The PEFerence project will establish a globally first-of-a-kind, industrial scale (5 000 tonnes/year), cost-effective FDCA (diacid) biorefinery flagship plant producing bio-based chemicals and materials (bottles, films, Lego Bricks, polyurethanes) using also existing facilities in industrial symbiosis. The consortium aims to replace a significant part of fossil based polyesters (such as PET), but also technologically superior packaging materials like glass and aluminum with 100 % bio-based polyesters (such as PEF). The unique properties of PEF (excellent barrier and strength) make it a material that can be applied in areas where PET is less suitable. The initial market focus will be on high value applications such as replacement of multilayer packaging, aluminum cans and small size PET bottles where PEF brings most value. On the longer term, when FDCA is produced at large scale and technology is further matured, FDCA based polyesters are expected to penetrate further into markets which allow smaller or no price premium. The potential significant reductions in non-renewable energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil based PET or aluminum based cans for PEF based packaging solutions will be assessed. Furthermore, PEF bottles can be recycled and used again as raw material for bottles, as well as in a cascading approach for packaging and textiles. During the project, fructose produced via an enzymatic isomerisation process from 2nd generation glucose will be assessed. The full value chain will be optimized ensuring cost-effective and environmentally sustainable raw material sourcing and production of FDCA, PEF/PBF and polyurethane products. Finally, together with customers and brand owners (Lego, Nestle), 100% bio-based end-products will be demonstrated and validated to ensure fast market deployment.

The ultimate research goal of the GREEN-MAP project is to enable a circular economy within the disposable medical device industry. We will develop novel bio-based, biodegradable polymers that can be used in medical device packaging, as well as for disposable medical devices/components. By combining renewable, bio-based monomers with biodegradability via industrial composting and/or anaerobic digestion and bioconversion, we will enable a sustainable path for the disposable medical device market—expected to double by 2023—ultimately leading to a circular economy. Key innovative elements include: 1) use of bio-based monomers (vegetable oil), representing value added to existing biodiesel refining, 2) green chemistry approach, using enzymes and alternative, low-impact catalysts, 3) polymer systems (copolymers and/or blends) with highly tunable properties (mechanical, optical, barrier, hemocompatibility). Accomplishing this ambitious goal will only be possible by forming a new collaborative intersectional and international research network. Participation within the project will directly lead to diversification of skills, both research-related and transferable ones, leading to improved employability and career prospects both in and outside academia. Thus, the consortium includes academic and non-academic partners involved in each aspect of the bio-based polymer value chain: substrates/monomers, synthesis, characterization, processing, product development, and life cycle sustainability assessment. While the focus is on material development for existing disposable medical devices and their packaging, the innovative and synergistic environment fostered by consortium, and especially the secondments can lead to the development of new devices, new procedures, etc., representing potential added value of the collaboration network. International and intersectoral mobility guarantees high level and effective sharing of new knowledge.