Many of the products consumers purchase display eco-labels and are wrapped in promises of sustainability, bio-based content, or fair and ethical production conditions. The messages and criteria behind these labels and certification schemes often remain unclear. To simplify and decode these messages, the EU-funded research project 3-CO (Concise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Biobased Systems) focuses on improving how certification schemes and eco-labels communicate with consumers.

The BioReCer (Biological Resources Certifications Schemes) project has developed a framework for assessing the sustainability and circularity of biological resources, identified indicators of circularity, as well as guidelines for integrating these into established certification schemes. In addition, a Standardisation Toolkit was developed, which is a comprehensive online database designed to support professionals in the bio-based industry, as well as recommendations for the valorisation and use of biological feedstock propose integration of BioReCer findings into policy.