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Foreword

As we move further into 2025, Europe stands at a pivotal moment in its transition towards a more sustainable and circular economic model. The EU Bioeconomy Strategy, first published in 2012 and updated in 2018, aims to accelerate the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy, to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to help fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement. Recognizing the evolving landscape and the urgency of these challenges, the European Commission's recent launch of a public consultation, seeking input to update the EU Bioeconomy Strategy underscores the dynamic nature of this field. This input is intended to inform the new strategy and potentially facilitate alignment with key EU initiatives, such as the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, the upcoming Life Science Strategy, the Ocean Pact and the Biotech Act, among others.

However, translating high-level policy ambitions into tangible, everyday practice presents its own set of intricate challenges. The journey towards integrating bio-based solutions is far from straightforward, as exemplified by the complexities surrounding the selection and implementation of biobased plastics. The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (i.e., TNO) has developed a new framework to guide companies in selecting the best route to a sustainable alternative for nine common fossil-based plastics. The 3-step framework considers both the sustainability impact and economic feasibility of different options, providing a structured approach to choosing bio-based plastics...

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