Thank you for joining our Bio-Based Quiz as part of the BioReCer social campaign! This initiative is designed to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of bio-based products, highlighting the importance of renewable raw materials and the potential of waste as a valuable resource. In particular, consumers need to know that:
- Organic residues should be treated as resource and not as waste;
- The use of organic residues for bio-based products should be fostered in the EU and the collection of organic waste and residues should become mandatory in all EU countries;
- Adapted certification schemes should be recognized as the central solution to avoid greenwashing and consumer deception, and to guarantee corporate due diligence;
- European policies supporting a circular bio-economy could promote new renewable resources in place of fossil ones.
Characteristic of the campaign:
- Target: general public, citizens and consumers
- Language: English, with each BioReCer consortium member free to adopt the campaign in their native language.
- Visibility: to ensure visibility for all consortium partners
- Overall message: BioReCer is transforming the approach to production and consumption, promoting a sustainable circular economy where everyone — from industries to consumers — has a role to play.
- Self-evaluation tool: Did you get the answers right? Every time we post a new quiz question, we will update this page with the correct answers. Keep checking back to track your progress and learn more!
- Timeline and Channel: As this was a social media campaign, it was disseminated through the BioReCer LinkedIn profile (as well as various groups dedicated to related topics) from 20 May to 29 July 2025. This dedicated page was published online only at the end of the campaign, in August 2025.
- Template: The Bio-Based Quiz consists of 11 questions, each with three possible answers, presented as GIF images that display all consortium members at the end. For each question, an explanation of the correct answer is provided along with a link for those who wish to explore the topic further. At the end of the campaign, a short self-assessment summary was made available to participants.
The concept and rationale of this campaign were presented, discussed, and approved on the occasion of the Biorecer 3rd coordination meeting, which was carried out in Milan (Italy) from October 1 to 3, 2024. For more details, click here.
Quiz questions and answers
Correct answer: b) The circular economy aims to reduce, reuse, and recycle resources to minimize waste and environmental impact.
- A circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste and maximise resource efficiency by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. The European Union has introduced legislation and strategies to transition towards a circular economy. In essence, the circular economy represents a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume and manage resources, aiming to create a more sustainable and resilient economic system.
- Bio-based products are often more innovative and less impactful on the environment, helping to preserve natural resources and stimulate the circular economy.
- Circularity is essential for the sustainable transition of the EU economy because it promotes efficient use of resources, minimises waste, and reduces the environmental impact of production and consumption. By adopting a circular economy model, materials and products are reused, repaired, and recycled, keeping them in the economy for as long as possible. This reduces the demand for virgin resources, lowers carbon emissions and supports the EU’s goals for climate neutrality and sustainability. Circularity also encourages innovation, creates green jobs, and enhances economic resilience by reducing dependency on finite resources and external markets.
Correct answer: a) Products derived from renewable resources.
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Bio-based products are made using renewable raw materials such as plants, algae, and wood, instead of fossil resources like oil. These are sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact. They replace fossil-based materials in everyday products and advanced technologies. From cosmetics to textiles, detergents to packaging, and even batteries.
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Examples of bio-based solutions:
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Chemicals: Bio-based chemicals are used in various industries, such as cosmetics, paints, lubricants and adhesives.
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Textiles: In recent years, new bio-based polymers produced from wood or algae, or fermented agricultural and food residues, have been used in new sustainable textile fibre production.
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Construction or packaging materials: Insulation material used in construction can be made from agricultural waste and fungi. Microbial cells and enzymes can be used to produce bio-based plastics (biodegradable or not) in packaging, agriculture, and other industries as well as recycle such bio-based polymers. The glamour of biology knows no limits: Eucalyptus cellulose can even be used to produce bio-based and biodegradable glitter.
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Read more on bio-based products here
Correct answer: b) They use renewable resources instead of fossil resources.
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Bio-based products help protect the environment, boost the economy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels like oil and coal.
