The GREEN-LOOP Value Chain Platform goes live: a Game-Changer in Circular Bioeconomy Innovation

[Seville, Spain] – July 31, 2025 – The GREEN-LOOP Value Chain Platform is officially live, offering an all-in-one digital solution for businesses, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize value chains and lead the transition to a circular, bio-based economy. Developed through a groundbreaking collaboration among 17 partners across 8 countries, and coordinated by IDENER, the platform merges cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science to reshape how industries innovate with sustainability in mind.

Accessible at https://greenloop.idener.ai, the GREEN-LOOP Platform is a modular, scalable, and secure environment designed to empower a wide range of users, from SMEs and manufacturers to academic researchers and eco-innovators.

Its core mission: to enable data-driven decision-making that enhances operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

With the GREEN-LOOP Value Chain Platform, users can analyse and optimise their value chains, train custom AI models, assess environmental performance in real time, and collaborate across sectors to accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

Smart, Secure, and Sustainable: Highlights of the Platform

 Interactive Value Chain Mapping

• Visualise the full development pathway of a product or service across stakeholders.
• Identify key actors, connect with them directly, and explore collaboration opportunities.
• Promote transparency, traceability, and real-time interaction across supply chains.

Free & Intuitive Machine Learning Forecasting

• Upload your own datasets and train custom AI models in just a few steps, no coding required.
• Predict critical material or product properties like elasticity, strength, or deformation.
• Accessible to all users without expensive software licenses or technical barriers.

Simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• Easily estimate the environmental impact of your process with a user-friendly LCA tool.
• Get early insights into carbon footprint, energy use, and other key sustainability metrics.
• Ideal for innovators taking their first steps toward eco-design.

Equation Solver & Process Optimisation

• Build a set of equations that represent your process, including material balances, energy flows, or cost structures.
• Run optimisations to reduce manufacturing time, minimise costs, or improve performance.
• Perfect for engineers and developers aiming to fine-tune their systems with real data.

Real-Time Environmental Monitoring

• Connect your company’s sensors directly to the platform to stream real-time environmental data.
• Use this dynamic data to power forecasting models, update LCAs, or refine optimisations.
• Brings decision-making closer to the process floor for immediate responsiveness.

Fully Interconnected Digital Ecosystem

• Combine all features into a single, powerful workflow.
• Build a full value chain with real partners, link it to a forecasting model, estimate LCA, set up equations, feed in live sensor data, and run an optimisation, all in one unified space.
• Get the best, most sustainable outcome across the entire chain, faster and smarter.

AI for a Greener Future: Empowering the Eco-Materials Revolution

What truly sets the GREEN-LOOP Platform apart is its powerful integration of Artificial Intelligence to accelerate the development of novel bio-based materials. The platform offers three embedded AI models—focused on bio-rubber, bioplastics, and wood composites—that support rapid prototyping and predictive performance analysis. These models are exclusively available to users who are part of a value chain within the platform, and can be accessed on request:

• Bio-rubber: Predict tensile strength based on formulation data.
• Bioplastics: Estimate the elastic modulus to fine-tune design before physical testing.
• Wood composites: Simulate deformation under load to improve structural performance.

But the real innovation lies in the platform’s ability to support custom AI model creation. Any user can upload their own datasets and train machine learning models tailored to their specific processes or materials—no coding, no licenses, and no technical background required. This functionality democratises AI in material science, allowing organisations of all sizes to harness predictive intelligence and make smarter, faster decisions in sustainable product development.

Designed for Collaboration, Built for Impact

The GREEN-LOOP Platform isn’t just a tool—it’s a digital hub for innovation, learning, and cross-sector collaboration. Developed with a user-centric approach and input from industry experts, policymakers, and research institutions, it offers:

• Circularity assessments for enterprises.
• Partner and supplier search for businesses and R&D actors.
• Access to validated datasets for experts and analysts.
• Dedicated materials on the three GREEN-LOOP pilot value chains.

