OLEAF4VALUE final event recap

Event Summary: Advancing the Bioeconomy with Innovative Biorefinery Concepts

On May 29th, 2024 the OLEAF4VALUE EU-funded project hosted its final event in Madrid (ES) titled «Redefining biobased value chains in the EU». It was a resounding success, showcasing groundbreaking projects and discussions that could shape the future of sustainable industries. Here’s a detailed summary of the key presentations and insights shared:

The OLEAF4VALUE Encyclopedia and New Biorefinery Concepts

Jakub Sandak from Innorenew CoE, leading Work Package 1 (WP1), introduced the concept of the OLEAF4VALUE (O4V) encyclopedia. He explained how O4V forms the foundation for a new biorefinery concept, focusing on creating a comprehensive database of valuable compounds from olive tree by-products.

Dynamic Biorefinery Processes

Emilija Ivanova from Natac, heading WP2, demonstrated how the dynamic biorefinery concept is taking shape from a practical and material perspective. She highlighted the dynamic production processes, referred to as valorization routes, that transform raw materials into high-value products.

Cutting-Edge Technologies

Rolando Dias from Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, and his WP3 team showcased how advanced technologies, including Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), innovative formulations, and enzymatic biotransformations, can produce tailor-made products with significant application potential.

Scientific Support and Market Applications

Guus Kortman from NIZO, representing WP4, presented the scientific support generated during the project. This support is crucial for opening new market applications for the products developed under O4V, ensuring their viability and market readiness.

SUSTAINEXT: Towards Industrialization

Alba Ramos from Natac, introduced SUSTAINEXT, a significant step towards the industrialization of dynamic biorefineries. This project integrates the entire value chain in an innovative and sustainable manner, with a substantial impact on rural areas like Extremadura. SUSTAINEXT aims to become Europe’s first flagship for herbal extracts, envisioning the most modern, digital, sustainable, and efficient extraction plant globally.

Robocoop: Engaging the Primary Sector

Andrés Álvarez from Universidad de Extremadura, showcased Robocoop, a project highlighting the importance of involving the primary sector and exploring new business models. Robocoop exemplifies how primary industries can be integrated into the bioeconomy through innovative approaches.

CHEERS: Agro-Food Biomass Utilization

Silvia Bolado from Universidad de Valladolid’s Institute of Sustainable Processes, presented CHEERS, illustrating how agro-food biomass, specifically from the beer industry, can be a valuable raw material for developing bioproducts. This project underscores the potential of using waste materials for sustainable production.

Roundtable Discussions

First Roundtable: Regulation and Market Entry

The first roundtable addressed how regulation can either catalyze or inhibit innovation in the circular bioeconomy. Participants emphasized the need for dynamic collaboration between administration and industry. Discussions also highlighted that resistance to innovation is not only found in the primary sector but also within the industry itself. Key factors for market entry of bioproducts include cost, functionality/quality, and sustainability. Overall, there was an optimistic outlook on the future of the circular bioeconomy.

Second Roundtable: Incentivizing Innovation

The second roundtable focused on the need to present profitable options to the primary sector to encourage the shift towards innovative and sustainable practices. Early adopters in the field were identified as crucial drivers for the rest of the sector. Additionally, Biopat introduced BIOCIRC, a new association aiming to be the central meeting point for the circular bioeconomy in Spain.

Conclusion

The event highlighted the exciting advancements in biorefinery concepts and the collaborative efforts needed to foster a sustainable bioeconomy. With projects like OLEAF4VALUE, SUSTAINEXT, Robocoop, and CHEERS paving the way, and discussions emphasizing the role of regulation, market dynamics, and early adopters, the future of bioeconomy looks promising and poised for significant impact.