Editorial
On behalf of the WaysTUP! project team, we welcome you back.
Our project is celebrating this year’s EU Green Week by co-organising a series of webinars in May and June together with the sister projects HOOP, SCALIBUR and ValueWaste.
In this third issue, we update you on the project progress over the past six months. We proudly present the members of our newly established Advisory Board and give you Belen Miranda’s (Project Coordinator) view on the WaysTUP! role in the transition to a circular economy.
The “WaysTUP! circular” presents project news and upcoming project events. A selection of forthcoming events is also presented in the relative section.
Stay UPdated on WaysTUP! by visiting our website and don’t forget to follow us on social media.
Project progressThe WaysTUP! Project has significantly progressed at identifying opportunities and barriers that are promoting or hindering biowaste exploitation. Following the laboratory waste analysis protocol, the report on urban biowaste composition and the catalogue of urban biowaste solution and good practices WaysTUP! proceeded in the cataloguing of main barriers related to urban biowaste valorisation for biobased products. The methodological aspects for conducting the primary research were set while the first review of existing barriers in the literature was conducted. Further and final results will be studied and delivered later on in the project.
Pilots’ preparation has overcome the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and has been completed. The feedstock supplies between the partners of individual pilots were established and for some pilots (1, 3, 6, and 7) the engineering works together with corresponding licensing for the necessary equipment for the pilots’ operation were carried out. Furthermore, the first trials on a small scale have been performed all together ensuring the smooth transition to pilot demonstration.
Pilots’ operation is by now launched and their main objective is to practically demonstrate a spectrum of technological solutions for the utilisation of urban biowaste to produce a portfolio of chemicals and materials in the various city contexts i.e., in Valencia (ES), L’Alcúdia (ES), Alicante (ES), London (UK), Athens (EL), Chania (EL), Terni (IT) and Prague (CZ).
The work carried out towards the behavioural change of citizens and communities has progressed from mapping the scope of the behavioural change campaign, to the design of the Toolkit: Interventions for change. This toolkit details the co-creation process followed that will lead to the behaviour change strategy of WaysTUP! based on the MBAA model.
The Life Cycle Assessment of new value chains from urban biowaste has also been launched. During this period, the focus is mainly on the development of the template for the inventory of collecting the data that will be utilised to perform the LCAs for the different value chains.
The Market Outlook Report examining the bulk of the external environment on which the outcomes of the WaysTUP! Pilots (end-products, technologies) are expected to be launched and exploited has been completed. Its findings will be utilised as valuable feedback for the elaboration of individual business and marketing strategies for the project pilot partners. Additionally, the foundations for the generation of new Business Models and Marketing strategies have also been set providing a clear picture of existing business models and business model generation tools.
Towards the goal of assessing the policy framework regarding urban biowaste valorisation at the EU, national, regional, and local level an initial baseline analysis on the policy framework regarding biowaste management has been carried out.
Finally, the WaysTUP! project is achieving significant stakeholders’ engagement and networking with sister and other relevant research projects. The project’s workshops, related to the launching of the pilots’ implementation phase, are currently being planned and they will all take place until June 2021. Furthermore, the project has been accepted together with Hoop, ValueWaste and Scalibur to organize a set of webinars in this year’s European Green Week.
Our Coordinator’s views
WaysTUP! project is almost halfway. How is the project progressing? When do you expect to get the first project results?There is no doubt that the covid outbreak has had a major impact on our lives worldwide. The WaysTUP! project started in September 2019 and only a few months later was hit by the Covid-19 health crisis. The first reaction of the project consortium was to assess where the project’s development was affected, and then to propose mitigation measures. Currently, the project has been adapted to the current situation, extending over time, and implementing some modifications in order to adapt and achieve the expected development. We are currently in the start-up phase of the 7 demonstration pilots of the project, so in a few months we will obtain results.
