Smart and flexible Separation and Valorisation of mixed bio-waste from along the agri-food value chain.
Mixed bio-waste generated along the agri-food value chain is an abundant resource, rich in valuable compounds e.g., polysaccharides or polyphenolic constituents. Yet, its potential as a source of recycled components is untapped – 75% of the generated bio-waste (approx. 85 M/y) is landfilled or incinerated, constituting 3% of total EU GHG emissions.
Valorisation of mixed bio-waste from the agri-food sector is hindered by:
1) technological challenges of removing impurities (e.g., plastics, cardboard, or metals) that would otherwise decrease the process quality,
2) logistics challenges of collecting seasonal, geographically dispersed feedstock that lower valorisation cost-benefit.
The project will last 4 years and has a budget of 5 651 163.50 euros.
Objectives
MixMatters proposes an innovative system that efficiently separates and valorises three types of mixed bio-waste streams containing impurities from the agri-food industry (wholesale markets, greenhouses, food and drink industry) and obtains six high value-added outputs (powder ingredients, sugar concentrates, recombinant proteins, green fibres, bioactive compounds, plastic monomers).
The MixMatters system is modular and multi-purpose – able to treat a range of mixed bio-waste streams (ensuring feedstock supply). The separation stage is automated, integrating advanced robotics and AI. It is also containerised – separating the bio-waste at waste generation sites to avoid inefficient transportation of water and stream spoilage.
The system functioning is optimised via a Decision Support while transparency + traceability are ensured via a Digital Product Passport. In the project, the system will be demonstrated during 15 months at three waste generation sites, along with output validation with 6 bio-based industries and active involvement of value chain actors (partner networks outreach + 2,280 members) – to ensure result deployment.
MixMatters will contribute to meeting the separation targets of the Waste Framework Directive (separated 6,240 t/y by one system at industrial scale).
Tools developped and support
Within MixMatters, several innovative tools and solutions are being developed:
- A modular separation and valorisation system able to process different mixed agri-food bio-waste streams.
- An automated sorting technology integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to detect and remove impurities such as plastics, cardboard and metals.
- A containerised mobile unit, installed directly at waste generation sites to reduce transport costs and prevent feedstock degradation.
- A Decision Support System (DSS) to optimise operations, input flows and overall system efficiency.
- A Digital Product Passport (DPP) ensuring traceability, transparency and monitoring of recycled materials and produced outputs.
- Bioconversion and extraction processes to generate six high-value outputs such as ingredient powders, sugar concentrates, fibres and bioactive compounds.
Project outcome
For companies, MixMatters will create access to new sustainable raw materials and innovative bio-based ingredients derived from agri-food side streams. It will also help reduce waste management costs, improve circularity performance, and unlock new business opportunities in growing sustainable markets.
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This project is linked to Grant Agreement No.101112409 and is part of the European programme HE-JU-CBE-2022-IA-04.
