UpWaste

Sustainable up-cycling of agricultural residues: Modular cascading waste conversion system

UpWaste is developing a flexible and modular system for the conversion of agricultural residues into microalgae (Galdieria sulphuraria) and insect (Hermetia illucens) biomass. Difficult to characterize agricultural residues, such as manure, straw, food waste and husks, are converted into microbial safe algal and insect biomasses with defined composition. These biomasses can be used to produce food and chemicals by relevant industries. Socio-economic and environmental impact analyses are conducted to assess social acceptability, environmental impact and economic viability. UpWaste addresses the challenges of agriculture and sustainable development through sustainable intensification of the agricultural sector and efficient use of agricultural residues. In addition, UpWaste will define potential risks of rebound effects associated with the application of the modular system. The purpose of UpWaste is to exploit synergies of agricultural residue producers and biomass recyclers as well as to contribute to the development of regional rural bioeconomy concepts. This will be realized by a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account knowledge and expertise from a wide range of disciplines.

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PROJECT DURATION:

2020-2023

PROJECT SPONSOR:

FACCE Surplus, BMBF

GRANT-NUMBER-PN:
PROJECT MANAGER:

Apl. Prof. Dr. Daniel Pleissner

PROJECT PARTNER:

Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V., Quakenbrück University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Riga Thomas More Kempen, Geel KU Leuven, Leuven