Through intuitive dashboards and interactive modules, users can evaluate materials across their lifecycle—from biomass sourcing to end-of-life—while engaging with the broader sustainability community.

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Discover the platform now: https://greenloop.idener.ai
Watch the platform in action:

• Overview Video
• User Training
• About the Project – Playlist

Bio-Rubber Innovation in Focus: Workshop on turning Tyre Waste into High-Performance Construction Materials

Watch the full session here: https://youtu.be/wL–ME9Hzjc?si=GGirXT6zYpwqDZVG

The latest external workshop in the GREEN-LOOP series shed light on a groundbreaking innovation in the circular use of materials: recycled bio-rubber panels designed for the construction industry. Developed by the National Composites Centre (NCC), the University of Bristol, and the Bristol Composites Institute, these panels address two pressing environmental issues, tyre waste and building material sustainability.

At the heart of this innovation is a devulcanisation process that enables used automotive tyres to be reprocessed similarly to virgin rubber. This makes it possible to create panels tailored for anti-vibration applications, combining mechanical performance with a circular design philosophy.

One of the central topics discussed during the workshop was fire resistance enhancement through the integration of lignin, a bio-derived flame retardant extracted from waste biomass. This approach offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional, often toxic, flame retardants. Lab-scale tests have already shown promising results, notably a significant reduction in heat release rate, a critical factor in fire safety classification.

The workshop also highlighted ongoing research into lignin-based coatings, which could extend the applicability of this solution across sectors such as infrastructure, transport, and acoustic insulation. These coatings could serve as protective layers, further improving the fire performance and environmental profile of rubber-based materials.

The session featured insights from leading experts:
– Tom Andrews, Advanced Research Engineer, NCC
– Friderik Knez, Researcher, ZAG – Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije
– Fabrizio Scarpa, Professor of Smart Materials and Structures, University of Bristol
– Hesam Ramezani, Research Associate, Bristol Composites Institute

The workshop was not only a showcase of technical innovation but also a testament to collaborative research driving the transition toward circular, high-performance materials in construction. From recycling complex waste streams to integrating bio-based additives, the project reflects GREEN-LOOP’s core mission: closing the loop on material waste through sustainable design and engineering.

 Catch up on the full discussion and discover how the GREEN-LOOP project is transforming tyre waste into a resource for the future: Watch the video

GREEN-LOOP Partners Join Internal Training on the Digital Platform | 27 june 2025

The GREEN-LOOP consortium held an internal workshop to introduce partners to the project’s Digital Platform, a key tool designed to support sustainability assessment and decision-making across bio-based value chains. The session was led by Alejandro Gómez Gutiérrez and Sergio Pérez Capitán from IDENER.

The training provided an overview of the platform’s structure and functionalities, including how to access, navigate, and interpret key data related to environmental performance, life cycle assessment (LCA), and circularity metrics. The platform is part of GREEN-LOOP’s commitment to promoting Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles and is built to facilitate informed decision-making by researchers, industry actors, and policymakers.

The Digital Platform integrates digital tools and data repositories to guide the design and validation of sustainable bio-based materials. It allows users to evaluate new materials across all stages of their life cycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life, helping to identify trade-offs, opportunities for improvement, and pathways toward circularity.

The Digital Platform is available via this link greenloop.idener.ai/ to external stakeholders and companies, offering a practical and science-based tool to support greener innovation in industry.

Stay tuned for the official launch!

Closing the Loop: Bio-Based Alternatives for a Sustainable Tomorrow | 15 May 2025

We are proud to share that the GREEN-LOOP Project was presented at the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Innovation for Tomorrow: Progress in Safe and Sustainable Concepts.”

The event brought together leading experts and initiatives committed to advancing the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach. GREEN-LOOP contributed to this dialogue by showcasing how innovative bio-based materials and circular value chains can offer viable alternatives to fossil-based resources—supporting safer, more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Our participation highlighted GREEN-LOOP’s work in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), circular design, and the bioeconomy, aligning with SETAC’s focus on integrating safety, sustainability, and innovation, through a poster presentation by Carlos Bernárdez Casás from AIMEN.

