The upcoming EU webinar, titled “Advancing Bio-Based Products Certification: A Collaborative Path Towards Sustainability,” will delve into innovative solutions for the bio-based economy.
Scheduled for November 27, 2024, from 12:00 to 14:00 CET, the event promises critical insights into challenges and opportunities within the bio-based sector, spotlighting innovative tools and metrics aimed at enhancing sustainability. Registration is free but mandatory.
Organised under the BioReCer project – a key initiative funded by the Horizon Europe programme – the webinar will explore solutions to strengthen certification schemes for bio-based feedstocks and products derived from biological waste.
The goal is to increase industry and consumer acceptance while boosting the competitiveness of Europe’s bio-based economy.
Core themes of the webinar
The event will focus on critical advancements and insights for the sector, including:
- BioReCer Standardization Toolkit: A deep dive into the BioReCer standardization toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to maximize the sustainability of bio-based products.
- Biomass Utilisation Factor: The introduction of the Biomass Utilisation Factor will offer participants a unified metric that combines cascading use and production efficiency, serving as a key indicator to assess the circularity of bio-based materials within the broader circular bioeconomy.
- Policy recommendations for the EU: With the European elections behind us, the webinar will outline actionable policy recommendations for the incoming EU Institutions. These recommendations are vital to shaping long-term strategies that align with global sustainability goals and drive innovation in the bio-based economy.
Engaging stakeholders for a sustainable bioeconomy
The BioReCer project thrives on the active participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including bio-based feedstock producers, processors, certification bodies, policymakers, scientists, and consumer advocates. The webinar will offer a platform to:
- Review the project’s achievements and ongoing progress.
- Understand how new tools like the BioReCer toolkit and the Biomass Utilisation Factor can impact certification schemes.
- Provide feedback that could influence the project’s future direction.
Collaboration is essential to advancing the EU’s transition to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. By fostering dialogue among research institutions, standardisation bodies, and industrial leaders, the webinar seeks to encourage an effective exchange of knowledge and perspectives.
The growing economic impact of the bioeconomy
The bioeconomy is a vital component of Europe’s innovation landscape, generating a production value of €1,751bn across the EU’s four largest economies: France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
This contributes 8.4% of total economic output. Spain and Italy lead in relative contributions at 11% and 10%, respectively.
This rapid growth encompasses traditional sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as downstream industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics.
The bioeconomy also incorporates renewable energy, biofuels, and waste management under the circular economy framework.
The BioReCer project has highlighted these dynamics through four regional case studies:
- Fish cannery waste and wastewater treatment sludge in Galicia, Spain.
- Urban waste management in Lombardia, Italy.
- Agricultural residues in Central Macedonia, Greece.
- Forestry industry byproducts in Västernorrland, Sweden.
These case studies showcase practical applications of bio-based solutions in diverse sectors, advancing sustainability and circularity.
Shaping the future of bio-based products certification
The webinar will underscore the importance of robust certification schemes in promoting bio-based products. Tools like the BioReCer toolkit and metrics such as the Biomass Utilisation Factor are pivotal in ensuring the sustainability of these materials while addressing the needs of the entire value chain.
Stakeholders are also encouraged to register as members of the BioResources Stakeholders Platform (BRSP) at biorecer.eu/brsp to stay engaged with developments in the sector.
By participating in this event, attendees will contribute to a collaborative effort to position Europe as a leader in the global bio-based economy. Join the discussion to help shape the policies, tools, and certifications that will define the future of sustainable innovation.
