Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indication (GI) schemes preserve Europe's territorial identity, traditional knowledge and rural heritage. However, their environmental performance remains insufficiently assessed, limiting their contribution to climate neutrality and circularity.

This approach proposes transforming PDO/GI value chains into measurable, circular and digitally transparent production systems. A harmonized framework integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), Carbon and Water Footprints, Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and circularity indicators will establish environmental baselines, identify hotspots and quantify improvement opportunities.

Circular bioeconomy strategies will promote the valorization of agricultural and processing by-products into renewable energy, biofertilizers, biochar, bio-based materials and high-value compounds.

Digital Product Passport (DPP) principles and QR-enabled interfaces will connect product traceability with verified environmental indicators, enhancing transparency and sustainability communication. By integrating environmental assessment, circularity and digital innovation, PDO/GI schemes can become living laboratories for Europe's circular bioeconomy, strengthening rural resilience while preserving territorial identity and traditional production practices.

Professor Dr Antonis Zorpas is a Chemical Engineer, actively engaged with several Universities, Research Institutes in Europe. He is Professor at Open University of Cyprus (OUC), Director of the Lab of Chemical Engineering & Engineering Sustainability, Director in Sustainable Environmental Engineering Postgraduate Master (MSc) and member of OUC Senate. He has more than 700 publications (books, contribution on books, papers in peer review journals, international conferences).

Dia 30/10/2026 | 9h30 | Sala EBI-100