We are excited to continue engaging with the scientific community and stakeholders to accelerate the transition toward a greener, low-impact future.

Wood Composite Workshop Wrap-Up: Top Insights & Feedback from June 5

On June 5, 2025, the GREEN-LOOP project hosted its second external workshop, this time spotlighting the wood composites value chain.

The event brought together researchers, engineers, and sustainability advocates to explore how bio-based wood composites can revolutionize industrial applications.

The session was led by Liviu Dan Toma from Fraunhofer Center HDL and Andreas Kailer from Fraunhofer IWM.

Liviu opened with an in-depth presentation on the development of wood composite materials, focusing on the use of renewable wood fibers, biopolymers, and natural additives.

The goal? To create high-performance, recyclable, and cost-effective materials for use in precision-engineered mechanical components like sliding bearings.

The workshop detailed the formulation process, including the selection of sustainable raw materials, the integration of recycled glass fibers, and the use of microwave-assisted extrusion to enhance energy efficiency. Liviu also introduced a novel fiberglass composite barrel developed to support microwave heating during extrusion—an innovation aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving material homogeneity.

Andreas followed with a technical deep dive into the tribological testing of the developed materials. Using pin-on-disc and bearing test setups, the team evaluated friction and wear performance under dry conditions. The results were impressive: several bio-based formulations demonstrated low friction coefficients, high wear resistance, and thermal stability up to 120°C, making them viable alternatives to conventional thermoplastics in demanding applications.

The workshop also highlighted the collaborative nature of the GREEN-LOOP project, with contributions from partners such as Technaro, GRS, NCC UK, and Guala Closures. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with circular, bio-based materials.

Attendees engaged in a lively Q&A session, discussing the challenges of fiber degradation during extrusion, the potential of coupling agents, and the scalability of these solutions for industrial use. The event concluded with a look ahead to component testing in conveyor rollers, marking the next step in validating these materials for real-world applications.

This workshop underscored the GREEN-LOOP project’s commitment to closing the loop on material waste through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Mixing It Up: Insights from our External Workshop on Bio-Plastic Formulation

On May 23, 2025, the GREEN-LOOP project hosted an engaging and insightful external workshop focused on bio-plastic formulation and innovation. The event brought together experts, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the potential of bio-based and biodegradable plastics in advancing the circular economy.

The session was led by Marco Scatto, and Angela Davidov from Mixcycling, a pioneering company in sustainable materials.

Marco opened the workshop with a comprehensive overview of bio-plastic types, including bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable polymers. He emphasized the importance of reducing environmental impact through innovative material design, highlighting the role of bio-based feedstocks and natural fillers in achieving lower carbon footprints.

Angela followed with a deep dive into Mixcycling’s patented non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology, which enhances the performance of organic fibers used in bio-composites. She showcased real-world applications developed in collaboration with Guala Closures, including biodegradable bottle caps for olive oil and limoncello. These solutions not only reduce plastic waste but also maintain high performance and aesthetic appeal.

The workshop also addressed the regulatory landscape, particularly the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and how GREEN-LOOP’s bio-plastic solutions align with upcoming EU sustainability targets. The team shared their success in achieving high bio-based carbon content and industrial compostability, positioning their materials as compliant and forward-thinking alternatives for packaging producers.

Participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, discussing topics such as fiber treatment methods, recyclability, and the challenges of integrating bio-based materials into existing manufacturing systems. The event concluded with a strong call to action: to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the development of next-generation materials.

This workshop was a testament to the GREEN-LOOP project’s mission to close the loop on plastic waste through bio-based innovation, and it highlighted the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change.