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Sustainability starts with Waste! Some waste and by-products, such as agricultural, urban, and industrial waste, can be transformed into valuable bio-based materials for industry.
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BioReCer works to improve the use of these materials, focusing on bio-based production through innovation and sustainability. Every year, humanity generates enormous amounts of waste that, if not properly managed, end up in landfills or are incinerated. These wastes can be a valuable resource.
Read more on biogenic waste and residues – a valuable renewable resource here
Correct answer: b) Fossil raw materials are non-renewable resources and include oil, natural gas, and coal.
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Defossilisation involves the replacement of fossil carbon (carbon found below the ground) derived from coal, oil and natural gas with renewable carbon sources. This shift is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions in the chemicals and materials industry, given that the majority of chemicals and materials are primarily composed of carbon that is embedded in their molecular structure. Defossilisation, representing the transition from fossil to renewable carbon within the chemicals and materials sector, parallels the decarbonisation achieved through renewable energy sources.
Bio-based products are made using renewable raw materials such as plants, algae, and wood, instead of fossil resources like oil. Choosing these products means contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable world.
Correct answer: b) The environmental performance and sustainability of raw materials.
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The innovations in the BioReCer project include certification schemes for bio-based products that guarantee their sustainability, fostering their spread among both industries and consumers.
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A small change in our purchasing habits can have a big impact on our future.
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Certification is part of testing and inspection of a product and its value-chain, and the provision of written assurance (a certificate) by an independent body. This certificate confirms that the product in question and its value-chain meets specific requirements. These certificates are publicly available, and in many cases, certifiers award product labels that consumers can use as a guide for purchasing choices.
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In case of bio-based products, certification is challenging. This is because existing Labels and Certification Schemes (LCS) mostly use indicators and criteria that have been developed for traditional feedstocks (e.g. wood) and their applications. Also, in comparison to conventional fossil feedstock, value chains of biological resources are often longer due to numerous intermediate processing steps. Consequently, more effort is required to monitor the entire supply chain and obtain transparency.
BioReCer will complement current certification schemes including new criteria for certifying the sustainability, origin, and traceability of biological resources derived from waste, and ensuring applicability in the EU and globally.
Read more on Biological Resources Certifications Schemes here
Correct answer: a) They help consumers choose products with a lower environmental impact.
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The development of new certifications that assess not only the quality but also the environmental performance of bio-based products can help consumers make informed choices, supporting products that respect the environment. Every time you choose a bio-based product, you contribute to a value chain that reduces emissions and promotes recycling.
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The benefits of bio-based products are not only environmental but also economic. Adopting renewable solutions creates new opportunities for industry and offers consumers sustainable alternatives without sacrificing quality.
Read more on how the BioReCer project builds consumer trust in bio-based products here
Correct answer: c) Both agricultural and industrial waste.
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Through supply chain mapping and waste flow analysis, BioReCer aims to create a virtuous cycle in which waste is transformed into high-quality products for industry, improving efficiency and reducing pressure on natural resources.
BioReCer, in order not to limit itself to theory, analysed through four regional case studies in Europe how industrial and agricultural waste can be transformed into bio-based products. In Spain, for instance, waste from the fish canning industry has become a new resource for green chemistry. In Italy, the organic fraction of municipal waste has been used to produce natural fertilisers. In Greece, the value chains of by-products of cereal crops (rice, wheat, etc.) and fodder/industrial crops are being examined to see if biofertilisers and nutraceuticals can be produced from these raw materials. In Sweden, starting with the industrial processing of forests that produces large volumes of branches, roots, tips, sawdust, bark and sludge, the respective value chains will be analysed to see what potential can be derived from these raw materials.
Read more on EU Bioeconomy Strategy here
Correct answer: a) It is the set of all activities and processes that a company carries out to add value to a product or service, from its conception to delivery to the final consumer.
