Reducing and using biowaste could cut emissions, improve soils and provide energy. Biowaste is a key waste stream in Europe with a high potential for contributing to a more circular economy. Recycling biowaste is also key for meeting the European Union’s target to recycle 65 % of municipal waste by 2035. 

Tech4Biowaste will pave the way for deployment of biowaste technologies and technology configurations by setting-up a database providing a comprehensive technology overview (Technology Readiness Level (TRL4)-9) for the valorisation of biowaste (food waste and garden and park waste) into value-added applications including chemicals, energy and fuels, food ingredients, and materials.

The database content will be determined jointly with actors across the biowaste value chain. Technology providers can showcase new and emerging technologies, even at lower TRL. Technology searchers can analyse and compare biowaste valorisation technologies. Both categories of users can assess their commercialisation potential through the associated decision support tool.

The Tech4Biowaste database will be composed of unique features based on the latest IT technologies, including artificial intelligence and use of open-source software. To catalyse significant database usage and future growth, it directly builds on the BBEPP-led Pilots4U network and links with the NOVA-led (parallel-developed) Renewable Carbon platform. A hybrid model will be used to populate the database, combining inputs from the consortium’s publishers’ team, a community of volunteers, and automated scripts and tools (‘bots’).

Tech4Biowaste will mobilise stakeholders (including intended users and contributors) for direct involvement (co-creation, trainings, testing panel, advisory board) in the design of the database, in the development of a continuation and expansion scenario and finally for the Business Plan, targeting sustained growth and continuity of the open platform.

The project aims to create a comprehensive database of biowaste utilisation technologies that stakeholders (i.e. engineers, business developers, managers and other decision makers) can access for support in identifying where best to valorise their biowaste.

The database will provide a comprehensive overview of the existing and emerging biowaste technologies and technology configurations – at technology readiness level 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.

The database will be of use to cities and regions and other local stakeholders (industry, businesses, etc.) working on a Circular Systemic Solution related to circular bioeconomy and/or to cities and regions interested in tools and approaches (e.g. a digital platform) that will help make use of its locally available biowaste stream and realise its commercial potential.

Programme:

• H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Topic:

• BBI-2020-SO4-S2 - Provide insight on emerging technologies for bio-based value chains

B.T.G. Biomass Technology Group BV
Contact the project

• Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW
• Nova-Institut fuer Politische und Okologische Innovation GmbH