ECOSYSTEM

Emerging eco-active materials by sustainable tools from natural renewable residues

Objectives

ECOSYSTEM will develop innovative, multifunctional biopolyesters and active bio-based ingredients using sustainable technologies, to be used as mulching films and food and pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring safety and sustainability throughout the bio-based value chain. the project will offer end-of-life (EoL) strategies of the developed eco-active products, promoting eco-friendly solutions in packaging and agricultural practices. To achieve its ambitious goals, ECOSYSTEM, led by FUNDITEC (FUND), will follow a collaborative circular strategy across seven key blocks, with nine specialist partners:

1) First, Agrifood Waste Supply such as berries and pruning, will be provided by AGRICOLA 2000 (A2-I) and MOUNTAIN BERRIES (MBP).

2) Then, production of cellulose, furfural, and lignin from the above waste using an integrated biorefinery will be done by CSIC

3) With this raw materials, aromatic and aliphatic monomers will be synthesized via mechanochemistry and white biotechnology by CSIC and FUND respectively

4) Active ingredients with bacterial and ethylene inhibition capacity will be developed from natural resources by CSIC using mechanochemistry, and with antimicrobial and biostimulant properties by FUND through white biotechnology. Soil-sensors will be developed by DTI

5) A catalogue of new biopolyesters will be designed and developed by FUND using mechanochemical polymerization from the prepared bio-based monomers

6) Once biopolyesters and active ingredients are obtained, bioplastic films and packaging for food and pharmaceuticals will be manufactured by AIMPLAS

7) The above eco-active products will be tested in a relevant environment by A2-I and MBP, and 8) EoL Solutions will be provided: recyclability (AIMPLAS), reusability (CSIC), and biodegradability (UNIFE) for the designed products. ECOSYSTEM will also be supported by TEMASOL to assess sustainability and environmental impact, and by KNEIA to manage the portfolio, communication, and dissemination activities.

Description

Sustainable production methods are essential to achieving a circular economy. In this context, the EIC-funded ECOSYSTEM project will develop multifunctional biopolyesters and bio-based ingredients using sustainable technologies for mulching films, and food and pharmaceutical packaging. This project will promote eco-friendly solutions and provide end-of-life strategies for these products. By using agrifood waste, such as berries and pruning, the project will produce cellulose, furfural, and lignin through an integrated biorefinery process. These raw materials will then be synthesised into aromatic and aliphatic monomers using mechanochemistry and white biotechnology. The project will also develop active ingredients with bacterial and ethylene inhibition properties, and create soil sensors. The resulting bioplastic films and packaging will be tested in relevant environments.