"The co-creation and collaboration processes established during STAR4BBS activities have not just led to sharing of ideas, but also to blending of diverse perspectives to spark innovation, solve problems, and build on mutual knowledge." |
ILARIA BIENTINESI, Project Manager, APRE |
Stakeholder collaboration plays a critical role in research and innovation, as today’s complex challenges require diverse expertise and perspectives. STAR4BBS is proud to involve (internal and external researchers and organizations from different fields, backgrounds, and institutions.
We believe that this collaboration creates, strengthens and amplifies knowledge and resources, elaborating solutions that are more innovative and effective. STAR4BBS' various established synergies allow the establishment of an effective feedback loop, strengthening the impact of our project and allowing us to engage a large number of stakeholders.
Collaboration with other projects and organizations has accelerated the pace of our research and activities, fostering ideas and knowledge sharing, reducing duplication of efforts, and sharing resources. In an increasingly interconnected world, working together is essential for addressing global challenges and driving progress in science, technology, and beyond.
In this 4th issue of our project newsletter, we would like to delve into the results of these collaborations, focusing on the mutual benefits and opportunities that these synergies and cooperation have created. We have some important updates to share regarding our workshops and other events: find out by reading below! |
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TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE: A LOOK INTO STAR4BBS SYNERGIES AND COLLABORATIONS!
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The BIOBASEDCERT Cluster, formed by the STAR4BBS, HARMONITOR, and SUSTCERT4BIOBASED projects, aims to enhance transparency and sustainability in the bio-based industry by contributing to the harmonization of sustainability certification schemes and business-to-business labels.
Implementing clustering activities has maximized all projects’ impacts and has proved as a success story in terms of research cooperation. |
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From the Joint Advisory Board to the development of the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT) and the organization of joint trainings and other events, the collaborative approach ensured the creation of shared goals and fostered knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer exchange practices. |
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STAR4BBS is a Member Project of ECOSYSTEX, a European network of projects joining forces to build a community of practice and strengthen cooperation in the field of textile sustainability and circularity. Being an active member of the ECOSYSTEX Network and part of its Steering Committee, has proved added value for STAR4BBS synergies and cooperation activities, accessing materials and possibilities that have strengthened the quality of STAR4BBS research.
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STAR4BBS has established synergies with related projects SUSTRACK, BioReCer, and 3-CO, to foster knowledge transfer and develop an effective approach to common challenges. These synergies have been carried out through mutual participation in organized events and activities, and promotion and dissemination of results using diverse communication channels.
Finally, through the organization of a joint webinar on the CSR Directive, STAR4BBS has established a fruitful cooperation with the Engage4BIO project. |
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PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES: CO-CREATIONS |
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability certification within the bio-based sector, STAR4BBS has been actively engaging stakeholders through a series of co-creation workshops. These events, held both online and in person across Europe, have provided a valuable platform for discussing and refining the effectiveness of sustainability certification schemes and business-to-business (B2B) labels.
The STAR4BBS project, working in collaboration with its sister projects HARMONITOR and SUSTCERT4BIOBASED within the BIOBASEDCERT cluster, aims to develop a comprehensive monitoring tool—the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT). This system is designed to assess the robustness and effectiveness of certification schemes and labels (CSLs) in ensuring the sustainability of biological feedstocks, bio-based materials, and products. |
Key Outcomes from the Workshops |
Since January 2023, STAR4BBS has hosted multiple co-creation workshops, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability certification. These workshops have involved a diverse set of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and certification scheme owners. |
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PRIORITIZATION OF SUSTAINABILITY POLICY TARGETS |
The first workshop focused on reviewing and refining selection of sustainability policy targets, identifying key policies and criteria for prioritization. Participants provided insights that contributed to finalizing a prioritized list of sustainability goals relevant to certification schemes. |
| VALIDATION OF PRE-SELECTED SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION SCHEMES |
The first workshop focused on reviewing and refining selection of sustainability policy targets, identifying key policies and criteria for prioritization. Participants provided insights that contributed to finalizing a prioritized list of sustainability goals relevant to certification schemes. |
| SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION OF BIO-BASED PRODUCTS |
JUNE 2023, BOLOGNA, ITALY |
A joint engagement event held at the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE), where discussions centered on policy priorities and the role of certification in ensuring compliance with sustainability requirements. |
| CERTIFIED TRADE IN BIO-BASED VALUE CHAINS |
JUNE 2024, COLOGNE, GERMANY |
Held during the Renewable Materials Conference, this workshop focused on the role of certification in global trade flows. Discussions highlighted the need for standardized documentation and clear traceability procedures to meet EU sustainability requirements. |
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BIOBASEDCERT MONITORING SYSTEM PRESENTATION |
JUNE 2024, MARSEILLE, FRANCE |
As part of the EUBCE 2024 conference, STAR4BBS and its sister projects presented preliminary results on the monitoring system development, emphasizing the need for harmonization across certification schemes and policies. |
| DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH CERTIFICATION: UNVEILING THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION SCHEMES IN BIO-BASED INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTS |
This event was organised with STAR4BBS Related Projects, and coordinated by Project Partner AUA. |
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DECEMBER 2024, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM |
The BIOBASEDCERT Research Cluster organized two events on the 4th of December 2024 in Brussels.
