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How can education support the shift toward a more sustainable, circular economy? The GenB project offers a set of practical policy recommendations aimed at including bioeconomy topics in education systems across Europe. The “GenB Policy Recommendations: Executive Summary” is now available in 24 languages, providing a concise and accessible overview of key proposals and project insights.

The recommendations are based on co-design activities carried out with students (ages 4–19), educators, and other stakeholders across Europe. These activities revealed which approaches best support learning about the bioeconomy. This concept centres around the use of renewable biological resources (such as plants, waste, or microorganisms) to produce food, materials, and energy.

The summary outlines five main areas for action:

• Curriculum reform to include bioeconomy and sustainability topics.
• Professional development and recognition for educators.
• Collaboration and community-building across schools and institutions.
• Access to resources, with a focus on national endorsement and availability.
• Technology and inclusion, ensuring innovative and equitable learning environments.

The summary also highlights the importance of STEM education and gender balance in shaping the future of green skills and sustainable innovation.

This document reflects the GenB consortium’s contribution to policy dialogues at multiple levels, European, national, and institutional, and serves as a practical foundation for promoting environmental sustainability through education.

Download the Executive Summary of GenB’s Policy Recommendations here!

On the 16^th of April 2025, APRE has organised the launching event for the Podcast for kids on the circular and sustainable Bioeconomy. The event was hosted by the I.C Guicciardini school in Rome. It was held in the theatre of the school in front of students of the primary classes, teachers from kindergarten, primary and intermediate levels, parents and grandparents.

The podcast, BIO-AVVENTURES – First steps for small innovators, is dedicated to children aged 4-8, and it was produced by APRE as part of the Horizon Europe GenB project.

Bio-Adventures consists of eleven episodes, designed to convey the basic principles of bioeconomy. Each story lasts about 8-10 minutes, in line with the attention span of children of the indicated age. Each episode is a mix of scientific, economic and social information, presented in a narrative format that allows children to learn complex concepts in a natural way, while listening to engaging stories that stimulate their imagination.

The event was opened by the Director of the hosting school Ms. Simona Di Matteo that underlined the long lasting collaboration with APRE in bringing into the classrooms the bioeconomy and the sustainability through European funded projects.

Ms. Chiara Pocaterra, GenB Coordinator and APRE Head of Projects Department, presented the work done in almost three years in schools and in many other informal contexts such as large events and museums with students of all levels and young people.

Ms. Enrica Imbert, Professor of Economics at UNITELMA Sapienza Rome, introduced the bioeconomy to the audience in order to give the elements to understand the theme

Ms. Sara Silvi, Art Director in APRE, presented the process for the production of podcast from the selection of the authors, through their training in order to make them aware of the bioeconomy, the production of the stories, the selection of the actors / voices of the podcast and the design of the images. The podcast has been published on Spotify and a poster has been designed to be hung in many different contexts where children are present. A challenging activity for a high quality result.

Ms. Laura Mentini, Education Manager in APRE, presented the GenB educational model and all the available tools on line for free for teachers and educators.

Two of the authors of the podcast stories, Ms. Cristiana Pezzetta and Ms. Giorgia De Cristoforo, participated at the event and introduced their stories, while the actors Mr. Maurizio Raia and Ms. Claudia Salvatore read two excerpts from the stories of the  two authors.

Ms. Chiara Pocaterra closed the event “We hope that these stories can be a companion in many different moments of a child’s life, while giving them information about the special world of the bioeconomy and its opportunities” and gifted with the poster the school Director, a representative of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, Dr. Luciana Indinnimeo and a representative of INDIRE, the National Institute for Documentation, Innovation and Educational Research of the Italian Ministry of Education, Ms. Alessia Rosa.

Thanks also to Ms. Flavia Fusconi, Project Manager in APRE, who followed the contractual aspects of the podcast production.

The Horizon Europe-funded projects GenB and BioBeo hosted their joint Final Event on the 10^th of April 2025 under the banner “Bridging Generations: Education and Policy to Shape a Sustainable Future”. The event brought together key stakeholders from the European Commission, academia and educational innovators to celebrate achievements in advancing bioeconomy education for younger generations.

