Understanding consumer perspectives of bio‐based products— a comparative case study from ireland and the netherlands

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.