The bioeconomy is a hot topic these days, right up at the top of policy agendas. It involves using renewable natural resources as a raw material. The circular bioeconomy introduces circularity into this concept: using what would otherwise be thrown away, using spent biological resources to regenerate ecosystems and minimising waste.

The ECESP website has a good selection of circular bioeconomy-themed content. This series will shine a spotlight on it.

A change of pace today: rather than platforms and good practices, we'll look at a study!

Circular bioeconomy concept: a briefing on how a strong circular economy can help biodiversity

Biodiversity is both vital for healthy ecosystems and the foundation of our well-being and economy. However, it is under severe threat. The root of the problem is our current unsustainable production and consumption systems. The circular economy is key to transforming these systems.

This briefing from the European Environment Agengy explores how the circular economy can reduce the impacts of production and consumption on biodiversity, with a focus on reducing primary resource demand, preventing pollution and biodiversity-friendly sourcing.

The briefing has a number of key messages:

Transforming our current production and consumption systems is an essential part of reducing pressure on biodiversity and ecosystems. Recent research indicates that the food, construction, energy and textile sectors account for approximately 90% of the pressure on biodiversity worldwide. 

The circular economy is a key approach to making transformative changes in the production and consumption systems, but there needs to be more focus on biodiversity. This briefing identifies three areas where the circular economy can benefit biodiversity: 

• More efficient resource use: this reduces the demand for primary resources which in turn lowers pressure on biodiversity. 
• Preventing pollution: this can be done by minimising waste and the use of hazardous substances (hazardous substances are tricky to reuse or recycle and harm natural environments (and human health). 
• Biodiversity-friendly sourcing: this involves avoiding harming natural systems and promoting regenerative practices.