Worldwide production of bio-based products is predicted to grow from approximately $203.3 billion in 2015 to $400 billion by 2020 and $487 billion by 2024.* The opportunities are there, and the bio-based sector needs to have the right conditions to build on the growing appetite for bio-based products. Value-chain integration, efficient production processes, and regulatory and financial support are all key to success. Questions remain however over how bio-based products and fuels fit into the current sustainability landscape. Governments and brands are emphasizing the need for the recycling of waste streams. The bio-based sector can play an important role within the realisation of this circular economy.
Moderator: Luke Upton, Editor, Bio-Based World News
Interview 1: Supporting and regulating a sustainable bio-economy
- Thomas Arnold, Advisor Sustainable Bioeconomy, European Commission
Interview 2: The bio-economy as a tool for managing carbon
- Valuing environmental services such as carbon management
- What metrics need to be considered for measuring bio-markets
- Pricing broader bio-product values
- David Babson, Senior Advisor, US Department of Agriculture
Interview 3: Riding the green wave
- Why should surfers care about the sustainability of their surfing products?
- The Yulex neoprene-free wetsuit story.
- Patagonia’s wider mission to position itself as a sustainable brand.
- Gabe Davies, European Surf Manager, Patagonia
Interview 4: Building a bio-based portfolio
- Henri Colens, Public Affairs Manager, Braskem
Interview 5: A look at the investment landscape: what are the opportunities and challenges?
- Rob van der Meij, Investment Manager, Capricorn Venture Partners
Interview 6: Status and outlook for the European bio-economy
- What are the drivers for growth in the bio-economy and how can growth be sustained?
- The challenges of competing when the price of oil is low.
- New technologies, innovations, and market trends.
- Michael Carus, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Institute
Panel discussion: Enabling the ongoing success of the bio-economy.
- What regulatory drivers are needed to support the bio-based sector?
- Is bio-based always equal to environmentally friendly?
- Green investment: how important is sustainability to shareholders?
- What is the incentive for big chemicals and fuels producers to engage more with the bio-economy?
- How engaged are brands and end users with bio-based alternatives?
- Panelists
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- Thomas Arnold, Advisor Sustainable Bioeconomy, European Commission
- Gabe Davies, European Surf Manager, Patagonia
- David Babson, Senior Advisor, US Department of Agriculture
- Jos Peeters, Managing Partner, Capricorn Venture Partners
- Gustavo Sergi, Renewable Chemicals Business Director, Braskem
- Michael Carus, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Institute
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