Assessing the potential of bioeconomy in Slovakia based on public perception of renewable materials in contrast to non-renewable materials

Lenka Navrátilová,Zuzana Dobšinská,Jozef Výbošťok,Magdaléna Pichlerová,Jaroslav Šálka,Viliam Pichler

doi:10.1007/s13280-020-01368-y

Lenka Navrátilová, Zuzana Dobšinská + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01368-y

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Abstract

There is a need for societal transformation towards bioeconomy, which promotes the replacement of non-renewable natural resources with renewable ones. Slovakia has considerable potential for bioeconomy development, yet this potential remains untapped. This article evaluates the public perception regarding the individual properties of renewable and non-renewable materials and their relation to the potential for bioeconomy development in Slovakia. It is found that Slovak consumers prefer natural renewable materials, regardless of other influencing factors, and realise the need for transformation towards a more sustainable economy.

Highlights

At present, the utilisation of natural renewable resources is receiving increasing attention, both globally (EC 2018; UNEP 2011) and locally (Kleinschmit et al 2017; Winkel 2017)
The objective of this study is to identify the potential for bioeconomy development in Slovakia in accordance with the public perception of several kinds of materials
Slovak consumers prefer natural renewable materials over non-renewable materials, confirming our initial hypothesis, even when it comes to their lastingness, which is a well-known advantage of non-renewable materials, such as plastic

Summary

Introduction

The utilisation of natural renewable resources is receiving increasing attention, both globally (EC 2018; UNEP 2011) and locally (Kleinschmit et al 2017; Winkel 2017). Owing to their impact on life quality, health, and ecosystems (Mac Kinnon et al 2018), efforts are being made to replace non-renewable natural resources in energy production (EC 2005; Yang et al 2016), manufacturing (Chen and Chai 2010), and services (Haldar 2019; Litardi et al 2020), with renewable alternatives (Donia et al 2018). The document formulates a set of 14 specific actions designed to tackle global societal challenges (EC 2018)

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