Held at ACE Events in Brussels, the day featured interactive exhibitions, policy-focused discussions and a strong emphasis on cross-project collaboration. Representatives from the European Commission’s DG RTD, DG AGRI, REA and Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) joined educators and project partners to explore how education can empower the youth for a more sustainable, circular future.

One of the event’s most anticipated moments was the official declaration of the “European Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Lower Education”. Announced by Chiara Pocaterra, GenB Coordinator and Head of Projects Department at APRE, this new Community of Practice (CoP) is set to carry forward the legacy of GenB, BioBeo and other aligned initiatives.

“The assets built during the last few years cannot be lost. On the contrary, the ‘European Community of Practice for Bioeconomy Lower Education’ will contribute to valorising the efforts done and stimulate the debate among experts of education and bioeconomy,” said Pocaterra.

The CoP aims to connect educators, researchers and bioeconomy advocates across Europe to share best practices, co-create new methodologies and support the implementation of bioeconomy education in schools. It builds upon the combined educational models, tools and policy recommendations developed by GenB and BioBeo over the last 30 months.

During the event, participants also had the opportunity to engage with practical tools and educational materials developed not only by GenB and BioBeo but also from projects like BioGov.Net, CLEVERFOOD, LOESS, ProBleu, Circular Schools, Life Terra, SLEs, BlueMissionMed and BlueRev, showcasing the collective efforts driving systemic change in European education.

The event concluded with a policy-oriented session, delivering actionable recommendations to shape the future of bioeconomy education within the revised EU Bioeconomy Strategy. This collaborative and forward-looking approach reinforces the European Union’s commitment to sustainability, youth empowerment, and education as central levers of transformation.

We are living in a key moment for transforming our agricultural systems. In the face of climate change, natural resource pressure, and the challenge of feeding a growing population, the combination of technological innovation and the bioeconomy offers a clear path toward a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient agriculture.

My daily work aimed precisely at that: enabling the transition to smarter farming systems, where digital tools and climate solutions are not a luxury, but a practical asset for farmers and workers. In this context, climate-smart agriculture becomes a cornerstone, helping to mitigate climate impacts, adapt to new conditions, and optimise resource use without compromising productivity.

However, sustainability cannot be truly achieved without addressing the role of the bioeconomy. Based on my experience, the bioeconomy is not just a new model for producing, transforming, and reusing biological resources, it is also a strategic tool for integrating innovation in a way that is both sustainable and socially fair, particularly within the primary sector. While, Europe champions sustainable innovation, too often it reaches farmers and end-users in the form of complex, fast-moving requirements that feel disconnected from the day-to-day realities of working the land.

That’s where the bioeconomy actually makes a difference, and it acts as a bridge. It connects scientific knowledge with practical expertise, aligns public interest with private value, and translates institutional ambition into grounded, real-world action. It helps close the persistent gap between the agricultural world and the public administration, a gap that often leads to frustration, mistrust, and disengagement.

Of course, this shift is not easy. But one thing I’ve learned is that technology and innovation alone will not deliver a just or effective transformation. What we truly need is a shared vision, institutional coherence, and a framework that actively includes those who are often left behind. And this is precisely where the bioeconomy becomes essential: by offering not only tools and solutions, but also a systemic approach that places sustainability, inclusion, and practicality at the core of innovation. A well-understood and well-applied bioeconomy doesn’t just accompany change, it enables and anchors it, making sure that progress is rooted in the real needs of people, territories, and the planet.

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The Anthropocene era, a period in which human activity has become the dominant geological force that marks a critical turning point for the environment. Reckless greenhouse gas emissions, overexploitation of natural resources, and biodiversity loss have pushed the planet into an unprecedented ecological crisis. At the same time, rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events make the need for immediate solutions imperative. Modern challenges require innovative strategies, with the bioeconomy emerging as an alternative approach to sustainable development and resilience.