The BIOMATTERS Cluster contributing to a better Bioeconomy

On 21 June 2025, the BIOMATTERS cluster – comprising six Horizon Europe projects (AMBIANCE, BIO-UPTAKE, GREEN-LOOP, NEW WAVE, VITAL, and Waste2BioComp) – submitted a joint contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy. This consultation represents a crucial milestone in advancing bioeconomy to support European businesses and accelerate progress towards the EU’s environmental, climate, and competitiveness goals. In its position paper, the cluster outlines the main barriers currently hindering the development and market uptake of bio-based materials, essential components of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

The most pressing issues identified include:

- Cost competitiveness: Bio-based materials are often more expensive than fossil-based alternatives due to limited availability, higher raw material and processing costs, and a lack of large-scale infrastructure.

- Limited access to finance: European SMEs in the bioeconomy sector face a significant funding gap when scaling from pilot to commercial stages. The cluster calls for targeted financial instruments and dedicated EU funds to de-risk investments in the sector.

- Regulatory fragmentation: Inconsistent standards, complex certification processes, and unclear end-of-life regulations hinder the market uptake of bio-based products across Member States.

To address these obstacles, BIOMATTERS proposes:

- Revising the EU waste framework to enable better collection and valorisation of bio-based plastics.

- Introducing tax incentives for sustainable production and procurement of certified bio-based products.

- Establishing harmonised certification systems and promoting regulatory sandboxes to accelerate market access for sustainable innovations.

The BIOMATTERS Cluster contribution underlines the need for a dedicated policy framework for bio-based chemicals and materials, aligned with the EU’s broader environmental, climate, and competitiveness objectives. Through this joint effort, the Cluster reaffirms its commitment to shaping an inclusive and forward-looking EU Bioeconomy Strategy that supports innovation, strengthens European value chains, and drives the green transition.

EC - Published Initiative

EC News - Commission launches public consultation on upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy

GREEN-LOOP Pioneers Sustainable Manufacturing with Groundbreaking Bio-Based Materials | EUBCE, 9-12 June 2025

The GREEN-LOOP project is driving a sustainable transformation in European manufacturing with the development of three cutting-edge bio-based materials: bio-rubber, bio-plastic, and wood composite. With a strong focus on circular economy principles, GREEN-LOOP aims to optimise every step of the value chain—from raw materials to end-of-life—while reducing environmental impact and boosting innovation.

From Lab to Market: Smart, Green, Scalable

At the heart of GREEN-LOOP’s mission is a triple objective:

• Enhance the green and smart features of manufacturing bio-based materials at relevant industrial scales.
• Introduce bio-materials into new market sectors.
• Demonstrate real-world applications with measurable environmental and economic gains.

Leveraging AI-driven smart manufacturing, microwave-enhanced production, and a digital platform for real-time KPIs, GREEN-LOOP is not just developing sustainable products—it’s redefining the way they are made.

Bio-Rubber Innovation for Greener Construction

In the bio-rubber value chain, GREEN-LOOP has developed fire-retardant and vibration-damping acoustic panels tailored for the construction sector. Using lignin additives sourced from the kraft process, the material offers:

• 15% improved mechanical properties
• 40% faster lignin extraction
• 30% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional rubber

These panels are refurbishable and fully recyclable, setting new standards for circular construction materials.

Bio-Plastics: Closing the Loop in Packaging

For the food and beverage industry, GREEN-LOOP introduces 100% bio-based bottle closures made from agro-industrial residues like rice husks and fruit waste. Innovations include:

• Microwave-enhanced injection moulding delivering 20% energy savings
• 100% organic recycling and 50% biomaterial reuse
• A 60% reduction in production waste and 30% lower CO₂ emissions

These closures maintain the performance of fossil-based plastics while being fully food-safe and sustainable.

Wood Composites: Sustainable Engineering in Motion

The project’s third innovation is a high-performance wood-composite sliding bearing for injection moulding machines in the appliance and tooling sectors. Composed of 50–60% wood fibres, these bearings are:

• Water-lubricated and metal-free
• Designed for 90% refurbishment rate
• Responsible for 28% less CO₂ emissions than traditional steel bearings

This solution demonstrates how biocomposites can meet demanding mechanical needs while advancing sustainability.

