The promise and challenges of the new sustainable bioeconomy – learning from country experiences

The expert panel “The promise and challenges of the new sustainable bioeconomy – learning from country experiences” explored strategies for transitioning from fossil-based to biobased products while ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and economic feasibility.
Key discussions included the need for clear policies and market incentives to scale innovations, such as carbon credits and biobased construction. Denmark, the Netherlands, Brazil, and New Zealand shared national strategies, highlighting carbon pricing, land use transformation, and the role of traditional knowledge.
Denmark emphasized GHG taxation in agriculture and land use transformation. The Netherlands presented its national plan for biobased building. Brazil highlighted its G20 initiative on bioeconomy and traditional knowledge integration. New Zealand underscored the importance of making the international trade market work for low-carbon products and food.
Panelists stressed the importance of private sector and indigenous groups involvement, international trade frameworks, and balancing food security with biobased applications. They called for cross-ministerial collaboration, global knowledge exchange, and investment in sustainable bioeconomy solutions to ensure a just and effective transition.