On May 13, 2025, the BIOBASEDCERT Final Conference in Brussels convened over 80 stakeholders from across Europe to explore the future role of voluntary sustainability certification in driving the EU’s green transition. Organized by the STAR4BBS, HARMONITOR, and SUSTCERT4BIOBASED projects, the event showcased key research results and sparked critical dialogue on the tools and policies needed to support a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Certification at the Core of Policy Innovation

Central to the discussions was the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT), a novel framework developed to evaluate the effectiveness, comprehensiveness, and transparency of sustainability certification schemes (CSLs). Participants examined the tool’s potential use as a co-regulatory instrument within EU policy frameworks, particularly in the context of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Empowering Consumers Directive.

Interactive sessions and expert panels provided insight into the integration of certification schemes into emerging EU legislative landscapes, including digital product passports, substantiation of green claims, and alignment with broader sustainability goals. Speakers emphasized that while certification schemes can enhance transparency and trust, their successful implementation depends on balancing credibility, cost-efficiency, and inclusiveness—especially for SMEs.

Key Takeaways and Policy Recommendations

The conference generated a range of policy insights and actionable recommendations:

• Promote co-regulation: Use voluntary certification schemes to complement EU legislative tools, particularly in complex bio-based value chains.

• Strengthen data systems: Develop harmonized, EU-wide standards for trade flow monitoring to support traceability and informed policymaking.

• Support SMEs: Offer financial incentives, training, and access to shared infrastructure to reduce certification costs and promote uptake.

• Enhance credibility: Standardize claims, improve transparency, and align certification with EU priorities on climate, circularity, and consumer protection.

• Stimulate multistakeholder dialogue: Address governance and power imbalances by fostering inclusive conversations across industry, civil society, and public institutions.

Spotlight on Innovation

A standout moment was the policy workshop led by DG RTD.B1 on the ESPR and Consumer Empowerment Directive, where experts explored how these regulations reshape sustainability claims, labelling, and market access for bio-based products. Discussions highlighted the role of digital product passports and the need to ensure that certification and traceability mechanisms are both rigorous and feasible.

Moving Forward

The event concluded with a co-creation session translating research findings into future policy actions. Using real-time audience feedback via Mentimeter, participants reaffirmed the importance of continuous engagement with policymakers, robust monitoring tools, and coordinated policy frameworks.

By bridging research, regulation, and real-world practice, the BIOBASEDCERT Final Conference positioned voluntary certification not just as a compliance mechanism, but as a catalyst for innovation and trust in Europe’s sustainable bioeconomy.