Empowering Industry with a Smart Circular Platform

Supporting these technological breakthroughs is the GREEN-LOOP Value Chain Platform—a powerful digital tool that offers:

• Real-time AI-based manufacturing optimisation
• Customisable modules for circularity, environmental impact, and business analytics
• A training hub with webinars and tutorials for workforce upskilling
• Public access to circularity metrics, boosting transparency and social engagement

Impact and Outlook

With its end-to-end circular approach, GREEN-LOOP is overcoming long-standing barriers in sustainable manufacturing. Key outcomes include:

• Three fully optimised bio-based products
• AI-retrofitted and microwave-enhanced production
• 30% average CO₂ reduction across the value chains
• New market creation with projected CAGR of 3–6%
• 415+ jobs created by 2023, aligned with Blue Economy goals

GREEN-LOOP is proving that sustainable, scalable, and smart manufacturing is not only possible, it’s already happening.

GREEN-LOOP Presentation

5th Internal Workshop on Bio-Plastic Innovation | 25 March 2025

The 5th Internal GREEN-LOOP workshop explored bio-plastic formulation and testing with Mixcylcing and ISQ as the facilitators. Innovation meets sustainability!

On March 25th, the GREEN-LOOP consortium attended the 5th internal workshop focusing on Bio-Plastic Innovations, as part of its mission to advance sustainable, circular, and smart manufacturing practices aligned with the capacity-building principles of the consortium. This event spotlighted the cutting-edge developments in bio-plastic formulation and characterization, led respectively by project partners Mixcycling and ISQ.

Mixcycling shared their expertise in creating bio-based plastic closures derived from agro-industrial waste, presenting insights into innovative formulation strategies, material performance, and sustainability principles embedded in the design process. Their session addressed the challenges of replacing conventional plastics and highlighted opportunities across packaging and food sectors. ISQ guided participants through the characterization techniques essential to validating the quality and safety of bio-plastic products. Their contributions covered methods for testing mechanical, physical, and chemical properties, as well as assessing durability, biodegradability, and compliance with EU standards.

The workshop featured interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing, fostering collaboration across technical and scientific disciplines within the project. Participants also engaged with key topics such as market trends, regulatory challenges, and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) related to bio-based materials.

This workshop contributes to GREEN-LOOP’s broader vision of implementing circularity by design, reducing environmental impact, and advancing smart manufacturing in Europe. These discussions not only support internal progress but also pave the way for future exploitation of bio-plastic solutions in various industrial applications.

4th Internal Workshop: the Sustainability of Wood Composites | 21 February 2025

On February 21st, the 4th internal workshop session of the GREEN-LOOP project took place, focusing on the sustainability and environmental benefits of wood composite applications.
The event, held online via Microsoft Teams, lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes and brought together partners involved in the GREEN-LOOP project to explore the key aspects of these innovative materials.

During the session, the trainers Andreas Kailer and Liviu Toma from Fraunhofer provided insights into:
• The properties and production processes of wood composites
• The opportunities and challenges associated with their manufacturing
• The importance of sustainability in material selection and production methods
• The potential applications of wood composites in construction, transportation, and industrial components
• The technical and performance characteristics of bio-based composite bearings
• Future perspectives for optimizing wood composite production

Participants gained valuable insights into the potential applications of wood composites from a sustainability perspective.
The workshop allowed them to better understand how to select the most suitable materials and components for specific industrial uses and to analyze possible solutions for improving the performance and durability of these materials.
The discussion also encouraged the exchange of ideas on how to maximize the project’s results, laying the groundwork for further developments and collaborations in the sector.

This workshop represents another step forward in GREEN-LOOP’s commitment to innovation in bio-based materials, supporting the transition towards more sustainable and circular production systems.