Every time you choose a bio-based product, you contribute to a value chain that reduces emissions and promotes recycling. In the BioReCer case study in Greece, for example, the value chains of by-products of cereal crops (rice, wheat) and fodder/industrial crops are being examined to see if bio-fertilisers and nutraceuticals can be produced from these raw materials. In Sweden, starting with the industrial processing of forests that produces large volumes of branches, roots, tips, sawdust, bark and sludge, the respective value has been analysed to see what potential can be derived from these raw materials.
Read more on the definitions and characteristics of a value chain here
Correct answer: b) By improving efficiency and effectiveness in all stages, from production to distribution.
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BioReCer, analysed through four regional case studies in Europe how industrial and agricultural waste can be transformed into bio-based products. In Spain, for instance, waste from the fish canning industry has become a new resource for green chemistry. In Italy, the organic fraction of municipal waste has been used to produce natural fertilizers. These examples demonstrate the positive impact of bio-based production in terms of circular economy and sustainability.
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BioReCer has promoted cooperation between experts and industry by creating an innovation ecosystem where stakeholders work together to achieve common sustainability goals. Through cooperation, the potential of renewable resources is explored and new technological solutions for the sustainable use of waste and by-products are developed. The result? An ecosystem that produces benefits for the environment, society, and the economy.
Read more on how the value chain is a powerful tool for disaggregating a company into strategically relevant activities and its competitive advantage here
Correct answer: b) Provides information on the sustainability of products.
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BioReCer has developed an advanced platform that assess the sustainability of bio-based resources. This tool provides certifiers, companies, and consumers with essential insights into the sustainability of raw materials and products, enabling more informed choices.
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By accessing the BioReCer ICT Tool (BIT), users can track the entire lifecycle of bio-based products, from raw material sourcing to environmental impact. The platform enhances traceability and transparency across value chains involving biogenic waste and residues from agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and municipal waste.
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For companies, BIT helps optimize production processes and assess certification readiness, identifying the criteria needed to meet sustainability standards or achieve higher certification levels. It also offers real-time data on key sustainability factors, such as CO₂ emissions from feedstock transport, supporting more responsible decision-making for a greener future.
Read more on the BIT platform, see the recording of the BIT demo here
Correct answer: b) To learn about the environmental impact of bio-based products.
In practice, it lets you know how a bio-based product was made and what impact it has on the environment. Simply log on to the BioReCer (BIT) platform to obtain precise information on the sustainability of supply chains, from raw material to finished product. The platform helps companies optimise their production chains and supports consumers in their conscious choice of green and sustainable products.
Read more on the BIT platform, see the recording of the BIT demo here
Self-assessment
If you answered at least 10 out of 11 questions correctly: Congratulations! You have understood the environmental and economic benefits of bio-based products, the importance of renewable raw materials, and the potential of waste as a valuable resource. You show that you are an active citizen in the sustainable circular economy — now put these principles into practice through your everyday choices!
If you answered 7 to 9 questions correctly: Well done! You already have a good understanding of the benefits of bio-based products and the importance of using renewable resources. Keep learning and sharing your knowledge — every step helps to promote a more sustainable and circular future.
If you answered 4 to 6 questions correctly: Good effort! You have grasped some key ideas about renewable raw materials and waste valorisation. With a bit more curiosity and information, you can become an even more informed supporter of the bio-based economy. Keep exploring — you’re on the right track!
If you answered no more than 3 questions correctly: Thank you for taking the quiz! This is a great starting point to learn more about how bio-based products and circular practices can help protect the environment. Stay curious and keep discovering — every bit of knowledge brings us closer to a more sustainable world.
The user-friendly Standardisation Toolkit assembled by BioReCer is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the bio-based sector. By adhering to the highest standards and considering relevant certification schemes, best practices can be adopted by bioeconomy professionals for the success of different bio-based projects. Please see below for further materials:
Acknowledgements
The project BioReCer (No 101060684) has received funding from the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
For this communication campaign, Cittadinanzattiva/Active Citizenship Network thanks MD Comms Group
