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?