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Bioeconomy Matters

Hailey Ciantar and Rita Escórcio

Hailey, IDEntertainment50 episodes

Delve into groundbreaking bioeconomy insights and revelations with podcast host Hailey Ciantar and editor/ producer Rita Escórcio. Through a series of interviews, you will learn about bioeconomy's presence in various sectors. We are partnering with BiOrbic to continue to deliver a trusted platform for bioeconomy dialogue and knowledge-sharing featuring exclusive interviews.

Episodes

S3E4 Don't hide your Bioeconomy Patents ft. Thomas Alexander

2026-09-0922:47

This episode introduces us to Thomas Alexander, a member of the EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors' second cohort, and his young professional journey through the bioeconomy.

New Chapter for Bioeconomy Matters

2026-08-051:55

Big News: New Chapter for Bioeconomy Matters!We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with BiOrbic Research Ireland Centre for Bioeconomy.To mark this milestone, we’ve updated our look. Our new logo highlights bioeconomy's presence on #society, the #environment, and the #economy. It’s a perfect reflection of our community and the variety of guests we host!What comes next? Through this partnership, we’re going to give you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the science, the projects, and most importantly the people driving sustainable innovation in Ireland.

Year Two in Review

2026-04-279:08

In this episode, we showcase the episodes that were released throughout the podcast's second year.

Year One in Review

2026-02-2010:42

In this episode, we showcase the episodes that were released throughout the podcast's first year.

S3E3 -Bioeconomy in the Arab World ft. Dr. Mohamad Midani

2026-01-0228:58

In this episode, Dr. Mohamad Midani discusses how the bioeconomy can be transformative for arab nations whose economies rely heavily on oil.

S3E2 -Can diapers be part of the bioeconomy? ft. Miki Agrawal

2025-12-1726:15

In this episode, Miki Agrawal shares her entrepreneurial journey and the story behind the company HIRO, which focuses on creating products based on the reduce and regenerate model. More information about the products:HIRO: https://hirodiapers.com/TUSHY: https://hellotushy.com/THINX: https://www.thinx.com/

S3E1 - Inside Scoop: New EU Bioeconomy Strategy ft. Agata Kotkowska

2025-12-0328:09

In this new episode, Agata Kotkowska Deputy Head of the Bioeconomy & Sustainable Materials, talks about the drafting process of the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The new strategy focus on 4 main pillars: scalling innovation and investment, lead markets for bio-based technologies/materials and molecules, sustainable biomass supply (circularity) and positioning EU globally as a leader for sustainable bio-based technology and as a trusted partner in global value chains. Link for the New Strategy: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/bioeconomy-strategy_en

S2E24 -UN, Bioeconomy & Global Governance ft. Enric Noguera

2025-11-1322:35

In this episode, UN Affairs Coordinator Enric Noguera discusses the United Nations' duties on global governance and the role of the NGO's in the negotiations.More information about the plant based treaty: https://plantbasedtreaty.org/pt/

S2E23 -The chemical industry ft. Marco Pellegrini

2025-10-2927:21

In this episode, Marco Pellegrini discusses the cross-sectoral core of the chemical industry and how it could lead to new value chains inside the bioeconomy. More information:Historical overview of Bioeconomy – “Agrification” in the NL as a reference case - https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bbb.84?utm_source=researchgateCefic study on pathways to reach net zero in 2050 - https://cefic.org/the-carbon-manager/Lead Market Initiative for bio-based products – Priority recommendations -  https://web.archive.org/web/20120106211719/http:/ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/innovation/policy/lead-market-initiative/biobased-products/index_en.htm

S2E22-Bioeast initative ft. Barna Kovács

2025-10-1532:07

In this episode, Barna Kovács discusses the Bioeast initiative, as well as the gaps, challenges, and opportunities in Eastern Europe.

S2E21 - Coffee: the agroforestry love story ft. Etelle Higonnet

2025-10-0147:50

In this episode, Etelle Higonnet discusses the need of adopting agroforestry and transforming our agricultural model, with a focus on coffee production. More information: https://coffeewatch.org/

S2E20 -Taking good care of our waste bags ft. Janek Vähk

2025-09-1737:13

In this episode, Janek Vähk discusses the most effective waste management solutions and why we should invest in more sustainable waste management systems.

S2E19 -The Waste Lab ft. Nick Little

2025-09-0321:13

In this episode, Nick Little discusses The Waste Lab, a UAE-based startup. This company focuses on converting food scraps into compost.

S2E18 -One Health ft. Dr. Gabrielle Laing

2025-07-3034:45

In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Laing discusses the holistic concept of one health and the importance of understanding our interconnected reality.

S2E17 -World Bioeconomy Forum ft. Jukka Kantola

2025-07-1628:12

In this episode, Jukka Kantola, founder of the World Bioeconomy Forum and Chair of the World Bioeconomy Association, discusses the process of developing these worldwide bioeconomy platforms, as well as the importance of bringing together different bioeconomy stakeholders.