3rd Internal Workshop: Life Cycle Assessment of the three GREEN-LOOP value chains | 27 January 2025

The 3rd internal workshop on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the GREEN-LOOP project took place on January 27, focusing on the LCA of the three value chains involved in the project. This session aimed to provide a deeper understanding of LCA methodologies and their application to sustainable manufacturing systems based on novel bio-based materials. This workshop was designed to equip participants with both theoretical and practical insights into LCA, emphasizing its importance in assessing the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire life cycle. Trainers from AIMEN, Carlos Bernárdez Casás and Rocío Pena Rois, led the session, delivering key knowledge on the methodology, tools, and applications of LCA within the GREEN-LOOP project.

The workshop was conducted online via Microsoft Teams and incorporated interactive elements through tools such as PowerPoint and Mentimeter. Over the course of 1 hour and 10 minutes, participants explored several core aspects of LCA, including:

- Fundamental concepts of Life Cycle Assessment – An overview of what LCA entails and its significance in sustainability assessments.

- Application of LCA to the three GREEN-LOOP value chains – A detailed examination of how LCA is integrated into the project to evaluate material impact.

- Tools and methodologies for conducting LCA – Insights into key instruments used to assess the environmental performance of materials.

The session began with an introduction and ice-breaking activity, allowing participants to engage before diving into the core topics. This was followed by an explanation of the LCA framework, its relevance to the GREEN-LOOP value chains, and a discussion on the practical application of LCA tools. This internal workshop aligns with GREEN-LOOP’s broader objectives of promoting sustainable manufacturing practices and evaluating the lifecycle impact of bio-based materials. By integrating LCA into decision-making processes, the project seeks to enhance the sustainability of materials across different stages of production and use. The insights shared in this workshop will contribute to ongoing efforts in optimizing the environmental footprint of materials within the GREEN-LOOP framework. Future sessions will continue to build on these discussions.

Introduction to Sustainable Materials in Product Design | 3-4 December 2024

On December 3rd and 4th, 2024, the 2nd Internal Workshop on “Introduction to Sustainable Materials in Product Design” took place virtually, hosted by Marcus Crew from the National Composites Centre, in Bristol (UK).  

Over the course of two mornings, participants explored the importance of sustainability in product design and examined strategies for integrating sustainable practices into their everyday processes.  

The workshop highlighted key sustainable design principles, emphasiszing the increasing need for environmentally responsible choices. The sessions were designed to enhance knowledge, develop practical skills, and cultivate the right attitudes necessary to drive meaningful change in product development.  

Key topics covered included the fundamentals of sustainability, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability and their application in design. Participants also assessed the impact of global warming and greenhouse gases on the environment, learning methods to mitigate these effects. Additionally, they explored tools to measure and implement circular design practices, as well as practical approaches to embedding sustainability throughout the product lifecycle via Design for Sustainability (DfS). Demonstrations of eco-design tools and software provided hands-on experience to support sustainable design efforts.  

Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in discussions, Q&A sessions, and practical activities, including exploring concepts like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Planetary Boundaries (PBs), and Doughnut Economics, to frame sustainability within a global context. Hands-on tasks allowed participants to apply circularity principles and evaluate real-world sustainability applications in design.  

By the end of the workshop, participants had gained a deeper understanding of sustainability’s role in product design and its environmental impact. They were equipped with practical tools and techniques, such as DfS and eco-design strategies, to implement sustainable practices in their own work. The workshop also provided valuable insights into current and future policies influencing sustainable product design.  

Participants left the event inspired and ready to influence peers and organiszations, championing sustainable design tools and methodologies to amplify the initiative’s impact.  

The success of the workshop highlights the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in addressing global challenges like climate change. It has laid a strong foundation for future exploration of sustainable practices, empowering participants to lead the transformation of product design into a force for environmental goods.  

Stay tuned for more workshops and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability in design and innovation! 

Shaping a greener future: GREEN-LOOP’s Year 2024 in review

As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on a year of remarkable progress, fruitful collaborations, and impactful achievements in our mission to foster circular and sustainable bio-based value chains. This year has been pivotal in advancing our shared vision of a greener and more sustainable future, with GREEN-LOOP playing a central role in key international events and conferences.

