Abstract
The bioeconomy can support Europe’s transition to a low‐carbon economy and help to meet key international, European and member state sustainability targets through the provision of bio‐based products and energy derived from sustainably sourced biomass. A successful implementation of a bio-based economy in Europe will, however, require a profound transformation of our production and consumption patterns. Consumer behavior will play a major role in supporting the successful transition to a bio‐based economy. This paper uses a structured quantitative survey approach to gain an understanding of consumer perspectives in relation to bio‐based products. Conducted among 18–75-year-old consumers in Ireland and the Netherlands, the study indicates that consumers in both countries have a relatively positive outlook regarding bio‐based products, with Irish consumers showing a slightly more positive outlook. The study finds that a larger majority of Irish consumers would prefer buying bio‐based products as opposed to fossil‐based products, while Irish consumers also have a slightly more positive impression than Dutch consumers that their consumer choices can be beneficial for the environment.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 6062 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Sustainability |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 May 2021 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- Bioeconomy
- Bio-based
- Consumers
- Products
- Sustainability