Public Policy

Circular by nature: a policy agenda for bio-based materials in a circular economy

A circular economy for bio-based materials can unlock new revenue streams, drive innovation, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Most bio-based materials are still produced and consumed within linear systems. A circular economy approach changes that by enabling regenerative sourcing, keeping materials in use, valorising by-products and residues, and building business models that decouple revenue from virgin resource extraction.

Pragmatic assessment of meeting the 2030 U.S. sustainable aviation fuel goal

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is essential for decarbonizing the aviation sector in the short and mid-term as well as maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. airlines, supporting job creation, and ensuring U.S. energy independence. The near-term U.S. SAF target, set by the SAF Grand Challenge, is 11.4 billion liters (3 billion gallons) of domestic SAF production by 2030, with a minimum 50 % reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024 U S.

Incentivizing Sustainable Chemicals: A Policy Framework for Innovation, Manufacturing, and Market Transformation (Research Report)

A research report titled Incentivizing Sustainable Chemicals: A Policy Framework for Innovation, Manufacturing, and Market Transformation, released by Change Chemistry and the Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, outlines why government incentives are critical to helping businesses scale more sustainable chemicals — and how those incentives can reduce risk, unlock investment, and enable real market adoption.

Safer Materials in Food Packaging

The Safer Materials in Food Packaging report articulates the needs for innovation in food packaging and showcases innovative companies and potential solutions to the sector's health and environmental challenges.

Global GreenChem Toolkit

This toolkit has a number of different modules ranging from an overview of sustainability, the 12 principles of green chemistry, real world examples and case studies to using biomimicry as an innovation driver, regulations and international conventions and chemical substitution and alternatives assessment.

GREEN POLICY LAB - Science for Policy Summer School

Want to learn how to turn your research into real policy impact?

At the Green Policy Lab, a Summer School co-organized by the University of Vienna and IIASA, you’ll explore how researchers can meaningfully contribute to green and evidence-informed policymaking. Through an immersive programme combining hands-on learning, expert input, and international exchange, you’ll discover what it takes to navigate the science-policy interface and make your research count. Join us and become part of a growing community shaping greener and more resilient futures!

The cost of PFAS pollution for our society

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products, and now detected across environmental media and human populations. This study assesses the societal costs of PFAS pollution in the European Economic Area (EEA) under four hypothetical exposure scenarios: 1) business as usual (BAU) for emissions; 2) full compliance with the Drinking Water Directive (DWD); 3) full compliance with Environmental Quality Standards (EQS); and 4) a total ban on PFAS production and use.

Financing instruments and policy levers to harness biomanufacturing for climate, biodiversity and growth

Countries globally are mobilising the bioeconomy’s potential for sustainable growth and development through dedicated national and regional bioeconomy strategies. The bioeconomy utilises biological resources and biotechnologies to produce valuable products and services across sectors such as agriculture, health, chemicals, energy, and manufacturing. Its economic value is substantial and expected to grow dramatically.