tech4biowaste

Tech4Biowaste

A dynamic database of relevant technologies of bio-waste utilisation

View website

Project details

Type of project
Coordination and Support Action
Project focus
Market, policies & awareness
Project period
1 April 2021 - 31 March 2023
Status
Completed
CBE JU Contribution
€ 989 781,25
Call identifier
H2020-BBI-JTI-2020

Summary

As Europe seeks to move to a circular economy, maximising how biowaste is used is becoming increasingly important. Repurposing waste streams will be key to achieving this objective. However, to ensure this is done as efficiently as possible, it is also important to ensure that the available biowaste streams are directed to where they can have an effective impact.

However, not everyone active in the biowaste industry – and other bio-based sectors - is aware of which technologies are available to help convert their waste streams into resources and raw materials. This makes it difficult for them to know to which value chain they should direct their waste streams. Furthermore – as these waste streams are only a by-product of the core business - they are frequently not up to date with the latest advances in what is a rapidly-changing field.

The Tech4Biowaste project will create a database that will help address this challenge. Using the latest IT technologies, including artificial intelligence, and built using open-source software, the database will provide a comprehensive overview of the existing and emerging bio-waste technologies and technology configurations – at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and higher - for valorising biowaste from food and gardens into value added applications including soil improvers, fertilisers, chemicals and energy sources. It will be dynamically updated, easy to access and user-friendly. It is expected to outlive the initial project lifespan of 24 months as demand for information continues to grow.

The overall objective of the Tech4Biowaste is to create a comprehensive database of bio-waste utilisation technologies that stakeholders - engineers, business developers, managers and other decision makers - can access for support in identifying where best to valorise their biowaste.

Within this, the project has set a number of specific objectives. It will:

  • Reach its potential audiences using the most up to date IT solutions, including artificial intelligence. Through the platform, it will offer co-creation and training opportunities while attracting those with a specific interest in valorising biowastes.
  • Assist in assessing the commercial potential of emerging biowaste and technological approaches from a continuity perspective. This will include reflecting regional variations in the availability and composition of biowaste.
  • Grow the number of database users with a view to future expansion, by embedding it within a platform for renewable carbon for those stakeholders active within the broader areas of (other) biomass utilisation, carbon capture and utilisation as well as a circular economy with closed recycling systems.
  • Prepare for the longevity of the database by creating a sustainable business model and governance structure. This will look at revenue streams from membership (of both database users and suppliers) and marketing channels within the renewable carbon platform.

In delivering on its overall objectives, the Tech4Biowaste project should increase the overall efficiency of how Europe makes use of its available biowaste stream.

In addition, it will also have the following specific impacts. It will:

  • Increase the overall efficiency of biowaste use by making it easier to find and select the best available technologies.
  • Increase the connectivity between database users and creating new business opportunities as a result.
  • Make the overall processing of biowaste more economically efficient.
  • Through analysis of database use, generate insights for further EU research agendas.
  • Reduce the environmental damage of waste – particularly greenhouse gas emission - by targeting it at the stage where it has the greatest impact, i.e. primary waste

Consortium map

Project coordination

  • B.T.G. BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY GROUP BV Enschede, Netherlands

Consortium

  • NOVA-INSTITUT FUR POLITISCHE UND OKOLOGISCHE INNOVATION GMBH Hurth, Germany
  • BIO BASE EUROPE PILOT PLANT VZW Desteldonk Gent, Belgium