The project has achieved significant milestones in enhancing the effectiveness and robustness of CSLs within the EU bioeconomy, including:
1. Development of the BMT, which assesses the effectiveness and robustness of CSLs. The tool was applied to multiple CSLs, providing a comprehensive framework for monitoring their performance.
2. Comprehensive trade flow analysis, making the information accessible through an online tool. This enhanced transparency and understanding of bio-based value chains.
3. Comparative analysis of CSLs, highlighting strengths and gaps on sustainability, assurance, and governance aspects, informing the development of the BMT, and supporting regulatory alignment.
4. Quantification of costs and benefits, providing detailed insights into the economic aspects of certification. This included case studies on palm oil, wood, and cotton production.
5. Analysis of environmental externalities of the EU bioeconomy, including the impacts of the EU bioeconomy that occur outside its borders.
6. Policy recommendations, addressing gaps in EU policy and offering actionable insights to progress towards the use of CSLs in EU co-regulation.
To ensure the further uptake and success of the HARMONITOR project's outcomes and drive the adoption and improvement of CSLs, several key needs have been identified. Continued research is essential to expand benchmarking analyses and to develop advanced tools for assessing indirect costs and externalities in bio-based industries. Facilitating access to markets and finance for certified products is crucial, including creating financial incentives for companies and ensuring their competitive advantage. Establishing a supportive regulatory and standardization framework is vital to align CSLs with EU policies, ensure recognition and trust among policymakers. Continuous stakeholder engagement, involving policymakers, industry representatives, certification bodies, and researchers, will ensure the relevance of tools and methodologies developed.
