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Development of application tailored biopolymers, precursors and additives

Led by HKL (Hochshule Kaiserslautem), WP1 aims to develop innovative chemical and fermentative methods for the obtention of PHAs of different crystallinities and flexibility via adjustment of their molecular architecture, especially through the change in the side-chain length and structure, from organic wastes and recycling sources rich in carbohydrates; adjust the property profiles of novel PHAs to the needs of each particular application via functionalisation; produce micro- and nanoparticles and NCs with encapsulated bioactives, from these PHAs. The exploitation of innovative bio-based dyes and pigments, obtained by a combination of chemical and bacterial fermentation processes, for the formulation of bio-based inks for inkjet printing is also an aim.

Smart inkjet printing for bio-based inks deposition

Fronted by MTE (MTEX New Solution SA) WP2 sets its ambitions on the development of inkjet printing systems with innovative piezo control tech and automated systems for just-in-time ink preparation, and for substrates transport and support, including a robotic arm to hold and move 3D objects for inkjet printing, adapted for the application of bio-based inks develop in WP1 in different substrates, both 2D and 3D. Consequently, it also aims to develop characterization methods for these printed, and locally functionalized, substrates.

Smart manufacturing processes for bio-based foams, films, composites, and textiles

In WP3, UDC (Universida da Coruña) leads us through the research and development of different manufacturing systems or processing methodologies, for each of the intended bio-based materials, obtained from the PHAs, microparticles and functional NCs developed in WP1: compounding for foams (for shoe soles and insoles); extrusion, blown extrusion and thermoforming for plastic films and biocomposites (for packaging); electrospray system for fibres and nonwovens (for face masks). As well as exploitation of existing and new characterisation methods and quality controls for bio-based materials.

Use cases and validation of bio-based products

With CTV (CITEVE) as its main beneficiary, WP4 aims to produce demonstrators for each VC (textile, shoes and packaging), from the bio-based materials developed in WP3 (shoe soles and insoles from bio-based composites and foams; packaging from bio-based plastic films; face masks from PHAs nonwovens coated on cotton substrates; fashion garments from inkjet printed (and functionalized) textile and leather substrates), and assessment of their properties in relevant environments, showing a transition towards green manufacturing technologies.

Re-manufacturing and Recycling

Led by GRN (GR3N SA), WP5 explores different EoL (End-of-Life) alternatives for the materials developed in WPs3-4, namely re-manufacturing of fashion garments by colour removal and reprinting, and recycling by chemical and biotechnological processing, and repolymerization into value feedstock to introduce again in these VCs.

Toxicity and sustainability assessment

Guided by HKL (Hochshule Kaiserslautem), WP6 will assess the toxicity of the bio-based components and products developed in W2BC, including cytotoxicity, and of the compostability and biodegradability of the materials for which re-manufacturing or recycling is not possible. Moreover, WP6 will also quantify  the sustainability of the proposed solutions, compared with conventional products, by assessment of LCA (life cycle assessment), LCC (life cycle costing) and SLCA (social life cycle assessment). Besides assessment and quantification, the WP6 will verify the compliance of the W2BC products, components and technologies, with existing and new regulations and standards.

Dissemination, Communication, Training, Exploitation and Innovation Management

With MAG (Magellan) at the forefront of WP7, the latter aims to maximise the project’s impact, by: ensuring effective communication and outreach of the project ́s activities and results to the identified target groups; disseminate W2BC by raising awareness about the project’s results and making them available to the multiple stakeholders; provide the tools and develop the skills needed for the implementation of biomaterial-based manufacturing activities (training); developing the project’s exploitation strategy, realised by market analyses, benchmarking and technology watch, business models and business plans for commercialization. Related to this exploitation, the WP includes innovation management, which encompasses IPR management and Open Science matters.

Project Management

In WP8, CTV (CITEVE) will provide the project’s coordination and management, in terms of administrative and financial management, and technical coordination, aiming at a quality achievement of the project results, an efficient and pleasant collaboration environment, a timely and transparent reporting of activities, results, employed resources, and financial coordination. This WP will also address “Responsible R&I” issues, namely regarding ethics and gender equality and inclusiveness.