The bioeconomy, based on the sustainable use of biological resources, proposes an economic model that reduces dependence on non-renewable raw materials while promoting environmental sustainability. The integration of biological innovations into sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry can lead to the creation of circular production systems, reducing pollutant emissions and waste. Simultaneously, new technologies, such as synthetic biology and biotechnology, enhance the efficiency of production processes, making the bioeconomy both sustainable and competitive.

At an international level, the need for a green transition is becoming increasingly urgent, with the European Union and other global organizations promoting policies that support the bioeconomy. The European Green Deal, for instance, aims for a climate-neutral continent by 2050, while many countries are investing in research and innovation in the field of biotechnology. Governments also play a crucial role, recognizing the need for investments in renewable energy sources, green technologies, and sustainable production practices.

Beyond its environmental dimension, the bioeconomy also plays a pivotal role in geopolitics. The energy crisis and instability in supply chains make the need for energy and production autonomy more pressing than ever. The development of sustainable alternative resources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the formation of a more resilient economic system. Additionally, the bioeconomy has the potential to strengthen local communities by creating new job opportunities and enhancing social cohesion.

In response to climate change, the bioeconomy offers solutions that combine environmental protection with economic growth. From biofuel and biodegradable material production to sustainable agriculture and waste management, its applications can mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. At the same time, the development of innovative technologies, such as bioprocesses and circular supply chains, helps reduce environmental footprints and strengthens resilience against future crises.

In conclusion, the Anthropocene is defined by the challenges arising from human impact on the planet. However, the bioeconomy stands out as a promising solution capable of transforming production and consumption models, contributing to the shaping of a sustainable future both environmentally and economically. With the right strategy and support from policymakers, the bioeconomy can serve as a pillar of sustainable development and global resilience against the climate and economic challenges of the 21st century.

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The term “Fast Fashion” was coined in 1989 in an article by the New York Times[1]. Since then, the term has been thrown around a lot and used to brand companies with the binary “good” or “bad.” But what does fast fashion mean? And how does it relate to us as individuals and the planet as a whole?

Fast fashion impacts everyone in different ways. From the perspective of a teenage girl, it is a constant in my life. All around me are social norms of how to dress and how to get the most for the least amount of money. To dress like myself and buy only what I need or repair torn textiles is an act of rebellion towards the normalization of always being on trend. I am in a position where I should not talk about my values towards shopping without shaming so many peers who are thriving off cheap clothing. Yet with these struggles I am still on the fortunate end of fast fashion’s impact on earth. My country is not being used as a dumping site for unsold textiles, and the rivers and lakes are cleaner than those with chemicals pumped into them. I can go swimming in the country I live in, Austria, without worrying about the red waters that are a result from illegal factories. There are people my age who deserve this too but are instead faced with water contaminated by chemicals and color dyes. The following images show the contrast from where I live to where another kid just like me does. The first image was taken by me of a lake near my school, and the second was sourced from “All That is Interesting[2],” featuring the Yangtze River in China.

Fast fashion is the practice of mass-producing clothes, often with profit and not sustainability in mind, as dictated in an article by The Good Trade[3]. Fast fashion is bad for numerous reasons, most predominantly being, as described by the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the second-biggest consumer of water and the cause of approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. This problem alongside waste generation, and the normalization of over consumption, are often overlooked by consumers for the sake of buying cheap. The latter is a problem as it increases the number of the former two. Water usage to produce fast fashion has been estimated by the EU to result in 20% of global freshwater pollution; the utilization of microplastics for textiles and other non-biodegradable substances that make up the poor-quality clothing; excess energy consumption; and lack of recycling unused/unsold products all result in the world we know today that is suffering. Various sources agree on this, including Greenly Earth[4] and, Europa.eu[5]., and Earth.org[6]. 

