In the transition from a fossil based to a bio-based economy. it has become an important challenge to maximally close the nutrient cycles and migrate to a more sustainable resource management. both from an economical as an ecological perspective. Nutrient resources are rapidly depleting. significant amounts of fossil energy are used for the production of chemical fertilizers. whereas costs for energy and fertilizers are increasing. However. up until now this transition proved to be difficult to realise due to obstacles in (national) legislative systems. lack of integration of institutional and governance structures and lack of coordination between the actions undertaken by the different stakeholders and government levels. Although EU environmental legislation covers an increasing number of environmental aspects. there are still important challenges ahead to harmonise standards. techniques and markets in this area. The NWE region with its high population density. intensive industrial and agricultural activity producing large amounts of residues. is an ideal testing ground for tackling these challenges. Therefore. Biorefine aims to follow a cross-sectoral and transnational approach involving all stakeholders and mobilising all knowledge available in the NWE region.To achieve this goal different stakeholder parties in the project area will be brought together. thus covering a large spectrum of mineral flows and offering a broad array of existing recycling applications. This interaction will create leverage of knowledge and will inspire regional applications. thus making a transnational benefit possible.The ultimate goal is to minimize residue flows and to economically valorise the minerals that can be recovered from these residue flows. thereby stimulating a bio-based economic growth and thus creating a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy in the NWE region. Achievements: Cross-sectoral and international networks:- Biorefine Cluster Europe: interconnects projects within the domain of nutrient and energy cycling. As such, the Cluster aims to contribute to a more sustainable resource management, from both an economic and ecologi point of view.- Flemish-German Bilateral Working Group: First exchange event: 12 May 2014 in Bruges area Second exchange event: 2-4 May 2015 in Hannover areaCommunication:- Website: http://www.biorefine.eu - BioRefine Bulletin, newsletter of the Biorefine Cluster Europe: http://biorefine.eu/biorefinedownloads/biorefine-bulletin