Does biowaste upcycling play a key role in the transition to a circular economy?The conversion of biowaste into resources is undoubtedly one of the keys to the circular economy. In the WaysTUP! project we aim to demonstrate the establishment of new value chains for the utilisation of municipal biowaste. We also talk about by-products and not waste in some cases, which will be transformed into other valuable products. As in the case of meat and fish, surpluses that are not fit for human consumption and that would end up in landfills are instead reused by being transformed into valuable products through innovative bioprocesses, thus promoting a circular economy based on the reuse of resources.
To what extend has the Covid crisis impacted WaysTUP! implementation and what mitigation measures have been taken?The impact on the project has been considerable, with blockages of activity in many countries due to covid, for example, disrupting supply chains and causing significant delays for suppliers, while construction of the demonstration pilot facilities was in full swing. We had to take mitigation measures for this and other incidents, such as moving to larger facilities and ensuring protective measures or changing feedstock in one of the pilots to ensure safe handling of process material. In spite of all this, the project has managed to adapt and continues in its execution without losing its high innovative level.
Introducing our Advisory BoardThe project’s External Expert Advisory Board has been established with a multidisciplinary team of experts in biowaste and circular economy. The AB aims at providing advice and guidance throughout the project’s timeline in order to support the development of the project and ensure results of high quality. The members of the WaysTUP! Advisory Board will participate in project meetings, in which they will review the project activities and outcomes, identify the strong/weak points with respect to the objectives and implementation of the project as well as the quality of results, and provide recommendations.
We are pleased to introduce to you the Advisory Board members and we proudly welcome them to our project!
Dr Thrasyvoulos Manios
Hellenic Mediterranean University
www.hmu.gr
Dr Thrasyvoulos Manios is an Agronomist. He is a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (Agricultural University of Athens), the Department of Chemical Engineering (University of Patras) and holds a PhD from the School of Civil Engineering (University of Leeds). He is currently the Vice Rector for Finances, Planning & Development of the Hellenic Mediterranean University. His research interests include issues of management, processing, and utilization of urban or agricultural solid and liquid waste for energy and non-energy applications. He has more than 65 publications, over 100 participations and presentations in conferences and holds three patents. The HMU is a Public Educational Institute, founded in 1983, with campuses in all major cities of Crete. It focuses on research and innovation as well as lifelong learning and it offers technological and consultancy services of high quality.
Hara Xirou
Eunomia Research & Consulting
www.eunomia.co.uk
Hara Xirou is the Head of South-East Europe Office for Eunomia Research & Consulting, based in Athens with 15 years of experience in the waste management and resource efficiency sector. Hara joined Eunomia in July 2014 and managing Circular Economy projects. Hara holds an MSc in Environmental Science and Technology from Imperial College and is a LEAD Fellow of the LEAD International Network. Eunomia is an independent consultancy dedicated to helping its clients to achieve better environmental and commercial outcomes.
Vicen Mañez Martinez
Mercavalència S.A.
www.mercavalencia.es
Vicen Mañez Martinez is a Technical Agricultural Engineer. She is a graduate of the Food Science and Technology Department (Polytechnic University of Valencia) and holds an MSc in Integrated Management Systems of Quality, Environment and Hazard Prevention and Control in the Work Environment (San Pablo University in Valencia). She has strong experience in the sector of Quality and Prevention of occupational hazards and has since 2016 been responsible for Environmental Management and General Services in Mercavalència S.A. Mercavalència is a company with the most advanced logistics and distribution infrastructure for the production, processing, and marketing of fresh and frozen products.
Dr Vicente Bernal
Repsol Technology Lab
www.repsol.com/en/index.cshtml
Dr Vicente Bernal is a researcher with over 20 years of experience in the fields of Microbial Biotechnology, Metabolic Engineering, Circular Economy, Wastewater treatment and Waste to Fuels, both at the Academia and the Industry sector. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (the University of Murcia, Spain). He has worked as a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Department of Animal Cell Technology of the Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology, as well as the Department of Biotechnology in the University of Murcia. He is the co-author of 38 papers in peer reviewed journals and has 4 patents filed in the fields of biotechnology and circular economy (1 granted). Since the end of 2012, he has been working as a scientist at REPSOL Technology Lab. REPSOL is an integrated global energy company with vast sector experience.
