Proposals under this topic should:

• The focus of this topic is on bio-based feedstock streams that are generated as heterogeneous mixtures, and on bio-based feedstock streams that contain non bio-based impurities (e.g. plastics, minerals, metals – excluding toxic or harmful substances) that hinder their valorisation using currently available technologies. The topic excludes homogeneous side streams from primary production (e.g. agri- or forest biomass residues) and mixed municipal solid waste. The topic also excludes conversion of contaminated biomass (e.g. from bioremediation). The proposal should develop innovative technologies for recycling and upcycling of secondary bio-based feedstock, residues, and bio-based products’ waste, including sorting, separation, pre-treatment and upgrading technologies. Physical, chemical and biotechnologies are in scope.
• Set up and implement innovative and environmentally sustainable processing technologies and apply the cascading approach, when applicable, for example producing high-value bio-based products in the scope of CBE JU, recycling nutrients for agriculture and horticulture use, etc.
• Valorise the polymer and mineral component of bio-based waste streams, waste from bio-based products and processes (e.g., N- P- components in sewage sludge) into products in the scope of CBE JU.
• Demonstrate an integrated processing plant for mixtures of bio-based residues, bio-waste, waste from bio-based products and processes, while implementing symbiotic processes across different industrial operations.
• Apply and/or adapt existing/mature or novel digital technologies, provided that they are instrumental to achieving the project’s outcomes and scope, especially to ensure high standards of resource efficiency and environmental protection.