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

NEFERTITI will develop an innovative highly efficient photocatalytic system enabling a simultaneous conversion of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and alcohols with longer chain such as (iso)propanol) and thus provide a breakthrough alternative to transform CO2 into valuable products for energy and transport. NEFERTITI aims to integrate novel heterogeneous catalysts (Covalent organic frameworks and metal oxides combined with metallic nanoparticles) and luminescent solar concentrators into two Photocatalytic flow reactors sourced by sunlight energy. The reaction mechanisms for the photocatalytic CO2/H2O conversion and C-C bond formation will be defined and optimised. As this has never been done before, NEFERTITI will develop a completely new way of producing such compounds in a continuous manner having a significant impact on the scientific understating of this technology. Modelling of C-C bond formation from activated intermediates will then determinate the reaction pathways, barriers and selectivity for C-C, C-O and C-H bonds. By increasing the sunlight conversion efficiency and improving light-harvesting and charge separation, NEFERTITI will overcome the remaining technological challenges, improve the competitiveness of the photocatalytic technologies and enable a carbon-neutral production of solar fuels in a single-step process as an alternative to traditional multi-step processes. Novel photocatalytic materials, optical and chemical light-harvesting components and flow reactors will be designed, developed and integrated in a system reaching a TRL4 at the end of the project. Economic and sustainability assessment throughout the entire life cycle will consider socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as workers’ health & safety to maximize productivity and resource efficiency and minimize the risks. The consortium is composed of an experienced multidisciplinary team from EU, China and USA, supported by an international Advisory Board.

BIO4COAT aims to validate at TRL 5 the use of 3 biobased building blocks (1,4-bioBDO, lcDCA, and biomethane) from Novamont’s biorefinery for producing safe and sustainable biobased coating solutions. Two value chains are planned: (1) Novamont will supply first-of-their kind polyester-polyols from 1,4-bioBDO and lcDCA for conversion into polyurethanes by FUNDITEC, to be used to create 1K PUD and 2K PUR in 7 prototypes under the guidance of ICAP-SIRA; (2) Aarhus University will purify biomethane for use by CEMECON in creating DLC coatings via CVD for high-temperature plastic processing tools, validated by LOGOPLASTE. Performance will be tested in terms of surface protection, printability, and controlled release under demanding conditions, with added recyclability, compostability, and no bioaccumulation, across 8 sectors (plastics, hygiene, textiles, agriculture, horticulture, furniture, energy, and construction). CERTH will implement a comprehensive SSbD methodology, guiding the development of biobased coatings with reduce (-20%) GHG emissions, allowing multiple EoL scenarios, and minimizing bioaccumulation risks. Upscaling insights(aligned with the CBE-JU TERRIFIC project), feasibility analyses, and business models will be supported by the University of Padua. KNEIA’s dissemination, exploitation, and communication efforts will maximize the visibility and impact of project outcomes. The analysis and engagement of stakeholder and the clustering activities will be performed at 2 levels: along the overall value chain by KNEIA, and with a focus on technical actors by EUBP which will establish 2 technical working groups with other EU-funded projects. Key impacts are expected in long-term progress in bio-based materials science and engineering, cost savings for industries by 30%, increased biodiversity and environmental health due to reduced pollution and sustainable resource use, expansion of the market for bio-based coatings, and enhanced competitiveness of EU SMEs

Polymeric seals are essential components in almost every industrial and mechanical process enabling the effective containment and movement of liquids and gases under extremes of environment. Friction is intrinsically related to seal performance. High friction accelerates wear of the seal leading to leakage and/or premature failure, and increases the energy consumption of industrial processes. Surface (micro-) texturing is a proven technique for reducing friction across lubricated rigid materials such as metal and ceramic materials. Within recent years this technique has been applied and demonstrated for polymeric and elastomeric materials at laboratory level. The project will develop and demonstrate a novel methodology for the design and high volume manufacture of surface textured polymeric components tailored to the (friction) environment within which the component operates, achieving a friction reduction of >20% at a cost premium of <10%. The novel methodology combines: •advanced modelling software for the identification of surface texture patterns that lead to significant friction reduction for target rubber and plastic seals and applications •software for the design of mould tools that enable the reliable transfer of texture patterns onto the seal surface •novel automated laser system for the application of hierarchical laser induced micro- texture patterns to the mould tool surface •best practice for moulding and de-moulding using surface textured moulds •inline optical inspection for surface texture pattern quality control The project will establish three pilot lines for demonstration of: 1) mould tool design and manufacture; and the design and manufacture of 2) rotary seals for engine applications; and 3) reciprocating seals for industrial processes.

The HICCUPS project proposes a resource efficient solution to convert biogenic CO2 emissions from wastewater treatment plants into bio-based plastics for packaging. At the heart of the HICCUPS concept lie innovative technologies for the capture, conversion to monomers and polymerization of CO2 to produce PLGA. These polymers with excellent water & gas barrier properties are fully biodegradable and 100% made from renewable feedstock which makes them a promising candidate for the replacement of fossil polyethylene. To demonstrate the potential of PLGA, packaging materials will be produced from PLGA film coated paper and molded plastic. Examples of these types of packaging are paper cups, take out boxes and sealed plastic trays for perishable food from the supermarket. The HICCUPS technology results in a GHG reduction based on CO2 utilization, replacement of fossil feedstock and by industrial electrification. In the HICCUPS project, the complete value chain from biogenic CO2 to polymer end use will be demonstrated, including downstream processing and end of life studies. Recycling and (marine) biodegradability tests will show this sustainable plastic will not accumulate in nature. To maximize impact of the HICCUPS technology, digital modelling, life-cycle assessments and a full business case analysis are initiated in the early stage of the project to provide targets for technology development. Besides the reduction of GHG emissions, HICCUPS will have societal impact by creating awareness through interaction with policy makers and civil society and the creation of new jobs in innovative fields. By targeting an industry as essential as wastewater treatment, HICCUPS aims to create a concept that can impact society and contribute to climate change mitigation, assessed by an integrated monitoring system of the carbon removal potential, on a big scale and serves as a crucial first step in upscaling this new solution to a flagship-scale commercial plant.