Understanding Consumer Perspectives of Bio-Based Products—A Comparative Case Study from Ireland and The Netherlands

James Gaffey, Helena McMahon, Emily Marsh, Kaisa Vehmas, Tiina Kymäläinen and John Vos
Additional contact information
James Gaffey: Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CIRCBIO), Munster Technological University, Dromtacker, Tralee, V92 CX88 Co. Kerry, Ireland
Helena McMahon: Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CIRCBIO), Munster Technological University, Dromtacker, Tralee, V92 CX88 Co. Kerry, Ireland
Emily Marsh: Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CIRCBIO), Munster Technological University, Dromtacker, Tralee, V92 CX88 Co. Kerry, Ireland
Kaisa Vehmas: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
Tiina Kymäläinen: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
John Vos: BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, Josink Esweg 34, 7545 PN Enschede, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-19

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.

Keywords: bio-based; products; consumers; sustainability; bioeconomy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6062-:d:563835

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