CircFood, an R project based on the circular economy for the valorisation of agri-food by-products, with a local and cooperative approach for value-added applications.
The Navarrese companies Urzante, Harivenasa, IAN, Ingredalia, Nucaps and Isanatur, supported by the research centres CNTA and AIN, are joining forces to develop value-added products from agri-food waste.
Cordovilla, November 22, 2022
The concept of bioeconomy is understood as knowledge-based production and the use of biological resources, processes and methods to provide goods and services sustainably across all economic sectors. Likewise, the circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as many times as possible to create added value. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.
In this regard, the CIRCFOOD project seeks to provide a solution for plant-based by-products rich in bioactive compounds (BACs), with the aim of developing high value-added products that are beneficial to health. In addition, within the framework of this project, the conversion of industrial waste into raw material for industrial use is envisaged, with the resulting reduction in environmental impact. All of this represents a further step towards the concept of eco-profitability: industrial profitability through sustainable processes.
To this end, by-products such as olive pomace, oat husk, wheat bran, tomato skins and seeds, as well as leaf and cruciferous waste, will be studied to maximise their potential in innovative industrial valorisation processes applied to the design of new products.
The bioeconomy, as well as the circular economy, can be understood as fundamental principles underpinning the research and innovation strategy for smart specialisation (RIS4). Through RIS4, the aim is to specialise European regions in increasingly competitive, wealth- and job-generating technologies and areas of knowledge. Navarra, as a region committed to RIS4, offers grants for the implementation of strategic RD projects. This is how CIRFOOD was created, a strategic project of the Government of Navarra within the Alpes 2022 challenge: personalised and sustainable food.
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