The bioeconomy contributes more than five per cent of the European Union’s gross domestic product, and accounts for more than eight per cent of employment across the EU.

It’s a growing part of the economy and is set to grow even more as policymakers shift more towards a circular, net-zero carbon economy that restores and protects our natural environment. So, what exactly is the bioeconomy and how does it affect our daily lives?

The Allthings.bio podcast explore exactly this. Thanks to interviews with experts and project partners, this podcast series investigates the role and the future of the bioeconomy in the international scenario, both for politicians and citizens.

The eight episodes will adopt different angles: from the actual concept of the bioeconomy and its influence on society to the environmental impact of food packaging; from tips to help consumers buy consciously, to talking about the sectors involved in this bio-based revolution. And lots more.

The first episode “Allthings.bio: What’s the bioeconomy?” explores the real purpose of this field, the drivers of its expansion, and the role of consumers. The journalist Stephen Jones interviews Michael Carus, chief executive of the Nova Institute and Martin Behrens, a member of the coordination team of Allthings.bioPRO.

There is not one definition. The first is that the raw material used in the bioeconomy is biomass […]. Other definitions are also process-related, so they call something bioeconomy if some biotechnology is involved. There is also a difference between bioeconomy and bio-based economy. […] But what for the consumer is really missing is a simple label made from a trusted body where they can decide what material is better than another material.” says Michael Carus.

Martin Behrens adds “All Things Bio is about communicating to the general public about all kinds of bio-based products which can be used in their daily lives, and why they are a good alternative to the fossil-based products”.

The episode is available on the main podcasts’ platforms like Spotify, Google podcast, Anchor and further soon, and on the project website.

21/02/2022