This module explains the characteristics of the bio-based economy and the differences with the old economy. The tomato plant acts as a model plant in this module.

Everybody knows the tomato as food, but it is much more. It aims to create more understanding about BBE and it shows that normal products and materials which were considered as waste, can be transferred into useful products

After a general introduction in BBE, the tomato plant is described as much more than a source for food. It also produces an anti-oxidant (lycopene) a natural insecticide (tomatine) and fibers for packaging and clothes. It gives a complete new view on the use of materials, which we used to call “waste”. In a circular economy, waste doesn’t exist!