Incorporating circular economy principles into the bioeconomy will be needed to ensure rising demand for food and bioenergy does not worsen over-exploitation of natural resources.
That is according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), highlighting how the EU is treating these two concepts separately, when they would benefit from stronger links.
This would be particularly true around product and infrastructure design, with collaboration in the value chain ensuring that converting resources into bio-based products is done sustainably.
The report also highlights how consumers can help by eating less animal-based protein, and preventing food waste and biowaste.
“A circular, bio-economy approach can help retain material value and functionality for longer time, as well as avoid unrecycled biowaste,” the EEA said.