demand.

Biorefining

Lithuania’s circular bioeconomy is rapidly evolving, with sustainable biomanufacturing playing a key role in producing bio-based materials, chemicals, and alternative proteins. These sustainable products, made from locally sourced materials like wheat, are used across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed. One notable example is Roquette Amilina, which uses 100% sustainably certified, locally sourced wheat to produce bio-based ingredients like starch, gluten, and wheat proteins.

Alternative foods

Lithuania’s alternative food sector is experiencing significant growth, with a strong focus on plant-based foods and alternative proteins that are insect-based, cultured/cell-based, and mushroom-derived. These innovative products are being developed to address the rising demand for sustainable and ethical food solutions. For example, Divaks is a company that specializes in insect-based ingredients, particularly yellow mealworms. It produces high-protein, eco-friendly alternatives for the food industry.

Waste management

The core focuses of Lithuania’s growing waste management sector are biofuels, such as biodiesel and biomethanol, and the production of biogas from various waste materials. For instance, Tube Green utilizes side waste from Kurana’s bioethanol manufacturing process to produce biogas. In addition, Green Genius is enhancing sustainability efforts through renewable energy and waste-to-energy projects, further driving Lithuania’s transition towards a more eco-friendly and circular economy.

Why Invest
in Lithuania’s Bioeconomy?

Governmental Support and Incentives

  • Access to data

    InvestLT+ scheme – additional support available to bioeconomy projects, negotiated on a case-by-case basis

  • Biogas and biofuel

    Alternative schemes available for biofuel and biogas projects

Green corridor incentive

Unlock the benefits of Lithuania’s Green Corridor for bioeconomy investments

The Green Corridor initiative fast-tracks large-scale investment projects with 0% corporate tax for 20 years, streamlined planning, and faster decision-making from public authorities, ensuring smoother setup and long-term success.

Skilled and Innovative Workforce

  • STEM students
    1st in the EU
    for percentage of STEM graduates
    Source: Eurostat, 2024
  • University biotech study programs
    13 universities
    offering bioeconomy, biotechnology, and AgriTech study programs
    Source: National Agency for Education, 2024
  • Graduates
    ~ 40,000
    students studying in fields like agriculture, life sciences, and engineering, plus related disciplines such as chemistry and technology
    Source: Statistics Lithuania, 2024

Strong R&D and Innovation Ecosystem

Thriving Innovation Ecosystem

Lithuania boasts a rich 200-year legacy in life sciences, marked by pioneering achievements and significant milestones in biotechnology. The country’s expertise was solidified with the establishment of the Institute of Applied Enzymology in 1975, paving the way for the entry of global players like Teva and Thermo Fisher Scientific, which began operations here in the early 2000s.

Lithuania competencies and educational institutions map

Lithuania’s science valleys and research institutes are driving bioeconomy advancements through collaboration with global leaders in sustainable technology and industrial biotechnology.

Bioeconomy Companies
Already in Lithuania

Want to learn more about bioeconomy opportunities?

Lithuania has a lot to offer, and we’re here to help you discover it. At Invest Lithuania, our team is here to make your business journey smoother. From connecting you with the right people to accessing valuable resources, we take care of the details so you can drive your business forward.

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