Fast fashion production/consumption has doubled over the past 15 years. Earth.org states that the fashion industry is currently the second-largest industrial polluter, responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions4, thus ranking their carbon emission contributions greater than air travel and maritime transport combined. According to the UN Environment Program[7], the industry consumes beyond unethical amounts of water, around 93 billion cubic meters, and the waste is exposed to dangerous chemicals. From the same source, 20% of global wastewater is a result of textile dyeing. And because most productions where such waste is produced are in countries with less regulation, the wastewater is deposited into rivers and seas. When this occurs, health and ecosystems are put at risk. Given this information, it is apparent that fast fashion is doing more than wasting textiles, it is wasting valuable water sources and leaving destruction in its wake.

“Fashion/lifestyle” influencers will glorify purchasing clothes in sweeping amounts but will only keep them as long as the trends dictate. As the label “influencer” implies the fans or consumers of the “fashion/lifestyle” content creators are influenced or pressured into believing that more is better, and that style comes from what others wear. Not only does this process strip us of individuality and expression through clothing, but it also creates heaps of waste that is not being dealt with in the way that it should.

Fast fashion brands are easier to spot than one might think. They will use marketing strategies like “must have” or “flash sales” to trick you into purchasing more than you need. Often, these brands have new arrivals every week and mass-produce only to replace those clothes when the trend ends. If a brand refuses to talk about their workers, it is likely a sign that they are hiding unethical treatment such as long working hours, little pay, exposure to chemicals, and overworking their employees. In 2021, the “Bangladesh Accord on workers’ safety” was introduced as a means to protect people from unjust treatment in the workplace, similar to the examples previously provided. Should the company failed to sign the “Bangladesh Accord on workers’ safety” from 2021, it would likely be because the company’s profit would have suffered should they treat workers better. The “Bangladesh Accord on workers’ safety” is an agreement that confirms the continued commitment of those who signed to support and ensure workplace safety programs in Bangladesh. Through cooperation with the RSC (RMG Sustainability Council), those who signed further commit to establishing workplace safety programs in other countries based on the success of this accord. The source of this information was updated in 2023 in the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry. Thus, companies that do not sign an agreement that prioritizes human life over profit, are likely hiding something or are blatantly ignoring ethical working conditions.

The following are examples of well-known fast fashion brands, and some of their questionable practices that the average consumer may be less aware of according to sources such as Modern Retail, Good on You, and Clean Clothes Campaign:

Shein – This brand from China has only grown thanks to social media. It adds 500 new arrivals each day for very low prices. This brand uses the mask of making clothing more affordable to cover the massive waste they produce and alarming unethical treatment of workers. By producing so much so rapidly, Shein contributes to the throw-away culture fast fashion brands are promoting, directly or indirectly, which comes at the cost of the environment. There is no evidence that Shein is trying to subside its environmental impact. The brand also is refusing to share any information about where its products are made and is very evasive about the supply chain. Additionally, the “fabrics” and “textiles” used by Shein are very similar to those described in further detail in the next example, which have been shown to contain hazardous chemicals.

Temu – This brand discloses little to no information on the treatment of those making the clothing. They deny any involvement in slave/child labor, but allegations have come forward that point to Temu refusing to pay workers. Not only do their clothing and materials have detrimental impacts on our soil and water because of the toxic chemicals they contain, but they are also hazardous to health around the communities that these workers live in, according to the Eco Stylist[8], last updated in May of 2024. While the materials utilized are not always apparent, most of the clothing items sold are made from synthetic fabrics, namely, polyester. Synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum, thus making them a form of plastic. The production of synthetic fabrics is severely detrimental to our world as they take hundreds of years to decompose.

Zara – Live Frankly[9] and other sources have brought to light that while this brand claims to use recycled packaging and has opened a textile recycling program in April 2024, it remains guarded around what goes into making their products. As of 2017 the brand has been found to refuse to pay living wages, and secret messages have allegedly been found within the clothing asking for help. In 2017, BBC covered the story about tags found on Zara products in Istanbul, stating that the employees were not paid for their labor. The source of these messages was proven to be Bravo Tekstil, which produced clothes for Zara and other flourishing international brands such as Next and Mango. The employees have come forward to demand over three months’ worth of unpaid compensation. Ultimately Zara and the other companies that had benefited from Bravo Tekstil managed to raise a hardship fund of 210,000 euros ($246,000; £188,000). But even with this payment, a question must be asked: Does Zara care about its employees, or its image? Had the notes never come to light, would Zara have done anything? Zara is also not releasing information just yet to say whether it is on track to reaching its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, though a common theme for the brand is withholding information that damages the company’s image and thus sales.

