Four Innovative EU Research Projects Spotlight Renewable Carbon Solutions in Vienna

The second Circular Carbon Economy Summit will take place on 12 November 2024, in Vienna, Austria, showcasing advancements in sustainable resource management and circular economy practices. Four EU-funded research projects BioReCer, 3-CO, WaterProof, and HICCUPS will take centre stage, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to fostering a climate-neutral future.

Enhancing certification for bio-based products

Two of the featured projects, BioReCer and 3-CO, focus on improving certification schemes and consumer communication for bio-based products.

BioReCer aims to enhance existing certification frameworks for biological resources by aligning them with EU sustainability goals and corporate due diligence regulations. This effort seeks to increase the value and acceptance of bio-based products in the market.

Complementing this approach, the 3-CO project develops digital solutions and guidelines for labelling and certification schemes specifically targeting business-to-consumer communication. By verifying its recommendations across ten diverse value chains, 3-CO empowers consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Innovative CO₂ conversion technologies

The other two projects, WaterProof and HICCUPS, showcase innovative approaches to CO₂ conversion, particularly in the context of wastewater treatment and packaging industries.

WaterProof is developing an electrochemical process to convert CO₂ emissions from waste incineration and wastewater treatment into valuable products such as formic acid and peroxides. This technology not only addresses CO₂ emissions but also contributes to water treatment and resource recovery.

Similarly, the HICCUPS project proposes a resource-efficient solution to transform biogenic CO₂ emissions from wastewater treatment plants into bio-based polymers for packaging. The project focuses on producing polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), a biodegradable alternative to fossil-based packaging materials with excellent barrier properties

A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability

These four projects exemplify the EU’s multifaceted approach to driving innovation in a renewable carbon economy. By addressing challenges in certification, consumer awareness, waste valorisation, and bio-based materials, they contribute significantly to the broader goal of creating a resilient, circular economy.

The second Circular Carbon Economy Summit provides an ideal platform for these projects to share their progress and insights with a diverse audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.

Attendees are encouraged to meet the project representatives during the summit. To schedule a meeting please contact kristijan.mrsic@nova-institut.de (HICCUPS) or anke.schwarzenberger@nova-institut.de (3-CO, BioReCer, WaterProof).