Building a circular 'bioeconomy' needs big changes

Building a circular 'bioeconomy' needs big changes
The PM's chief science adviser Juliet Gerrard (second from right) addresses the Scion forum in Wellington. (Image: BusinessDesk)
Greg Hurrell
New Zealand needs a “circular economy” based on biology, not fossil fuels, but would have to completely upend its economic system and values to get there, a forum in Wellington heard last week.The symposium, “Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy” was run by Scion, the crown research institute tasked with research and technology development in the forestry and biomaterial sectors.A circular economy is generally based on the reuse, repair and refurbishment of materials and waste in a sustainable way as opposed to a linear e...

More Primary Sector

Meet NZ’s top ‘fish cop’ Steve Ham
Primary Sector

Meet NZ’s top ‘fish cop’ Steve Ham

Protecting NZ’s fisheries resources is his life’s work. 

Jem Traylen 06 Feb 2025
Zhiqiang Li takes helm as acting CEO of Westland Milk Products
Primary Sector

Zhiqiang Li takes helm as acting CEO of Westland Milk Products

Zhiqiang Li has taken the helm as acting chief executive of Westland Milk Products, effective today.The move follows the resignation of former CEO Richard Wyeth.Li will continue as executive director of Yili Group in Australia and New Zealand.Li said Wyeth joined the company four...

Rebecca Howard 31 Jan 2025
Coal and gold added to critical minerals list
Finance

Coal and gold added to critical minerals list

Banks and insurance companies threatened with regulatory retaliation if they block mining.

Ian Llewellyn 31 Jan 2025
Cannabis rule change having impact
Primary Sector

Cannabis rule change having impact

Regulatory changes in NZ and Germany have made NZ products more available worldwide.

Murray Jones 31 Jan 2025