Primark – Primark is an Irish company that has grown to one of the largest textile distributors in Europe. As the brand is one that outsources the manufacturing of products, it holds no influence over the treatment of workers. Whilst the brand states that factories must follow an ethical code of conduct, there is a lack of evidence that suggests workers are paid fairly or are provided with clean and safe working conditions. Customers have claimed to find “SOS” messages written in Chinese within the textiles, and this story was further addressed by BBC in an article published in 2014[10]. It is not certain whether the note was staged or true, but it warranted consideration and investigation. Whilst Primark shares the locations of many factories it produces through, there is always room to improve the company’s transparency. Primark is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and has been donating unsold/unused clothes and textiles to charities. Though this is a good step towards a circular economy, the production of what is sold is rapid and made with unanswered questions that signify unethical behavior.

Mango – Mango is a brand originating in Spain but has since opened 2,743 stores and counting in 115 markets. While Mango is progressive in listing the number of factories it has and greenhouse gas emission amounts, Mango has not set (or has not announced) goals to lower them. The brands Code of Conduct has also revealed that the workers in the factories are paid minimum wage, rather than recommended or living wages. The brand has also failed to disclose whether and how it supports the families of 1,134 garment workers who died in the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh back in 2013. This information has been sourced from the article “Global Actions Targeting Benetton and Mango” in Clean Clothes.org.

Nike – Nike, a popular sportswear brand that has done well recently in inclusivity and diversity of models and thus representation in sports, is failing to live up to ethical standards that should warrant such popularity. Numerous ethical concerns have been raised throughout the “Just Do It” brand’s history. In 2022, the Guardian[11] reported a lawsuit against the company addressing sexual harassment and mistreatment of female employees. The lawsuit was 5,000 pages long listed the disgusting treatment women have faced, such as when they are told to “dress sexier.” Nike has also come under fire in the past for links to sweatshops and unethical manufacturing including child labor since the 1970s. The brand was slow at first to respond in the ’90s, though under increasing pressure it has made some changes such as raising the minimum age of workers and increasing the amount of factory audits. In May 2023, Nike was charged with a lawsuit over “greenwashed” clothing. The lawsuit was 47 pages and accuses that Nike has illegally capitalized on consumers demand for ethical and “green” clothing by making false claims denying the damaging truth that their clothing is made with non-biodegradable plastic, says Good on You[12] and Green Matters[13].

The tricky bit about discussing these brands is not knowing what has been exaggerated (e.g. the notes sewn into clothing) but also how to go about preventing further purchases. The former problem can be solved bit by bit by spending time working to find your own answers from credible sources that likely are not from TikTok, while the latter can take a more abstract approach. One of the most important parts you want to put into the message about why not to buy from fast fashion companies is that you are not placing blame or shame. Often, the spread of information about fast fashion creates shame around anyone who has already or continues to buy from fast fashion brands. But you should know what you bought before knowing your power and the impact it has on the world you can fix by stopping and spreading awareness. The point of this article is not to call consumers out, but instead to help them realize alternatives and why to turn to them, which results in a better world for us all.

In addition to the deep spread of shame instead of information, the message of what you can do gets lost and a common thing to hear is “ just thrift!” But thrifting is such an open-ended concept, and what is the difference between buying used clothes to buying new? And what are some examples of alternatives?

Buying second hand does not benefit the original company, and is a way to save money, earn money, and limit mass production. To take a step further towards a circular economy, small businesses have begun thrifting and then upcycling their clothes. This is a creative way to give clothes a new life that does not benefit the original company nor use up resources for something that will only be used a handful of times.

