The Blue Wink-E 2024 event brought to light fundamental discussions about the blue bioeconomy, highlighting the urgency of combining innovation, conscious consumption, and sustainable practices in a world that cries out for change.

The recent edition of Blue Wink-E 2024 was more than just an event about the blue bioeconomy; it was a call to action. At the heart of this meeting was a simple but urgent question: how can we get consumers to embrace a new way of consuming and valuing marine resources? The debates went beyond taste and price, touching on the knowledge gaps, prejudices, and practical difficulties that still limit the transformative potential of the blue bioeconomy. One thing is certain: the crucial importance of a global and collaborative approach to the valorization of marine resources.

In this context, B2E CoLAB has played a key role in this process, acting as a catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and regulatory change. By promoting collaboration between academia, industry, civil society, and governments, B2E CoLAB can continue to contribute to demystifying the blue bioeconomy and creating an ecosystem conducive to the development of new products and services.

The importance of the consumer in this journey has also been emphasized and is, in fact, unquestionable. But in this area, companies need to go beyond listening to consumer opinion and actively involve them in the product creation process.

Global consumer trends, with a particular focus on zero waste and sustainability, echo current concerns. In fact, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the fisheries and aquaculture sector has the greatest potential to respond to growing global demand for sustainable protein. However, consumers still view many aquaculture products with suspicion, maintaining a perception of inferiority compared to fresh fish products. It is clear that this mistrust can be reversed, provided that consumers are educated and exposed to transparent and sustainable practices throughout the national sector.

In addition, the adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) policies and the presentation of life cycle assessments (LCA) are already common practices in large international markets and by national companies in the sector, which are so important in the area of environmental transparency. In this area too, B2E CoLAB is developing a path together with different partners. Not only because it already provides an LCA service to companies, but also because it is working closely with players in the sector, including the creation of an Intelligent Platform for the Valorization of Blue Bioeconomy Co-products (Fish Matter).

By promoting innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, B2E CoLAB contributes to building a more prosperous and sustainable future for Portugal and the world. Blue Wink-E 2024 brought an ambitious vision of how we can transform our relationship with the sea, moving towards a development model that does not compromise future generations.

The projects developed by B2E CoLAB, in conjunction with other national and international partners, make it clear that the future is blue and that the potential of marine resources, when properly exploited, can effectively transform our economy, our consumption patterns, and sustainable development.