Leveraging the Triple Layer Business Canvas Model for the biomethane industries of the Visegrád Four countries

This study explores how the Triple Layer Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) can be applicable to the regional biomethane industry of the Visegrád Four countries (V4): Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland. The significance and main motivation of the study is demonstrated by the pilot application of the TLBMC framework to a specific market segment: the biogas and biomethane industries of the V4 countries. This research focuses particularly on the environmental layer of the TLBMC, which captures the life cycle impacts and ecological value creation of renewable fuel business models (BMs). This paper adopts a comparative, cross-country approach that combines policy and market analysis, stakeholder mapping, and environmental assessment principles. The results of the qualitative content analysis revealed that the V4 region exhibited considerable heterogeneity in regulatory maturity, support mechanisms, and environmental integration. Poland and the Czech Republic demonstrate emerging market momentum through feed-in schemes and pilot-scale transport initiatives, whereas Hungary and Slovakia remain constrained by fragmented policy frameworks and limited infrastructure. Across the region, environmental value propositions, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, waste valorization, and circular feedstock use, are often underrepresented in BM design despite their potential to enhance competitiveness and policy alignment. Integrating the environmental layer of the TLBMC into strategic planning can strengthen project feasibility, attract green innovations, and improve alignment with European Union (EU) decarbonization pathways. This study provides applications of the TLBMC to a regional renewable gas market, offering a multidimensional lens to evaluate the sustainability and scalability of biomethane BMs in Central Europe. • Triple Layer Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) shows a model for the biomethane industry • Environmental layer of TLBMC captures the life cycle impacts of biofuels • Adoption of the environmental layer of TLBMC supports decarbonization in V4 countries • Application of TLBMC offers a multidimensional approach to evaluate business models