Author: Ioana-Gabriela Cosma

Introduction. In a globalized economy built on intensive consumption of natural resources and environmentally damaging actions, it is imperative to identify solutions that help to reduce pollution. In line with efforts to maximize the value of natural resources and minimize toxic materials in the environment, many countries have developed bio-economic strategies that contribute to the conversion of bio-basic raw materials to develop organic products (bio-plastic , bio-pharmaceuticals, green chemicals etc.). In Europe, there are already countries that have established bio-economic policies (Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Scotland and the Netherlands), and an European strategy is already being discussed at EU level. Countries that are already implementing bio-economic principles are positioned as research and innovation centers for bio-products, green energy, bio-economic processes and services. In this context, bio-plastics play an important role due to their potential to contribute to improving the quality of the environment and, implicitly, the well-being of the planet’s inhabitants.

Aim of the study. The article aims to make a brief analysis of the importance and evolution of the field of bio-plastics at a globall and European level, trying to bring forth the best examples of good practice from countries that are already implementing such policies and whose economies are becoming more and more bio (green economies). In addition to being environmentally friendly, the bio-plastics sector also has an important potential to generate job growth, costs savings and natural resources etc.
Keywords: bio-economy, bio-plastics, sustainable development
JEL Classification: O1, O13, O33, O44

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Introduction. Currently, the States and regions around the world face with several economic, environmental, social challenges etc. The increase in the demand for power supply, for primary resources (agriculture, forestry and fishing), for industrial products and services, sets a significant pressure on the ecosystems sustainability. One of the solutions to support the sustainable development process may be the transition towards the bio-economy, innovative sector focused on the production of biotechnologies and biomass. The bio-economy is the field comprising all economic activities related to the use of biological renewable resources.

Aim of the study. The goal of this paper is to draw the attention on the importance of bio-economy in the effectiveness of the use of natural resources and in the current context of obvious and irreversible climate changes. Moreover, lately, the concept of bio-economy gained the attention of the scientific and political environments, both in Europe and at worldwide level. We can already talk in Europe of a general transition towards the bio-economical field.
Keywords: Bio-economy, sustainable development, innovation, renewable resources management
Jel Classification: Q01, Q51, Q57

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