EU-funded researchers have discovered new families of proteins and enzymes that will enable the development of novel plant-based biomaterials, potentially providing viable sustainable and renewable alternatives to plastics and other fossil-fuel-derived materials and chemicals.
EU-funded researchers planted, harvested, processed and analysed the life cycle of woody crops to establish how efficient and environmentally friendly they are as a source of fuel for electricity and heat.
Promoting a better understanding of the bioeconomy and its impacts could pave the way to a more sustainable society. An EU-funded project engaged the public and various stakeholder groups in dialogue to raise awareness about its future potential.
Sun, sea, sand and... jellyfish. Beach holidays have become a risky pursuit as jellyfish populations have exploded in warming seas worldwide in recent years. But thanks to EU-funded researchers, these gelatinous blobs could become a valuable resource - as food, ingredients in medicine and cosmetics, and even as a means to counter pollution.
EU-funded project AFTERLIFE is developing a technology that filters, treats and converts waste water from the food and drink industry into bioplastics and food additives.
An EU-funded project has developed a satellite-based service to support the aquaculture industry in finding the best sites and providing continuous monitoring of fish and shellfish farms, helping to ensure global food security for a growing population.
The problem of plastic pollution has grown to devastating proportions. EU-funded research is supporting the development and large-scale production of an eco-friendly replacement for plastic bags that should help significantly reduce plastic waste.
Extremely efficient to use, bringing about improvements in several industries and products, giving industry a tool to enhance performance... and all of this from sustainably sourced trees. Microfibrillated cellulose, a remarkable natural material that can replace oil-based products in industries as diverse as construction, cosmetics and agriculture, is now entering commercialisation thanks to a pioneering EU and industry-funded project. Microfibrillated cellulose has arrived to out-compete additives from petrochemicals.
A project funded by the BBI JU under Horizon 2020 is developing innovative technologies that will enable mushroom farms to turn compost into novel bio-based products such as natural pesticides, cutting fossil fuel use and positioning the sector at the heart of Europe's circular economy.
Advanced imaging technologies are revolutionising biological and biomedical science. An EU-funded project enabled researchers worldwide to better access cutting-edge biological and medical imaging technologies, to accelerate the great societal benefits this technological revolution will provide.