The WaysTUP! circularThe WaysTUP! project in cooperation with its sister projects Value Waste, Scalibur and Hoop is taking part in this year’s Green Week celebration. The four REA-funded H2020 projects on urban bioeconomy will come together in May and June 2021 to organise a joint webinar series focusing on the value chain of biowaste to safe and sustainable bio-based products. The series will provide the opportunity for project partners to share preliminary results, engage in dialogue with stakeholders, and raise awareness of the projects’ actions and impacts. The series will be a partner event of the EU Green Week. Each webinar will last around 60 minutes and experts from each project will focus on a different topic.
Save the date for the following:
(1) Selective collection of urban biowaste – 5 May 2021
(2) Citizen engagement & awareness – 19 May 2021
(3) Technologies for urban biowaste and wastewater valorisation – 26 May 2021
(4) New business models – 10 June 2021
(5) Safety and acceptance of end biobased products – 16 June 2021
(6) Policy influence – 30 June 2021
Click here for more info.
Demonstration of urban biowaste utilisation through PILOTs kicked off on the 1st of March. Regional workshops are being organised for launching the pilot phase in Spain, Greece, the UK, Italy and the Czech Republic.
In these virtual workshops that are open to all, participants will get the chance to get a better insight into the WaysTUP! project, find out what the regional pilots are working on and discuss the challenges in urban biowaste management. Stay updated on the upcoming workshops by checking the WaysTUP! webpage and social media.
WaysTUP! along with HOOP, VALUEWASTE, and SCALIBUR Horizon 2020 projects working on biowaste valorisation have teamed up to promote innovative solutions for the European circular bioeconomy and bring down the regulatory barriers blocking a more sustainable future. This joint initiative is named ROOTS – Circular Policies for Changing the Biowaste System. The four projects are piloting new solutions to transform urban biowaste and wastewater into valuable products like Feed, Fertilisers, Bioplastics, Biopesticides, Proteins and Bioethanol. They use different processes and technologies, but they all rely on the higher level of recycling and propose valorisation solutions relevant for the uptake of a truly Circular Economy. The promoters have discussed their views and shared their concerns on policy barriers hindering innovations leading to the Circular Economy for urban biowaste. The discussion has resulted in the preparation of four focus topics, accompanied by proposed solutions. Such topics will constitute our key messages and will be addressed more in detail in future public initiatives.
The Technical University of Crete (TUC) is leading Pilot 7 in Chania, Greece. TUC produces biochar from sewage sludge provided by the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of Chania. The TUC team will demonstrate the efficacy of the creation of a biochar product and its application for agriculture uses. The first field testing was conducted at the campus of TUC and it started in October of 2020 and was completed in early April of 2021. Greenhouse tomatoes were cultivated in pots with and without biochar amendment as a soil improver. Three conditions were tested: the “control” with no biochar amendment, the “dose 1” biochar treatment corresponding to 10t of biochar per ha and the “dose 2” biochar treatment with 25t of biochar per ha. We are waiting for the results!
Stats for chatsUNEP’s first Food Waste Index report provides insights into the scale of food waste and a methodology that enables countries to measure baselines and track progress in meeting the SDG target. The report estimates that food waste from households, retail establishments and the food service industry totals 931 million tonnes each year. Nearly 570 million tonnes of this waste occurs at the household level. The report also reveals that the global average of 74 kg per capita of food wasted each year is remarkably similar from lower-middle income to high-income countries, suggesting that most countries have room to improve.
