In this case, a cross-border collaboration will be carried out between wineries and research centers from FR, ES, and PT, combining their specializations to achieve better utilization of lignocellulosic residues (LCR) generated in the wine sector. All wineries in the SUDOE area must face the challenge of improving their competitiveness in a global market and resilience to crises. PILOT02 ECOLAB seeks to address this problem from two points of view: a) Obtaining a small quantity of high-value products from LCR; b) Obtaining a large quantity of lower-value products from LCR. Additionally, it aims to use various types of processing methods, optimized to maximize the production of valuable components, while minimizing waste streams and converting the required quantity of lower-value components into energy or ecological fertilizers.
In this case, the actions will comprise:
Estimating the potential that different types of winery LCR have, both for the development of innovative and differentiable renewable products and for producing energy (biogas). The information collected will establish the basis for future scaling up of the systems.
Establishing the best methods/conditions for carrying out the separation/fractionation of compounds of interest from these winery LCR.
Developing formulations and bioproducts from the different fractions of LCR, especially for pharmaceutical and food applications (e.g., lignin nanoparticles, active films and hydrogels with anti-inflammatory and/or antibacterial activity, bio-ink).
With these actions, the project aims to promote the utilization of available resources by fostering eco-efficiency within the framework of a circular economy.
