How Does the Biotech Act II Change European Biotech?

Europe has a long and storied history of excellence in biotech. Recently, some of the biggest commercial successes have been developed in Europe. But there might be another wave of biotech on the horizon. With Biotech Act II on the way and plants like Leuna already running, the question isn't whether bio-based chemicals will scale but who will scale them.  

Is the momentum in European Biotech real? 

Yes, the Biotech Act II, plus the existing talent pool could see the industry scale at pace.   

From pilot projects to policy-backed industrial scale; European Biotech is on the move. Biotech Act II will broaden the EU's biotech framework beyond health to cover industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing, with measures such as regulatory sandboxes, fast-track authorisation for microbial solutions and streamlined permitting for biomanufacturing projects. The Commission has indicated the proposal for the second half of 2026, and almost 40 industry organisations have called for it to be ambitious and growth focused. (European Parliament, 2026; EuropaBio, 2026) 

But Industry is not waiting around. In October 2026, UPM inaugurated its €1.37 billion biorefinery in Leuna, Germany – the largest facility of its kind anywhere in the world, with an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes. It turns beechwood and sawmill residues into industrial sugars, lignin and renewable glycols that can replace fossil-based inputs in everything from packaging and textiles to cosmetics and tyres. Leuna shows that renewable carbon can move beyond the lab and into commercial-scale manufacturing. (UPM, 2026) 

What bottlenecks might stop the Biotech momentum?  

Finding the right people. While there is talent, there might not be enough to meet ambitions.  

Scaling bio-based chemicals is not simply a matter of building bigger plants. Every new biorefinery, fermentation line and biomanufacturing site depends on specialists who can bridge biology, chemistry and heavy process engineering – and that combination is rare. Many of the people with the right experience come from pharma, food or petrochemicals, and most of them are not actively looking for a new role. (Biotech Delft, 2026) 

As capacity grows and Biotech Act II speeds up permitting, demand for these experts will rise faster than the talent pool replaces them. Companies that secure the right people early will move from pilot to production first. Those that don't risk watching their projects stall. (European Commission, 2024) 

Which roles will make or break scale-up in Biotech?  

• Process and bioprocess engineers to design, optimise and scale fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis and downstream processing. (BBNet) 

• Project and validation engineers to take plants from construction through commissioning and ramp-up. (ISPE, 2019) 

• Automation and control specialists to keep complex, continuous processes running safely and efficiently. (ISA) 

• Quality, regulatory and compliance experts to navigate new authorisation routes and product standards. (European Commission, 2024) 

• Supply chain and operations leaders to secure sustainable feedstocks and build resilient value chains. (BBNet) 

• Senior and executive leaders who can turn new technology into a profitable, growing business. (BBNet) 

How can Amoria Bond help you? 

As workforce and project solution specialists in STEM, Amoria Bond knows how to find the right expertise for your need. 

Amoria Group deployed 1,564 experts across its specialist STEM markets in 2025, with Amoria Bond's Life Sciences teams supporting sectors including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. In 2026, we're well on our way to deploying more; driving forward critical projects across our sectors.   

What sets us apart?  

We meet you where you are, strategically and often physically. Our consultants operate at a holistic level, maintaining a grasp of the talent available at any one time while understanding the external factors effecting the market and wider industries. That in depth knowledge allows us to provide critical insights as well as fill vital roles in your team.  

Let's build what comes next 

In short, the Biotech Act II is lying the foundations for a new wave of biotech industry in Europe. The question that remains is who is going to take advantage of it and scale at pace? Is that you?  

Whether you're planning a new biorefinery, expanding an existing site or building a leadership team for growth, get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help. Reach out to us today.