Options for buying second hand/used shops and sustainable brands include the following:

Uptraded – “Tinder für Kleidung” (Tinder for Clothing) Matching/Trading/Lending clothes to prevent buying more or wasting clothing. Anna Greil made this program, and it is used to share clothing and create a more circular fashion industry. The website of Uptraded states that as of now, 2025, Uptraded is compatible with Germany and Austria and has opened shop in Vienna[14]. 

Vinted – A site where you can buy, sell, or rent secondhand items (primarily clothing and accessories) across 21 countries. Vinted is a great website to buy secondhand online and sell items thus preventing waste and moving away from a linear economy[15]. Through Vinted one can buy cheaper, gain money through selling, give life to a product no longer in use, and limit purchasing new items. All of which benefit the consumer, seller, and the planet whilst not benefiting the original company that produced the items.

Patagonia – Patagonia is a brand known best for the outdoor apparel it provides. The brand has an entire page dedicated to the transparency of the brand’s goals and practices, which is admirable in comparison to so many brands trying be secretive. On this page the following quote was found “Patagonia has built a robust social-responsibility program that analyzes and manages the impacts our business has on the workers and communities in our supply chain. Our goal is to not only minimize harm but also create a positive benefit for the lives that we touch through our business.”[16]

SuperDry – SuperDry is a Japanese brand that, while it is not perfect, much like any brand, is trying and is open about what they are doing and how they can improve. The website contains easy to find information with statements such as “We want to help limit the global temperature rise. So, we’re making several changes to how our products are made. We’re switching to lower impact and recycled materials which have a lower carbon footprint – kilo for kilo – when compared to conventional alternatives. We’re also adapting how we move them and where we sell them.”[17] This quote shows awareness that not all brands have about the world around them. In addition to the quote loads of information is provided about SuperDry’s goal of 65% target by 2025 and 96% by 2030, and the transparency helps consumers know where the brands priorities are.

The first step to combat fast fashion, overconsumption, waste culture, and ultimately global warming is through education. Most who are purchasing from unethical brands do not do so to spite the earth, but because they have not been educated about it. Every individual has the responsibility to keep the world green, it is when just one person believes they don’t matter in the grand scheme of things that this system crumbles. Someone might think just one more order from Shein or Zara or Temu will not matter, but it always does. And when more people follow suit and say, “I’m only one person,” the impact is pernicious. Together, we can change the world, and individually, we can change the world. Each time just one person stands up, our earth becomes a greener place, because what you do matters.

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[1] New York Times Article “Fashion; Two New Stores That Cruise Fashion’s Fast Lane”

[2] All that is Interesting Article “Welcome to The Yangtze: A Source Of Life, And Now Death, For 400 Million Chinese Residents”

[3] The Good Trade Article “What is Fast Fashion Anyway?”

[4] Greenly Earth Article “All You Need to Know About Fast Fashion”

[5] European Youth Parliament Article “The History of Fast Fashion”

[6] Earth.org Article “The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion, Explained”

[7] UN Environment Program Webpage (UNEP)

[8] Eco-Stylist Article “Is Temu Fast Fashion? How Sustainable Are They? Let’s Discuss”

[9] Live Frankly Article  “How sustainable is Zara and can I shop there with a clean conscience?”

[10] BBC Article “Primark investigates claim of ‘cry for help’ note in trousers”

[11] The Guardian Article “Nike lawsuit records allege culture of sexism, bullying and fear of retaliation”

[12] Good on You Article “How Ethical is Nike”

[13] Green Matters Article “”Just Do It,” but at What Cost? Exploring the Complex History of Nike’s Ethics”

[14] Uptraded Webpage

[15] Vinted Webpage

[16] Patagonia Webpage “How We’re Making Change”

[17] Superdry Webpage “Our Mission to be the #1 Sustainable Science Brand”

While climate change and resource depletion have significantly impacted the world, bioeconomy is emerging, driving sustainability forward, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting strategical use of biological resources. Renewable materials (plants, microorganisms, agricultural waste) are transforming the industries of agriculture, foods and energy. The future is promising. But are we really prepared to align innovation with sustainable action?

