Contact

Key Insights from the Round 2 Webinar Series | Women, Youth, and Consumers in the Bioeconomy

Project newsKey Insights from the Round 2 Webinar Series | Women, Youth, and Consumers in the Bioeconomy
Project news

Key Insights from the Round 2 Webinar Series | Women, Youth, and Consumers in the Bioeconomy

During mid-January and early February 2025, the second round of the MainstreamBIO campaign “Revolutionizing Europe’s Rural Regions: Circular Bioeconomy Opportunities” Webinar Series provided valuable insights into the role of women, youth, and consumers in shaping a sustainable bioeconomy. This series featured four webinars, bringing together leading experts, industry professionals, researchers, and innovators to discuss key developments in agriculture, marine industries, forestry, sustainable fashion, and consumer responsibility.
A total of 150 attendees participated, reflecting strong engagement from diverse sectors, including academia, industry, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Discussions focused on leadership, innovation, and sustainability, with participants gaining practical knowledge on advancing women’s inclusion, empowering young professionals, and promoting responsible consumer behaviour in the bioeconomy.

Webinar 1: Key Takeaways from our “Empowering Rural and Coastal Women in Primary Production” webinar on 15th of January 2025

This session focused on the critical role of women in rural and coastal primary production sectors, highlighting leadership, bio-based innovations, and sustainable practices in agriculture, marine industries, and textile production. Women entrepreneurs and industry leaders shared real-world case studies showcasing their contributions to resilient and climate-adaptive production systems.
Successful stories:

  • Aitana Espirulina – Showcased sustainable spirulina farming as a regenerative solution for health, environmental conservation, and local economies. The discussion focused on artisanal spirulina production, its nutritional and ecological benefits, and how it strengthens small community and circular bioeconomy initiatives.
  • PoLoPo – Highlighted plant-based biotechnology innovations for producing high-functional proteins in potato plants. This approach offers an innovative and sustainable alternative for protein production.
  • Ananas Anam (Piñatex) – Presented Piñatex, a sustainable leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fiber residues. The discussion highlighted women’s leadership in transforming the textile industry through bio-based materials and circular economy principles while supporting small communities, women, and families.

Webinar 2: Highlights from our “Women Industrial Leaders in the Bioeconomy” webinar on 22nd of January 2025

This session showcased the leadership of women innovators in bioeconomy sectors, including agriculture, marine beauty, and bio-based fashion textiles. Discussions centered on how women are advancing sustainable solutions in food systems, beauty products, and textiles through bio-based innovations.

Successful insights on Innovation in the Bioeconomy:

  • Innovations in Bio-Based Fashion – Highlighted new developments in sustainable textiles, focusing on circular and fossil-free materials. Discussions explored the role of bio-based fibers in reducing environmental impact and advancements in biodegradable and plant-derived alternatives to conventional textile.
  • Marine Beauty Sector – Examined the growing market for eco-friendly beauty products derived from seaweed and algae, showcasing how marine-based cosmetics contribute to sustainable production, reduced carbon footprints, and decreased reliance on petroleum-based ingredients.
  • Advancements in Protein-Based Foods – Explored innovations in plant-based and alternative protein sources, including processing techniques to improve taste and texture, strategies for mitigating off-flavors in plant protein, and the role of biotechnology in enhancing nutritional value.

Webinar 3: Insights from our “Youth in the Bioeconomy – Impact and Importance of Youth Involvement” webinar on 29th of January 2025

This webinar emphasized the critical role of young professionals in shaping the bioeconomy. Youth-led initiatives in sustainable food systems, bio-waste management, and biotechnology were explored, highlighting the need for education, training, and supportive policies to foster youth involvement.

Successful insights:

  • GenB Project – an EU-funded initiative that promotes youth engagement in the bioeconomy by raising awareness, providing education, and fostering career opportunities in sustainable industries. Through training programs, mentorship, and policy dialogues, it connects young people with experts, businesses, and researchers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to drive bio-based innovations.
  • Act4Food/Act4Change – a global youth-led movement advocating for sustainable and equitable food systems. It mobilizes young people to raise awareness, influence policies, and drive responsible food consumption. By engaging with governments, businesses, and communities, this initiative empowers youth to take an active role in shaping food sustainability on a global scale.
  • Edible Landscape Project – a community-based initiative that engages young people in biodiversity conservation, sustainable food production, and environmental stewardship. It transforms green spaces into productive food landscapes, teaching practical skills in permaculture, circular economy, and ecological restoration while fostering stronger community connections to sustainable food systems.

Webinar 4: Final Key Takeaways from our “Empowering Consumers in the Bioeconomy” webinar on 5th of February 2025

This session explored the role of consumers in supporting the bioeconomy, emphasizing sustainable food choices, circular economy principles, and responsible consumption. The webinar addressed how informed consumer behaviour can drive demand for bio-based products and ethical sourcing.

Successful insight:

  • Consumer Acceptance of Bio-Based Products – Examined the key factors shaping consumer choices, including cost, perceived sustainability benefits, product availability, and trust in bio-based alternatives. Discussions highlighted how transparency, certifications, and clear labeling can enhance consumer confidence and market adoption.
  • Educating Consumers for Sustainable Choices – Explored strategies for reducing food waste and promoting healthier consumption habits, emphasizing the role of awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and access to reliable information in guiding responsible purchasing decisions.
  • Case Studies on Plant-Based and Biofortified Foods – Provided market insights into consumer attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) and plant-based foods, highlighting the growing acceptance of biofortified crops and the transition toward sustainable diets. Discussions included consumer willingness to adopt new food technologies and the challenges of addressing misconceptions about GM and bio-based products.
Revisit our webinars on MainstreamBIO’s official YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for the full report.
No feed found with the ID 1. Go to the All Feeds page and select an ID from an existing feed.