In the current landscape where sustainability is a critical global concern, the European Union's HARMONITOR project represents a significant step towards improving the sustainability of bio-based systems for certified companies.
The primary aim of HARMONITOR is to create a harmonisation and monitoring platform for certification schemes within the bioeconomy sector. By standardising these schemes, HARMONITOR is poised to establish a more reliable and universally recognised system of sustainability practices.
Benchmarking the bio-based value chains
Preferred by Nature joined as a partner to assist on creating a detailed approach by analysing bio-based value chains to provide insights into the bio-based product certification schemes and their environmental and social impacts. This analysis is vital for understanding the full spectrum of sustainability. In addition, HARMONITOR conducts comprehensive reviews of the performance requirements and governance systems of existing certification schemes to ensure their effectiveness and trustworthiness.
A particularly innovative aspect of HARMONITOR is its potential to serve as a co-regulation tool within the EU's bioeconomy policy framework. This approach could significantly change the interaction between industries and policy, possibly setting new benchmarks for sustainability across various sectors.
Clearer guidelines for businesses
The implications of the HARMONITOR project extend far beyond the bioeconomy sector. For businesses, it offers clearer guidelines and standards for sourcing and marketing sustainable products. Consumers, in turn, are likely to gain increased confidence in the sustainability claims of bio-based products. Environmentally, the project aims to make substantial strides in mitigating the negative impacts of industrial processes.
Impact highlights:
Enhanced industry standards: By harmonising certification schemes, HARMONITOR sets new, higher standards for sustainability in the bioeconomy. This not only aids in making the industry more eco-friendly but also helps in building consumer trust.
Policy integration: The project's potential role as a co-regulation tool within EU policy frameworks signifies a groundbreaking integration of industry practices with environmental policies, potentially shaping future regulations.
Global sustainability model: HARMONITOR's approach serves as a model for other sectors, illustrating how harmonised standards and transparency can lead to more sustainable global practices, impacting environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