Contradictions abound in our society. On the one hand, scientific advancements are constantly bringing new technologies that enhance sustainability and efficiency, creating more resilient food systems. On the other hand, our hyper-consumerist society poses challenges that slow down this transition.

In detail, sectors like synthetic biology and material engineering are leading the way, with engineered microbes acting as biofactories to produce biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and sustainable chemicals. Concurrently, researchers are creating sustainable bioplastics using biodegradable polymers, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastics. In agriculture as well, regenerative practices improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and protect the supply chain from climate change. Conversely, growing demand for material goods, convenience and disposable products contradicts the principles of a sustainable bioeconomy, which include mindful consumption and waste reduction. Consumers prioritizing short-term convenience and the industry striving to meet consumers’ needs by mass producing, it is difficult for bio-based alternatives to grow in popularity and gain widespread use.

As an agriculture student, researching bioeconomy and biopolymer recycling, I understand both ends. While biodegradable materials offer promising benefits, they remain underutilized in the actual industry, where profit outweighs environmental responsibility. This principle carries over to young people – especially us genZ – that invest heavily in education and qualifications, in order to enter a competitive, highly specialized job market. Despite being overqualified, industries as we mention struggle to keep up with the sustainability shift, and a lot of young professionals don’t get the chance to make a real-world impact, often feeling like their efforts are going to waste.

Is technocracy enough to drive significant change? Truthfully, no. Fundamental shifts in resource management are just as important for bioeconomy success as technological advancements. It calls for a shift in mindset, with corporations prioritizing long-term environmental responsibility over short-term gains, while consumers ditch materialism and convenience. For us young professionals, it means not only technical expertise, but also advocating for systemic change – through research, entrepreneurship and conscious consumer behaviour. Examples include launching startups that focus on biodegradable materials, waste upcycling, advocating for sustainability,  or even something as simple as consciously choosing bio-based products and reducing food waste.

Bioeconomy involves more than simply substituting fossil-based products. It involves reconsidering our resource use to build a sustainable and efficient future. This sector offers a distinctive chance for innovation and influence, given the continuous technological advancements and increasing need for eco-friendly solutions. As industries progress, young professionals can seize the opportunity to lead a change that is redefining production methods, consumption habits and environmental conservation. But are we as consumers, really willing to commit to change our habits? Or do we expect industry to change, while we continue prioritizing convenience?

AIJU participated in the latest edition of INTED (International Technology, Education and Development Conference), held from March 3 to 5, 2025, in Valencia, Spain. This event is a global benchmark in educational innovation and technology-based learning, bringing together academics, teachers, and researchers to discuss the most advanced trends in education.

The acceptance of the paper written by APRE, FVA, BTG and AIJU and titled “Educational Games for Bioeconomy Learning: Insights from the Horizon Europe GenB Project”, represented significant recognition of the educational value of our research and the project itself. INTED, with its focus on active methodologies and gamification, provided the ideal setting to give visibility to our work on the use of educational games as a tool for teaching bioeconomy.

The article was published in the INTED virtual repository, under the topic of “Gamification & Game-Based Learning”, allowing researchers, educators, and professionals worldwide to access our findings and explore our innovative proposals. The presence of our work in this environment broadened its dissemination, facilitating its consultation by experts interested in the intersection of education, sustainability, and technology.

The paper highlights how the educational games developed—BioHeroes: Let’s Save the Planet!, The Bio Race, Green Chat Quartet, and Escape4Future – Chemistry Meets Circular Bioeconomy—combine entertainment and learning to bring bioeconomy concepts closer to young people. Thanks to their game-based learning (GBL) approach, these games not only facilitate the understanding of complex topics but also promote essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

The development process of these games, based on a user-centered design, actively involved 269 participants in co-creation and validation workshops across three European countries. Having our methodology featured at INTED demonstrated how participatory education and pedagogical innovation can enhance the teaching of scientific and environmental topics.

