The Bioeconomy in Transition: Findings from Online Surveys on Opportunities and Barriers
Building on the findings of the round-table discussions held previously, supplementary online surveys were carried out to gather further perspectives on the topics of construction, chemicals and meat substitutes. The results not only provide a broader insight into the perception of bio-based products, but also allow for a comparison with the opportunities, challenges and barriers identified in the discussions.
How can the industrial bioeconomy achieve widespread acceptance? The TransBIB project explored this question through a series of round-table discussions and a subsequent online survey. The focus was on construction, chemicals and meat substitutes, as well as the question of how bio-based products are perceived and which factors influence their acceptance.
The round-table discussions showed that bio-based solutions are generally regarded as an important contribution to a sustainable future. At the same time, there are uncertainties regarding environmental impacts, health, price and availability. To take further perspectives into account, an online survey was subsequently carried out. This enabled people who had not taken part in the face-to-face events to participate as well, and allowed the results from the three subject areas to be compared with one another.
An overview of the results
Meat substitutes
Reasons for purchase: Curiosity, animal welfare, and health and environmental considerations are the main factors.
Barriers: Taste and texture, perceived additives and price have a significant influence on acceptance.
Bauwesen
Potential: Wood, straw, clay and hemp are often regarded as sustainable building materials; their use is supported in particular by considerations relating to the environment, health, climate protection and the circular economy.
Barriers: Costs, availability, a lack of information and established construction methods make practical implementation difficult.
Chemie
Potential: Bio-based raw materials are associated with sustainability, resource conservation and climate protection, and are seen as a potential substitute for fossil resources.
Barriers: Price, availability and a lack of, or unclear, information on life cycle, environmental impact and performance are holding back acceptance.
Three key areas of action
Three key areas for action can be identified from the results: greater public awareness to build trust through transparent and comprehensible information; affordable and readily available alternatives, so that bio-based products can be used more widely; and appropriate framework conditions and a strong dialogue between science, industry, politics and society.
The results show that the transition to a bioeconomy can only succeed if technological innovation goes hand in hand with public acceptance, transparent information and appropriate framework conditions.