See below (click on each image) some interesting results derived from the data provided from the report:
Forthcoming events
EU Green Week 2021, ZERO POLLUTION for healthier people and planet
31 May-4 June 2021, virtual event
The EU Green Week 2021 will take place from 31 May to 4 June 2021, with Partner Events taking place between 3 May to 13 June. Green Week is Europe’s biggest annual conference on environment policy, bringing together participants from government, industry, non-governmental organisations, academia and the media for a unique exchange of ideas and best practices. The European Green Week 2021 will be dedicated to the ‘zero pollution ambition’. This year’s edition ties in with the European Green Deal and the adoption of the EU Action Plan ‘Towards a Zero Pollution Ambition for Air, Water and Soil‘. In the context of the EU Green Week 2021, numerous activities at local, national and European scale will be organised by partners and associates across Europe with the purpose of showcasing their achievements and contribution towards a zero pollution Europe. more 
RETASTE: RETHINK FOOD WASTE Conference
6-8 May 2021, Athens-Greece
The RETASTE Conference initiates the dialogue for innovative solutions and optimization schemes that exploit significant opportunities for food waste reduction, reuse, and recycling at all stages of the food life cycle, as well as their scalability and commercial translatability. In parallel, RETASTE aims to address the social aspects of food waste issues, as well as to highlight ways to tackle social and perception barriers against reducing our environmental footprint, thus shifting the evolving future of the social market, and global megatrends. Through the conservation of resources, the strengthening of the social fabric, and the development of new value chains, RETASTE supports the implementation of the Circular Economy concept. The audience of RETASTE includes academia, industry, and stakeholders, and is truly transdisciplinary as the topics of the conference dictate. more
International Conference on Biopolymers and Bioplastics, “Lighting the Future of Energy: Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future”
21-22 June 2021, virtual event
The International Conference on Biopolymers and Bioplastics 2021 is designed to serve as a virtual online platform for the speakers to showcase their highly insightful research work, knowledge from the field of biopolymers, bioplastics, polymers, waste management, related research and latest developments to the audience and participants. It is a two-day event that aims to bring together a unique and international mix of experts like Nanotechnologist, Material scientists, Research Academicians, Energy Professionals & Food Technologists to share information and ideas about the recent advances in the field of Biopolymers & Bioplastics and the development of quality & quantity of production. Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021, consisting of a lettered scientific program will also exhibit innovative research products for further development in Biopolymers & Bioplastics. more
8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
26-26 June 2021, Thessaloniki – Greece
The Conference focuses mainly on modern solid waste technologies. It aims to stimulate the interest of scientists and citizens and inform them about the latest developments in the field of municipal solid waste management. Special attention will be drawn to the valorization prospects & the products from solid waste. It also aspires to strengthen the link of the applied research with industry. Emphasis will be placed on circular economy in all key action areas (production, consumption, waste management, secondary raw materials, innovation, investment & monitoring) and all priority sectors (food waste, plastics, biomass and bio-based-products, construction & demolition waste, critical raw materials), as well as waste management issues and resource efficiency in islands and generally isolated and remote areas. more
The World Circular Economy Forum
13-15 September 2021, Toronto – Canada
The WCEF is a landmark event of the year that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. The WCEF is a global initiative of Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The Forum brings together over 4,000 business leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. It also examines how businesses can seize new opportunities and gain a competitive advantage through circular economy solutions, and how the circular economy contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The main forum will take place in Toronto in Canada in September 2021, following a smaller WCEF+Climate event that was held in the Netherlands on 5-16 April 2021. more
World BioEconomy Forum
18-20 October 2021, Belém – Brazil
The World BioEconomy Forum is a think-tank initiative which provides a global platform for key stakeholders of the Circular Bioeconomy to share ideas and promote bio-based solutions. The BioEconomy Forum 2021 will be held in Belém, the capital of the state of Pará in Brazil that is located at the mouth of the Amazon River. The World BioEconomy Forum will present Belém and the state of Pará as a real hot spot of the Circular Bioeconomy in 2021 and share its narrative with the global Circular Bioeconomy society. Walking the talk, applicants can learn from Brazil and the Amazon region at the same time as sharing lessons from the other parts of the world. more
Join usThe WaysTUP! project counts 26 partners, each expert in their field, collaborating to transform urban bio-waste into valuable end products.
Our experts will be more than happy to answer to your questions or provide more info on the project.
Project Coordinator: Belén Miranda, innova@sav-lavega.com
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