Our participation in INTED 2025 reaffirmed the alignment of our work with current educational trends and provided us with the opportunity to establish new collaborations with institutions and professionals interested in gamification and bioeconomy education. The acceptance of our paper at this prestigious conference highlights the relevance of our research and reinforces our organization’s commitment to developing innovative educational resources but also to raising awareness of bioeconomy and sustainability topics. Through education and engagement, we aim to inspire younger generations to embrace more sustainable lifestyles and become active participants in the transition toward a circular economy.

The full paper is available for consultation here.

On 17 February 2025, the GenB project hosted an engaging online mutual learning workshop that brought together GenB ambassadors, aged 13 to 30, from 10 different countries across Europe and beyond. The session, which ran from 18:00 to 20:00 hours, also welcomed at least one GenB partner from each participating country.

The workshop provided a platform for GenB ambassadors to reflect on their journeys, share challenges and lessons learned, and recall their favourite memories. The event fostered a strong sense of community and inspiration as ambassadors shared powerful stories of raising awareness about the bioeconomy.

Reflections on challenges and lessons learned

Ambassadors highlighted several challenges, such as communicating complex bioeconomy concepts to unfamiliar audiences, difficulties in engaging initially disinterested audiences, and engaging high school students. Fear of public speaking and balancing time with academic or professional commitments were also common hurdles.

Despite these challenges, the ambassadors showed resilience and creativity. They found that simplifying technical language, using relatable stories, and providing hands-on activities were effective in raising awareness. Overcoming the fear of public speaking proved to be a transformative experience for many. The GenB capacity building webinars played a crucial role in equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to engage diverse audiences with the topic on the bioeconomy.

Interactive discussions and future outlook

The ambassadors also discussed how to continue their work without the official support of the GenB project. In addition, FVA, the GenB project partner supporting the “taking a role” activities of the GenB ambassadors, provided them with concrete next steps. In addition to a refresher on the GenB toolkit, the participants were informed that GenB partners will be looking for further engagement opportunities in the final months of the project and beyond. The GenB project partners also plan to secure new projects that will continue involving the ambassadors. Finally, the experiences of the GenB ambassadors will be consolidated and shared with the European Commission and other projects and initiatives involving young people.

A heartfelt conclusion

The event concluded with an emotional “award’s ceremony” where project partners and regional representatives expressed their gratitude for the ambassadors’ commitment. The workshop ended on an optimistic note, with participants encouraged to continue raising awareness of sustainable practices and the bioeconomy beyond the project’s duration.

As part of the 2025 STEM Discovery Campaign, GenB project in collaboration with Clarios, industry partner of Scientix STEM Alliance, is hosting the Scientix Circular Choice Award, an incredible opportunity to promote sustainable and circularity practices educators are implementing in the classroom activities. This award recognises the most impactful class projects, including GenB resources, that emphasise the importance of the seamless incorporation of circularity principles of STEM education, such as bioeconomy and the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) among others.

From 1 February to 30 April 2025, participants are invited to organize an activity with their students on the importance of bioeconomy and create a Learning Scenario or a Story of Implementation. They are invited to explore various materials included in the GenB MOOC and the GenB Toolkit, and to draw inspiration on different activities and tools.

Three (3) winners will be selected and invited to the upcoming 2025 Science Projects Workshop in Brussels, as well as receive a set of GenB merchandise.

More info about 2025 Scientix STEM Discovery Campaign: The 2025 Scientix STEM Discovery Campaign, co-organised with the NBS EduWORLD project, is an international collaborative initiative that promotes STEM careers and studies and encourages knowledge-sharing and cooperation across all levels of education. By simply pinning the efforts in teaching STEM, including bioeconomy, circular bioeconomy and recycling to the 2025 STEM Discovery Campaign map, participants’ work will gain exposure to a global audience. For more details on how to participate and get involved, check out the 2025 Scientix STEM Discovery Campaign page.