Resources

Adding nanoscale fillers like oligo-lactic acid modified bacterial cellulose (OLLA-g-BC) to biodegradable polymers like PLA and PHBV improves their mechanical strength, biodegradation rates, and barrier properties, making them competitive with conventional packaging materials. The uniform dispersion of these nanofillers significantly reduces oxygen permeability and enhances the overall performance of the polymers. This innovation supports the development of fully renewable and recyclable packaging materials, contributing to a circular, zero-waste economy. Read the full paper here. Authors: Mikhail Koreshkov, Yuuki Takatsuna, Alexander Bismarck, Ines Fritz, Erik Reimhult, Ronald Zirbs

The haloarchaeon Haloferax mediterranei can produce the biodegradable polymer PHBV without needing added precursors, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. This study shows that H. mediterranei can use confectionery waste as a carbon source, achieving high PHBV yields, and highlights its potential in a circular economy process. The PHBV produced was thoroughly analyzed, confirming the effectiveness of using candy industry waste for sustainable biopolymer production. Read the full article here. Authors: Lorena Simó-Cabrera, Salvador García-Chumillas, Sergio J. Benitez-Benitez,Verónica Cánovas, Fuensanta Monzó, Carmen Pire, Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa

Deliverable D1.7 provides recommendations for energy efficiency and sustainable water management in A2C processes, emphasizing the use of renewable energy and water reuse to minimize environmental impact. It highlights the importance of optimizing these processes during the design phase to enhance energy efficiency and economic viability, as they are currently at a medium Technology Readiness Level (TRL). The deliverable also outlines generic recommendations for energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources, particularly solar, wind, biomass, biogas, and hydrogen, with specific measures to be detailed as more information becomes available.

Global concern over plastic pollution is driving new policies, consumption changes, and research into biodegradable polymers like PHBV, which are produced from agri-food waste and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Read the paper to learn more about this topic. Authors: Salvador García-Chumillas, Teresa Guerrero-Murcia, María Nicolás-Liza, Fuensanta Monzó, Alexandra Simica, Lorena Simó-Cabrera and Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa

This document summarizes activities and outcomes of Agro2Circular by detailing activities and lessons learned. The strategy aims to facilitate the co-design and acceptance of the A2C multidimensional model, demonstrating adoption in the Murcia A2C cluster and its replication potential. It focuses on regional engagement, with a community-based innovation scheme at the local level. The document designs a conceptual framework for public engagement, conducts ecosystem analysis and diagnosis, and drafts an action plan with priorities and activities. Dissemination and communication measures are also defined, to be refined and reported in subsequent updates along with conclusions and lessons learned.

This report details the evaluation framework and methodology for assessing the environmental, socio-cultural, and socio-economic feasibility, as well as the potential impact of Agro2Circular systemic solution. The evaluation utilizes a theory-based approach and the Life-Cycle Sustainability Assessment model, focusing on intervention processes, results, and underlying change mechanisms. It integrates environmental Life-Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, and Social Life Cycle Assessment techniques within a triple bottom line sustainability perspective.