Tampere, Finland – May 3, 2025 – REFOLUTION, a project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, recently held an engaging civic engagement workshop in Tampere, Finland. The event, organized by Nina Wessberg and Hanna Saari from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, brought together 15 citizens who regularly travel by air or international marine transport to discuss the role of biofuels and the future of travel.

A Crucial Dialogue for a Sustainable Future

The three-hour workshop featured experts such as Professor Ilkka Leinonen (LUKE) on the sustainability of bio-based raw materials and Lecturer Joel Pakalén (Haaga-Helia) on the future of travel and tourism. Participants, recruited by an external service provider, represented a diverse age group (40% aged between 46 and 65) and a high level of education (79% with higher education), with 8 men and 7 women.

Key Findings: Pros and Cons of Biofuels

The workshop revealed an overall positive attitude towards biofuels, seen as a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Participants acknowledged that biofuels can be used in current vehicles without the need for radical new infrastructure, which is perceived as a sustainable advantage. Some also viewed biofuels as a necessary transitional solution before full electrification becomes possible across all sectors.

However, several important concerns and doubts emerged:

• Availability and Sustainability of Raw Materials:
  Citizens expressed strong concerns about the sustainable origin of raw materials. There is fear that biofuels could be used for “greenwashing” if the source is not transparent — for example, if derived from forest combustion or from crops grown on land that could be used for food production. It is essential that biofuels are produced sustainably, for instance from waste.
• Cost and Consumer Choice:
  Participants clearly stated that biofuels must be priced the same or lower than fossil fuels to become a viable choice for consumers. Responsibility for the transition to sustainability in the travel sector is seen as primarily lying with lawmakers and companies, not individual consumers, who tend to prioritize cost and convenience when booking travel.
• Information and Transparency:
  There is a clear need for more visible and comprehensible information on the sustainability aspects of travel, such as the types of fuels used and carbon emissions. The ability to easily compare options could influence behavior. Currently, tracking the origin of biofuel raw materials is not possible for consumers.

The Future of Travel: Changes and Expectations

Participants shared various visions of future travel:

• Collective Responsibility:
  Many believe that the responsibility for changing travel behavior lies with society as a whole, not individuals.
• Increase in Sustainable Travel:
  An increase in train and boat travel is anticipated, especially if railway connections from countries like Finland to the rest of Europe improve (e.g., via a tunnel), and if more time for travel is available.
• Changing Destinations:
  Climate change and tourist overcrowding could lead to a decline in the popularity of some destinations. Some participants expect to travel more domestically or to closer locations.
• Special Experiences:
  Travel may focus more on unique experiences, such as concerts or sports events, rather than solely discovering new places.

Positive Feedback on the Event

A notable aspect of the workshop was the positive feedback from participants. Most reported receiving reliable (8 out of 14 “strongly agreed”) and understandable (6 out of 14 “strongly agreed”) information about biofuels and the future of travel. Many also developed a more positive attitude toward biofuels after the workshop. Participants emphasized the importance of timely and clear information about the origin of biofuel raw materials.

Conclusion

The workshop highlighted citizens’ strong interest in sustainable solutions in the travel sector and the potential role of biofuels. The concerns raised underscore the need for greater transparency, accessibility, and a policy framework that actively supports the transition. REFOLUTION is committed to unlocking the potential of biofuels and addressing these critical challenges.

The report developed following the workshop is available and can be consulted here: https://www.refolution.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/REFOLUTION-citizen-engagement-workshop-summary.pdf