Publications: Realising the Circular Bioeconomy

Policy paper recently published by OECD discusses the implications of circular bioeconomy, where circular economy meets bioeconomy:

The circular economy concept is coming into practice in many OECD countries. In this concept, materials are kept within use for as long as possible through actions such as recycling and re-manufacturing. Bio-based manufacturing fits the concept when it comes to using residues and waste materials as feedstocks for biorefining. In particular, there are benefits consistent with the recent emergence of resource efficiency within production.

This paper attempts to show how this combination of the bioeconomy and circular economy concepts can be made to create a more sustainable future. There are many policy issues along the way, policies that both promote change and remove barriers to change.

OECD (2018)

Click here to download OECD policy paper “Realising the Circular Bioeconomy”

Interested in reading more on policies regarding sustainable bioeconomy? See also OECD’s publication “Meeting Policy Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy” here >>

Picture: How the world is gravitating toward bioeconomy policy (OECD)

There is no one single one fit all bioeconomy, but bioeconomy is perceived differently by different areas, different nations different continents. The bioeconomy concept is expanding rapidly. Around 50 countries, including the G7, have either a national strategy or policies consistent with a future bioeconomy. The bioeconomy concept has emerged from niche interest to political mainstream.

It has also grown from a biotechnology-centric vision to an economic activity that spreads across several key sectors and policy families: agriculture and forestry, fisheries, food, trade, waste management and industry. As a result, the bioeconomy policy environment is much more complex than before.

This book is navigating through this complexity and it reflects the changing environment. It sets out what a bioeconomy policy framework might look like based on the familiar innovation divisions of supply- and demand-side policies. It brings up to date the science and technology implications for policy makers.

OECD (2018)

Interested in having your article featured here? Send your proposal to info@wcbef.com.