Here are some of the most significant milestones and achievements that have shaped our journey this year:

• Ecomondo 2024 (November 5th–8th, 2024): The GREEN-LOOP project was presented at Ecomondo 2024, one of Europe’s leading events on green technology and the circular economy. During the event, the project’s digital paper highlighted key results, fostering dialogue with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.
• Mirabilia Network Food & Drink Event (October 14th–15th, 2024): GREEN-LOOP proudly participated in the prestigious Mirabilia Network Food & Drink Event in Perugia, Italy. This global B2B gathering for the food and drink industry brought together leading companies and international buyers from markets worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The event provided an excellent platform to promote sustainable practices and foster international cooperation in the food sector.
• 6th European Congress on Eco-Plasturgy and Sustainable, Intelligent, and Safe Plastic Materials (October 2nd–3rd, 2024): GREEN-LOOP contributed to the 6th European Congress on Eco-Plasturgy in Alessandria, Italy, offering valuable insights into plastics processing developments and applications, reinforcing its role in advancing sustainable solutions in the plastics sector.
• Macrolibrarsi Fest (September 21st–22nd, 2024): At Macrolibrarsi Fest in Cesena, Italy, GREEN-LOOP showcased its progress in developing bio-based materials to replace traditional plastic and aluminum caps in packaging. This event was an opportunity to engage directly with communities and showcase practical solutions.
• European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) 2024 (June 24th–27th, 2024): At EUBCE 2024 in Marseille, France, GREEN-LOOP shared insights on bio-based innovations and resource efficiency alongside five other projects from the BIO-MATTERS Cluster. Together, they presented manufacturing technologies for bio-based materials aimed at creating circular value chains for a wide range of final and intermediate bio-based products.
• National Stakeholder’s Workshop at Mixcycling (March 21th, 2024): In March 21th, the National Stakeholders’s workshop hosted by Mixcycling, in Breganze, highlighted the project’s efforts to improve sustainable production processes, with a focus on biomass valorisation for final bio-based products for different industries.

As we step into 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and contributions to GREEN-LOOP’s success. The momentum we’ve built this year inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of circular and bio-based innovation, creating lasting value for people and the planet.

GREEN-LOOP Project: Bio-based Solutions Compliant with the New European Packaging Regulation (PPWR)

Rimini (IT), November 7, 2024 – GREEN-LOOP is a European project that enhances the manufacturing industry by refining bio-based materials and optimising production processes to offer solutions compliant with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Among the key players in the project is the Italian company Mixcycling, which transforms agricultural by-products into bio-based materials ideal for various applications, focusing on sustainable packaging. Another project partner, Guala Closures in Breganze (Vicenza, Italy), is actively involved in designing new products and testing Mixcycling’s bioplastics for bottle closures for spirits that comply with European regulations (EC 1935/2004 and 10/2011), ensuring safety for contact with food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

As part of the GREEN-LOOP project, a new bio-based composite for injection moulding was developed and used to create initial prototypes of screw caps and oil dispensers. Additionally, an innovative microwave-assisted production process helps reduce energy consumption and improve material properties. New bio-based thermoplastics incorporating agricultural residues as fillers also show great potential for packaging. These advancements were presented by the project’s dissemination leader, NSBproject, in the paper “GREEN-LOOP: Sustainable Bio-based Materials and Circular Economy Solutions” during the Ecomondo 2024 conference in Rimini on November 5, 2024.

Solutions for Packaging Companies Compliant with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, approved on April 24, 2024, aims to promote the circular economy by reducing the environmental impact of packaging and waste. The main goals include reducing waste volumes by optimising use of materials and designs that avoid excessive packaging; promoting reuse with long-term solutions; and increasing the share of recycled materials by improving collection systems and recycling processes. These principles are crucial for environmental sustainability and natural resource conservation, contributing to reduced pollution and carbon footprint. The PPWR introduces stricter requirements to reduce waste and enhance recyclability, creating new challenges and opportunities for companies. GREEN-LOOP demonstrates how bio-based materials can play a significant role in this transition, offering alternatives to traditional plastics within the PPWR framework.