The morning event was the third meeting of the Roundtable for Certification Schemes, and the afternoon event was a workshop for policymakers on the BMT and its potential as a support for the EU Bioeconomy Policy Framework. Read the key takeaways on our website. |
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These workshops have provided invaluable feedback, helping to shape the BMT, refine sustainability criteria for certification schemes, and much more. The findings will contribute to upcoming STAR4BBS deliverables and inform policy recommendations for the European bio-based sector.
By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, STAR4BBS is paving the way for a more transparent, credible, and effective certification landscape, ensuring that bio-based products align with sustainability goals and market expectations. Stay connected for more updates on the STAR4BBS project and future stakeholder engagement activities! |
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JOIN THE BIOBASEDCERT CLUSTER FINAL CONFERENCE! |
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We are glad to invite you to the BIOBASEDCERT Final Conference “How can voluntary certification systems support the transition to a sustainable circular bioeconomy” which will take place on the 13th and 14th of May 2025 in Brussels, in the European Commission’s premises. The event is co-organized by STAR4BBS, SUSTCERT4BIOBASED, and HARMONITOR, and will be divided into two days.
The first day (13th of May) will feature interactive thematic sessions, including presentations by the cluster, panel discussions and co-creation activities involving key stakeholders, and an integrative session to reflect on and synthesize the insights gained during the day.
Discussions will cover the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT), assessment of certification schemes and labels, trade flow analysis, and cost-benefit evaluations. A key focus will be the role of certification in supporting EU policies, such as the EU Green Claims Directive and its contribution to shaping the future of the EU Bioeconomy policy framework. |
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We are glad to invite you to the BIOBASEDCERT Final Conference “How can voluntary certification systems support the transition to a sustainable circular bioeconomy” which will take place on the 13th and 14th of May 2025 in Brussels, in the European Commission’s premises. The event is co-organized by STAR4BBS, SUSTCERT4BIOBASED, and HARMONITOR, and will be divided into two days.
The first day (13th of May) will feature interactive thematic sessions, including presentations by the cluster, panel discussions and co-creation activities involving key stakeholders, and an integrative session to reflect on and synthesize the insights gained during the day.
Discussions will cover the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT), assessment of certification schemes and labels, trade flow analysis, and cost-benefit evaluations. A key focus will be the role of certification in supporting EU policies, such as the EU Green Claims Directive and its contribution to shaping the future of the EU Bioeconomy policy framework. |
The event is targeted at policymakers, industry representatives, and members of academia and research organization active in the sector. |
Join our community and follow our social media and website to receive updates on the BIOBASEDCERT Cluster Final Conference! |
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STAR4BBS and ENGAGE4BIO with the support of SUSTCERT4BIOBASED: |
“Navigating the CSR Directive: Leveraging Voluntary Sustainability Standards and Research to Strengthen Bio-Based Industry Reporting”, 14th of March 2025, 9:30-11:00 CET, register here. |
| STAR4BBS with the support of SUSTCERT4BIOBASED: |
“Navigating the new EU legislations to address greenwashing: how standards and research projects can support the bio-based industry”, 25th March 2025, 9:00-11:00 CET, register here. |
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STAR4BBS will give a short presentation on Better Biomass reflecting on the assessment with the BMT. |
The event is organized by Wageningen Research and will be held in Dutch. 2nd April from 13:00 - 16:00 CET |
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STAR4BBS and ENGAGE4BIO with the support of SUSTCERT4BIOBASED: |
“Navigating the CSR Directive: Leveraging Voluntary Sustainability Standards and Research to Strengthen Bio-Based Industry Reporting”, 14th of March 2025, 9:30-11:00 CET register here. |
| STAR4BBS with the support of SUSTCERT4BIOBASED: |
“Navigating the new EU legislations to address greenwashing: how standards and research projects can support the bio-based industry”, 25th March 2025, 9:00-11:00 CET, register here. |
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STAR4BBS will give a short presentation on Better Biomass reflecting on the assessment with the BMT. |
The event is organized by Wageningen Research and will be held in Dutch. 2nd April from 13:00 - 16:00 CET |
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“STAR4BBS Reporting on Biogenic Feedstocks and Bio-Based Products”. |
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New STAR4BBS Peer Reviewed Article is now available! |
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Impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards on Market Access and Trade and Analysis of Certified and Non-Certified Biomass Flows |
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Do not forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube |
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The STAR4BBS project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement No 101060588 |
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 (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. |
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