H2020 BIOWAYS project: Raising public awareness of bio-based products and applications that support the growth of the European bioeconomy.

Promoting Bio-Based Products to Consumers A bioeconomy uses renewable resources and helps society address current environmental challenges, so consumers should be aware of the benefits of bio-based products. Converting agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture resources into food, bioproducts, and bioenergy is a promising strategy for minimizing our dependence on fossil fuels. The bioeconomy has the potential to transform manufacturing processes and industry and reduce their environmental impact. To achieve this, consumers must be informed about the benefits of bioproducts and their applications.

Advocacy activities: EU-funded BIOWAYS conducted an EU-wide online survey, along with analysis of relevant studies, which allowed them to collect qualitative and quantitative data on public perceptions of bio-based products. “Our long-term goal is to increase public trust in the bio-based industry to strengthen its market penetration, which in turn will have a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment,” explains project coordinator Iakovos Delioglanis. The online questionnaire, translated into seven languages, assessed public perceptions of and engagement with bio-based products, the benefits of their use, and the reasons preventing greater use. Results from over 450 respondents across a range of EU countries showed that while most could identify bio-based products, less than 40% were sufficiently familiar with them.

Nearly half of respondents reported a lack of information about the benefits of bio-based products, while the majority agreed that better labeling and incentives should be provided to consumers. This clearly demonstrated the need to increase public awareness through innovative and targeted training tools and materials. BIOWAYS organized several tailored national and international events, including thematic workshops, to engage all stakeholders in an open debate on the future of bio-based products and their environmental, social, and economic benefits for European society. During these events, project partners showcased samples of bio-based products and demonstrated how they can be used to create a positive impact on the environment and society.

In addition, participants addressed how to overcome barriers to adopting bio-based processes and transitioning to bio-based products. The project implemented alternative communication techniques and public engagement activities, along with the development of games, educational tools, and fun facts. The communication program was based on scientific facts and figures, with well-formulated, understandable, and accessible key messages describing the capabilities and benefits of bio-based products. Fact sheets were prepared on various bio-based products, including packaging, fuels, food ingredients, and animal feed.

All the material can be found online. A step further The BIOWAYS initiative goes beyond promoting the bioeconomy. As Delioglanis emphasizes: "We created the Biowatch platform to engage stakeholders, researchers, industry, and the general public in an ongoing debate and exchange of ideas. Biowatch also serves as an e-library for biobased research and projects, or for anyone interested in the latest developments in biobased research and industry. "This online community has the potential to foster new research collaborations and increase funding opportunities, leading to scientific discoveries and increased visibility for the bioeconomy sector," Delioglanis concludes. BIOWAYS' offspring projects, BIOBRIDGES and BIOVOICES, promise to increase public awareness and integrate biobased products into everyday life.