Insight Media attended the first ever Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) Stakeholder Forum in Brussels last week and came away feeling energised by the positive sense of progress in this sector, excited by the opportunities for ongoing collaboration and determined to be a part of helping to drive the bio-based economy agenda in Europe.
The CBE JU is a dynamic €2 billion public-private partnership, and its inaugural stakeholder forum, CBESF23, aimed to propel the European bio-based sector forward, emphasising innovation, sustainability, and the creation of new business models to steer Europe away from fossil-based production and consumption.
With more than 50 speakers, nine panel discussions, and an exhibition of 30 innovative bio-based solutions, CBESF23 lived up to its promise of fostering discussions, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and inspiring actionable solutions for a greener future.
The discussions were often lively and challenging, but consensus was reached in the need for there to be a concerted effort to improve understanding of what bio-based products are, why they are better than their fossil-based alternatives and how consumers can make a difference with the purchasing decisions they make.
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Powerful calls were also made to ensure that this communication was also aimed at policy makers, so that they learn to understand the bioeconomy in all its complexity and can enable its progress through the policies they implement. That, it was often said, is to also improve regulation in Europe to legislate for faster uptake of our brilliant technological advances and help the regions implement bio-based solutions faster and easier.
Nine thematic panel discussions took place over the two-day event and they each explored critical themes:
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- Stimulating Demand: Addressing strategies for promoting circular bio-based solutions.
- Access to Finance: Exploring measures to scale up circular bio-based production in Europe.
- Research & Innovation: Discussing the R&I needed for Europe to maintain leadership in the bio-based sector in the medium to long term.
While the forum emphasised CBE JU’s success in advancing the European bio-based sector by de-risking investments and uniting a fragmented stakeholder community with a shared goal, the key take-aways went beyond this self-congratulation, something that made the event even more worthwhile. Key take-aways included:
- Circular Bio-Based Production: Bio-based production should go beyond replacing fossil-based products; it must be circular, minimising natural resource usage and considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
- Regional Importance: Recognising the regional dimension is crucial, as biomass is locally sourced, and the bio-based sector significantly boosts local economies. Regions also play a pivotal role as drivers of innovation.
- Common Narrative: The European bio-based sector must present a cohesive and compelling narrative to encourage the adoption of bio-based solutions by both industries and consumers. It should emphasise why bio-based is better, why it might cost more now and how consumers can recognise bio-based products in the first place. Better communication is key, something Insight Media is ready to embrace.
- Consistency in Legislation: Achieving the shift from fossil-based to bio-based production requires consistent legislation, aligned policy objectives, supportive industrial regulation, access to finance, and adapted standardisation.
- Collaboration is Key: The transition to a circular bio-based economy necessitates genuine collaboration among all stakeholders, spanning primary producers, researchers, small businesses, large industries, and consumers.
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CBESF23 has undeniably set the stage for a more sustainable and innovative European bio-based sector. It was an exciting, energising event that undoubtedly put a spring in the collective step of key stakeholders.
But, as the outcomes suggest, a circular bio-based economy requires concerted efforts, collaboration, and a holistic approach to address challenges, seize opportunities, and propel Europe toward a greener and more sustainable future and delegates must not now rest on their laurels. It is time for even more action, underpinned by more and better communication of every aspect of the bioeconomy.
The key takeaways provide a roadmap for these stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape and contribute to the transformation of the bio-based sector – and there is undoubtedly renewed commitment to do just that.
Insight Media is certainly ready to do its bit in meeting this challenge.