Issue 06/2022

Project EU Open

Project EU Open Innovation Test Bed BIOMAC launches open call for nano-enabled, biobased material solutions The “European Sustainable BIO-based nanomaterials Community”, in short BIOMAC, a Horizon 2020 funded project, is planning the launch of an open, competitive call for SMEs, large companies, research and development organisations working in the field of nano-enabled biobased material (NBM) technologies and solutions. The goal of this call is to offer a wide range of free services through the existing Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB). In total, five applicants will be able to benefit from the call and take their existing nanotechnologies and advanced materials from validation in a laboratory (technology readiness level TRL 4) to prototypes in industrial environments (TRL 7). These five Test Cases will be granted free access to physical facilities, capabilities and services required for the development, testing and upscaling of nanotechnology and advanced materials in industrial environments. What is so special about BIOMAC? The BIOMAC open innovation test bed approach to NBM production is comprehensive. A pilot plant supreme hub includes seventeen expert partners for production, from biomass processing to final biobased polymer product. Three transversal service hubs cover all complementary services of quality control, characterization, standardization, modelling, innovation management, health and safety, regulation, data management, sustainability assessment, supply management and circularity. Why is this call relevant for the bioplastics community? After the selection process, five applicants will access services and facilities provided by the BIOMAC ecosystem from September 2023 to December 2024. For members of the bioplastics’ community seeking to improve and scaleup their product properties with innovative, sustainable bionanomaterial solutions, this is an unprecedented opportunity. Lifetimes, UV resistance, barrier functions, and antimicrobial effects are just some of the properties which can be addressed and improved. With respect to bioplastic applications, no limitations apply. Specifically, the five applicants will have access to the “Pilot Lines” of The BIOMAC ecosystem. BIOMAC, which can perform biomass fractionation and pre-treatment, production of intermediate materials and nanocomposites, and produce the final products and formulations. Some examples of the materials that the Pilot Lines can produce are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, their nanosized equivalents (nanocellulose, nanolignin), biochar, monomers such as glycols, succinic and lactic acid. Processes for final product formulation include but are not limited to reactive extrusion, additive manufacturing, coating, resin production, and nanopatterning. • Who can apply and how? The BIOMAC OITB will accept applications from SMEs, mid – and large-cap companies as well as from research organisations based in European Member States and EU-associated countries [1], whose bionanomaterial projects reach TRL4 to TRL5. The open call landing page will take applicants through the straight-forward process of submitting their proposals, which will be up to 6 pages long. • The Open-Call will open in December 2022 and close in Mid-June 2023. • The proposals will be submitted online using the application form available on the BIOMAC Open Call platform on the project website A handbook containing information on the call and guiding users through the application process will be available for download on the Open Call platform. Where is BIOMAC heading to? The long-term goal of BIOMAC is to establish a truly collaborative ecosystem where technologies and solutions utilising NBMs will be upscaled and prepared for market applications. It will constitute a one-stop-shop, accessible at fair conditions and costs through a single entry point, represented by the ΙΒΒ Netzwerk in Munich, Germany. BIOMAC project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 952941. AT https://www.biomac-oitb.eu/ [1] https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/ wp/2018-2020/annexes/h2020-wp1820-annex-a-countries-rules_en.pdf 16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/22] Vol. 17

SAVE THE DATE bio PAC Business Breakfast @ Interpack Recycling Conference on Biobased Packaging 08 – 10 May 2023 – Düsseldorf, Germany supported by Media Partner Organized by Co-organized by Packaging is necessary for: » protection during transport and storage » prevention of product losses » increasing shelf life » sharing product information and marketing BUT : Packaging does not necessarily need to be made from petroleum based plastics. Most packaging have a short life and therefore give rise to large quantities of waste. Accordingly, it is vital to use the most suitable raw materials and implement good ‘end-of-life’ solutions. Biobased and compostable materials have a key role to play in this respect. Biobased packaging » is packaging made from mother nature‘s gifts. » can be made from renewable resources or waste streams » can offer innovative features and beneficial barrier properties » can help to reduces the depletion of finite fossil resources and CO 2 emissions » can offer environmental benefits in the end-of-life phase » offers incredible opportunities. That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE ,in cooperation with Green Serendipity is now organizing the fifth edition of bio!PAC. This time again as a Business Breakfast during interpack 2023 Call for Papers now open: Please send your proposal to mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com www.bio-pac.info bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/22] Vol. 17 17