S2E16 -(Bio)Plastics in Europe ft. Dr. Werner Bosmans

2025-07-0238:55

In this episode, Dr. Werner Bosmans, a bioengineer at the European Commission, discusses the EU plastics strategy and the single-use plastics directive, as well as the benefits these policies provide to European citizens.

S2E15 - Bird Lovers ft. Prof. Dr. Barry John McMahon

2025-06-1829:29

In this episode, Prof. Dr. Barry John McMahon discusses the need of protecting endangered bird species in order to sustain bioeconomy resilience."Answering the Curlew’s Call" Comic book: https://www.biobeo.eu/meet-beo/

S2E14 -Can blockchain empower the Bioeconomy? ft. Juan Ibañez

2025-06-0430:30

In this episode, Juan Ibañez the General Secretary of the MiCA (markets in crypto-assets) Crypto Alliance, talks on how blockchain technology and MiCA can enable sustainability solutions.

S2E13 -(MT) Bringing Bioeconomy to Malta ft. Malta’s Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela

2025-05-2115:52

Hailey Ciantar, EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, sits down with the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, for a focused discussion on Malta’s approach to the bioeconomy. This episode is in Maltese.

S2E12 -Unlocking Bamboo in the EU ft. Hans Friederich

2025-05-0723:36

In this episode, nature and sustainability specialist Hans Friederich covers different applications of bamboo grass and how it may develop into a European industry.Public consultation EU Bioeconomy Strategy 2025: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14555-Towards-a-circular-regenerative-and-competitive-bioeconomy_en

S2E11 -Insuring our Bioeconomy ft. Van Carlson

2025-04-2424:39

In this episode, Van Carlson discusses the necessity of risk assessment in an ever-changing environment and how the insurance sector is responding to it.More information: https://www.831b.com/

S2E10 -From Farm to Mug (Coffee Farming) ft. Eranda Bandara

2025-04-0930:06

In this episode, Eranda Bandara discusses his path from farming to coffee production and his subsequent research into the value-adding of coffee leftovers.

S2E9 -AI and Bioeconomy ft. Professor Dr. Alexiei Dingli

2025-03-2628:01

In this episode, Professor Dr. Alexiei Dingli discusses the use of artificial intelligence in many bioeconomy areas, including agriculture, forestry, waste management, and conservation of biodiversity.

S2E8 -The African aerospace engineering in Bioeconomy ft. Prof. Dr. Sameer Hameer

2025-03-1219:07

In this episode, Prof. Dr. Sameer Hameer covers aerospace engineering development in Africa, with a focus on Kenya, as well as biofuel manufacturing from waste biomass.

S2E7 - Shopping in the EU Carbon Market ft. Eleanor Scott

2025-02-2623:36

In this episode, Eleanor Scott explains how the Carbon Market works in Europe and how it fits into bioeconomy.

S2E6 -Bioeconomy in Latin America ft. Henry Alterio

2025-02-1232:40

In this episode, Henry Alterio discusses his experiences in the development of Latin America's bioeconomy, with an emphasis on Colombia.http://www.ecosimple.co

S2E5 -Carne the unsustainable footprint ft. Francisco Guerreiro (Part II)

2025-01-2932:29

In this episode, former MEP Francisco Guerreiro discusses his most recent documentary exposing the meat industry. The aim of this documentary is to educate the general public about the realities of our diet and that of a vegan diet.Link to watch: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/carne-the-unsustainable-footprint

S2E4 -Carbon Plus Project ft. former MEP Francisco Guerreiro (Part I)

2025-01-1524:14

In this episode, former MEP Francisco Guerreiro explains the motivation for his new venture in the Carbon Plus Market. He emphasises the need of involving local populations and biodiversity in carbon capture programs.

S2E3 -Blue Bioeconomy in Europe ft. Maris Stulgis

2025-01-0127:07

In this episode, Maris Stulgis from the EC MARE discusses the development of the blue bioeconomy in Europe and the potential of the algae industry in it.

S2E2 -Bioeconomy roadmaps ft. Marco Segovia Bifarini

2024-12-1831:34

In this episode, Marco Segovia discusses how circular economy roadmaps are enabling a sustainable bioeconomy, as well as the importance of networking and collaboration to support system change.

S2E1 -Sustainable aviation fuel ft. Professor Dr. Bin Yang and Dr. Joshua Heyne

2024-12-0427:32

In this episode we can dive into the research collaboration between Professor Dr. Bin Yang and Dr. Joshua Heyne to produce sustainable aviation fuel from waste residues.

S1E29 -Happy Birthday to Bioeconomy Matters

2024-11-2030:49

In this episode, Hailey Ciantar and Rita Escórcio commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Bioconomy Matters podcast by sharing some behind-the-scenes stories, experiences, and future topics and plans.

S1E28 -Decarbonising Transport in the EU ft. Ewa Ptaszyńska

2024-11-0627:20

In this episode, Ewa Ptaszyńska, European Commission Deputy Head of Unit of Transport Investments, guides us through the roads of Europe. She explains the EU's targets in moving towards carbon neutrality and the decarbonisation efforts in transportation.

