MIXMATTERS: Smart and flexible Separation and Valorisation of mixed bio-waste from along the agri-food value chain.
Agri-food bio-waste holds valuable compounds but is mostly wasted, contributing to EU emissions. MixMatters offers a system to efficiently separate and utilize this waste, yielding six valuable outputs. Using automation and AI, it tackles technical and logistical challenges, ensuring transparency and traceability.
| Financial Framework: Horizon | Call: HORIZON-CL4-2021-TWIN-TRANSITION-01 | Budget: € 9,219,914.00 |
| Duration: 1 Jun 2022 – 31 May 2026 | Web: waterproof-project.eu |
Bio-waste generated throughout the agri-food value chain represents a substantial and underutilized resource, containing valuable compounds. However, the potential of this bio-waste as a source of recycled components remains largely untapped, with approximately 75% being either landfilled or incinerated, contributing to 3% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
The valorization of mixed bio-waste from the agri-food sector faces challenges, including technological hurdles in removing impurities, which could otherwise diminish process quality. Additionally, logistical challenges arise from collecting seasonal and geographically dispersed feedstock, impacting the cost-benefit of valorization efforts.
MixMatters introduces an innovative system designed to efficiently separate and valorize three types of mixed bio-waste streams from various sectors of the agri-food industry, yielding six high-value outputs: powder ingredients, sugar concentrates, recombinant proteins, green fibers, bioactive compounds, and plastic monomers.
The MixMatters system is modular and adaptable, capable of processing a range of mixed bio-waste streams to ensure a consistent supply of feedstock. The separation process is automated and incorporates advanced robotics and artificial intelligence technology. Decision support optimization and digital product passports ensure transparency and traceability throughout the system’s operation.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.