With support from NSBproject, Mixcycling has developed materials for packaging and food closures. In collaboration with Guala Closures, bioplastic composites have been integrated into tamper-evident closures that match conventional plastics in terms of strength, hygiene, and flexibility. These closures, compliant with EC regulations, are safe for use with food, beverages, and medicines, reflecting GREEN-LOOP’s commitment to regulatory compliance and the development of sustainable materials. Technologies such as microwave-assisted injection moulding, which reduces energy consumption by up to 30%, pave the way for sustainable solutions that meet the standards of fossil-based plastics. Collaboration with industrial partners showcases the feasibility of integrating bio-based materials across various sectors, from food to cosmetic packaging. The bio-based materials proposed in the GREEN-LOOP project could potentially replace recycled plastic content, either due to a lack of recycled material or for quality reasons. As stated in Art. 8 of the PPWR, within three years from the regulation’s entry into force, the European Commission will review the technological development status and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging, taking into account the sustainability criteria outlined in Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council. Based on this review, the Commission may propose legislation to:

a) establish sustainability requirements for bio-based raw materials in plastic packaging;
b) set targets to increase the use of bio-based raw materials in plastic packaging;
c) introduce the possibility of meeting the regulation’s objectives using bio-based plastic instead of post-consumer recycled content.

Conclusion

GREEN-LOOP will continue to develop solutions for bio-based industries by improving material formulations, optimising production processes, and conducting rigorous tests to ensure scalability and market readiness. For the packaging sector, the project’s outcomes will offer tangible solutions compliant with the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

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The GREEN-LOOP partners involved:

Guala Closures www.gualaclosures.com

Guala Closures offers high-quality, sustainable, and innovative closure solutions that ensure protection and convenience for end consumers while enhancing the value of brands. Guala Closures is a global leader in closures for the spirits, wine, beverages, oil, and condiments markets. With 35 production plants worldwide, the Group ensures proximity to its clients, offering tailored services and solutions. Guala Closures has over 5,000 employees.
Visit www.gualaclosures.com and follow the company page on LinkedIn.

MIXCYCLING www.mixcycling.com

Founded as a start-up in 2020 by brothers Gianni and Amerigo Tagliapietra, Mixcycling scaled up to become an industry player in 2023, earning international awards and recognition. It collaborates with major research centres and universities and participates in the GREEN-LOOP project funded by the European Commission, focusing on the research and development of high-performance, low-impact biopolymers (LCA – Life Cycle Assessment). Mixcycling’s technology is based on a patented process and proprietary technology that valorises organic waste and blends it with both bio-based and fossil-based materials, creating new raw materials for major industrial groups such as EssilorLuxottica, Stoelzle Glass Group, SCHID Spa, UniCredit StartLab, Adamo srl, Lavazza Group, Stilfibra srl, DeRoma Group, Selle Royal Group Spa, among others.

NSBproject www.nsbproject.com

NSBproject (NSB) supports large and medium-sized Italian enterprises in identifying, testing, and adopting innovative and enabling technologies, assisting with research, development, and technological innovation projects for products and processes. Leveraging a vast network of research entities and consortia across Europe and solid relationships with corporate partners and clients, NSB professionals contribute to the Italian and European innovation ecosystem with technological and financial scouting services. NSBproject is a partner in numerous Horizon Europe programme projects, serving as an Innovation Broker. Founded twenty years ago by professionals with expertise in technological innovation and extensive knowledge of national and European research and innovation funding mechanisms, CEO Fabrizio Riccomi, along with partners Andrea Jester and Rita Zanni, promotes and facilitates technology transfer, playing a key role in Italy’s economic system innovation, traditionally driven by foundations and universities. NSB is headquartered in Mantua, with offices in Veneto and Tuscany.