S1E27 -The parents' hat ft. Eszter Salamon

2024-10-2325:56

In this episode, Eszter Salamon leads us through the role of the Association Parents International in the education of children on areas linked with sustainability and bioeconomy.

S1E26 -(ES) La biotecnología y la bioeconomía son mejores amigas ft. Jhessica Mosquera Tobar

2024-10-0917:56

En este episodio, Jhessica Mosquera, ingeniera ambiental, comparte sus conocimientos sobre bioprocesos y biotecnología, haciendo hincapié en el vínculo entre estos elementos y la bioeconomía.In this episode, Jhessica Mosquera, an environmental engineer, shares her knowledge of bioprocesses and biotechnology, emphasizing the link between these elements and bioeconomy. This episode is in Spanish.

S1E25 -Bioeconomy Youth Vision ft. Daragh Cogley

2024-09-2534:32

In this episode, EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador Daragh Cogley guides us through the Bioeconomy Youth Vision that was draftedby the first EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors cohort. Link to the Bioeconomy Youth Vision: https://youth.europa.eu/d8/sites/default/files/inline-files/Bioeconomy%20youth%20vision_0.pdfLink to the global survey to track youth perspectives, priorities and solutions on bioeconomy:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvlhmWuHR4GmBIt5yI-R-lnlFUMUlHT1VYWkgzQzZWME5GQzFVNFM5WkdWRC4u&route=shorturl

S1E24 -The zero waste journey ft. Gittemarie Johansen

2024-09-1132:28

Gittemarie Johansen is a public speaker, author and a zero waste expert! In this episode she shares her quest to become zero waste, offers some advice, and connects this journey to bioeconomy.

S1E23 -The fight against environmental crime ft. Davyth Stewart

2024-08-2831:55

In this episode Davyth Stewart, former Unit Head of the INTERPOL Environmental Security Programme and Senior Consultant, shares his knowledge in environmental crimes and the complexity to tackle them.

S1E22 -Meet the host Hailey Ciantar

2024-08-1428:19

Hailey Ciantar is an activist who wanted to make the world a better place, so she pursued a law degree. In this episode, you can learn more about your favorite host! Contact: [email protected]

S1E21 -Coastal engineering ft. Rob Steijn

2024-07-3129:42

In this episode Rob Steijn talks about is role as a coastal engineer, the incertainity that challenges like climate change brings into the water management and the connection with bioeconomy. Contact: [email protected]

S1E20 -Nutritional value of the Bioeconomy ft. Dr. Aifric O'Sullivan

2024-07-1929:21

In this episode Dr. Aifric talks about the importance of taking small steps towards a sustainable diet since food systems are a fundamental part of the bioeconomy.

S1E19 -Art is the power to the voiceless ft. Dr. Ally Zlatar

2024-07-0321:14

In this episode, Dr. Ally Zlatar discusses her art projects, the impact of art on communities that are marginalized, and its role as a tool for climate activism.

S1E18 -Climate decision-making ft. MEP Jutta Paulus (Part II)

2024-06-1925:24

In this episode Jutta Paulus talks about the dynamics and life of a Member of the European Parliament being part of the Green/EFA group. She shared the process behind the negotiations, lobbying, research and her work on environment, public health and food security.

S1E17 -Climate decision-making ft. MEP Jutta Paulus (Part I)

2024-06-0531:42

In this episode Jutta Paulus talks about the dynamics and life of a Member of the European Parliament being part of the Green/EFA group. She shared the process behind the negotiations, lobbying, research and her work on environment, public health and food security.

S1E16 - Slow Fashion Never Went Out of Fashion ft. Tena Lavrenčić

2024-05-2241:34

In this episode Tena Lavrenčić talks about the systemic part of fashion that is linked to our cultural and political contexts. She highlights also the need to support brands that are doing things differently and the need to support and build on slow fashion.

S1E15 -Hemp - the bioeconomy marijuana-looking plant ft. Joël Lagneau

2024-05-0816:43

In this episode Joël Lagneau talks about the wonderful world of Hemp and its various industrial applications.

S1E14 -Economy is just a belief system ft. Kees Klomp

2024-04-2420:18

In this episode, Kees Klomp discusses his work on existential economics, which entails changing our narrative about our individualistic and materialistic view of economics in order to transform our existing system.

S1E13 -Special episode - "The Rainmaker" by Kees Klomp

2024-04-178:16

This is a story about a little bird that inspired the whole forest.

S1E12 -Master(in') Bioeconomy ft. Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski

2024-04-1025:19

In this episode, Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski discusses EBU's international Master Course and how it is enabling its students to develop their careers while building bioeconomy as strength in their communities around the world. You can contact Prof. Dr. Iris Lewandowski by email: [email protected]

S1E11 -What is the Green Deal for Bioeconomy? ft. Dr. John Bell

2024-03-2730:44

In this episode, Dr. John Bell highlights the holistic view that the bioeconomy offers for responding to our future challenges as well as targeting the EU Green Deal.