research

Valorisation of Waste Resources

Finding ways that we can reduce, repurpose, and valorise waste.
0
Decrease in food waste by 2030
0
Recycling rate of plastics by 2030
0
Key Challenges
0
Researchers
Our Mission

Turning Waste into Value

At BiOrbic, we see waste not as an endpoint, but as a starting point for innovation. This pillar focuses on transforming society’s waste streams, like food, plastic, and carbon dioxide, into valuable new resources. By developing circular systems and cutting-edge technologies, we aim to reduce waste, lower emissions, and recover materials that would otherwise be lost.

Our mission is to help Ireland and Europe lead the transition to a circular bioeconomy, where waste becomes feedstock for new products, energy, and materials.

Research Programmes

What Research is BiOrbic Doing?

The Valorisation of Waste Resources pillar targets three key waste challenges: food waste, plastic waste, and CO₂. Each area focuses on prevention, recycling, or conversion, building efficient, circular systems that retain value within the economy.

Green Chemistry for the Bioeconomy Food Waste Plastics
Valorisation of Waste Resources

Green Chemistry for the Bioeconomy

This challenge aims to enable Irish and international industries to replace fossil-derived and waste-intensive processes with scalable green chemistry solutions, guided by the principles of green chemistry

key research areas

Continuous flow chemistry and modular reactor design.

Catalysis, biocatalysis and microbial biotechnology.

Polymer design for biodegradability and circularity.

active Projects
Porous 2D nano-photoreactive materials for carbon dioxide capture and photochemical conversion
For sustainable large-scale utilization of CO2, the commodity products of CO2 conversion processes should be economically viable and in high demand. However, there are a number of problems and limitations in existing approaches in the capture and conversion of CO2 into useful chemical products. This proposal aims to develop new layered double hydroxide (LDH) based […]
Bioinspired catalysis for CO2 copolymerization
Synthesis of CO2 based biodegradable polymers using novel catalyst systems and enhancing the properties of polymers by developing nanocomposites and blends.PI: Dr. Ramesh Babu and Dr. Aidan McDonald, Staff: Arturo Villechenous Rojo (PD)
Valorisation of Waste Resources

Food Waste

This challenge focuses on preventing food waste and turning unavoidable waste into valuable products. Researchers are finding new ways to reduce food losses across the supply chain, from farms to consumers, while creating renewable energy, biobased fertilisers, and chemicals from leftover materials.

key research areas

Cut food waste by 25% via prevention and innovation.

Turn leftover food into biogas, fertilisers, and biochemicals.

Boost food system circularity with data and community action.

active Projects
SHARING SOLUTIONS: Identifying, valorising and optimising food waste prevention and reduction via Food Sharing Initiatives (FSIs)
This project will establish and analyse the actual and potential sustainability (i.e. social, economic and environmental) impacts of ICT-mediated food sharing initiatives (FSIs), which include community growing, cooking, eating and surplus food redistribution activities, for waste prevention and reduction in Ireland in order to develop appropriate policy supports to meet SDG Target 12.3: to halve […]
Process Conversion and upcycling of food waste into higher value products
PI: Prof. Jim Lyng, Peter McDonnell, Dr. Emma Feeney, Staff: James Kitoto Anyange (MSc)
Novel, disruptive solutions for improved valorisation and pasteurisation for anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW) collected by centralised retail food waste management companies
To optimise the frontloading of the pasteurisation process required for AD plants and carry it out at a single centralised facility and upgrading food waste to a high value feedstock. Enhance biomethane generation in food waste anaerobic digestion processes and improve resource recovery from digestate.PI: Prof. James Lyng, Dr. Ajay Menon, Staff: Devu Pengadeth (PhD)
Carbery
Use systems and synthetic biology to design a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) overproducing microorganismPI: Prof. Kevin O’Connor, Staff: Dr. Si Liu (PD)
Valorisation of Waste Resources

Plastics

This challenge aims to transform how we produce, use, and reuse plastics. BiOrbic researchers are developing new biobased, compostable, and recyclable plastics, while finding innovative ways to break down and repurpose mixed plastic waste. The goal is to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions, and recover valuable materials from what we currently throw away.

key research areas

Develop biodegradable plastics with a 50% lower carbon footprint.

Increase plastic recycling and re-circulation to 55% by 2030.

Create technologies to turn mixed plastic waste into new materials.

active Projects
Synthesis of heterogenenous catalysts for oxidative degradation of mixed plastic waste
The overall aim of the research project is to chemically pretreat post-consumer mixed plastic waste through advanced oxidation processes. Adding oxygen containing functional groups on the material surface and forming smaller oligomers that will allow for enhanced biological degradation to form value added chemicals.PI: Dr. Gillian Collins, Staff: Clodagh Ryan (PhD)
MIX-UP [Mixed plastics degradation and Upcycling]
Developing chemo-biotechnological approaches for valorisation of mixed plastic wastes to bioplastics.PI: Kevin O’Connor and Tanja Narancic, Staff: Karthika Bulsamy
Mind the Gap: Investigating the effect of molecular crowding on the PHA pathway of Cupriavidus nector H16
To investigate the effects of molecular crowding on the PHA pathway of Cupriavidus necator H16PI: Gerard Cagney, Staff: Kate McKeever
Composability and biodegradability of polymer composites
To understand the compostability and biodegradability of the composites under local, European, and international standard conditions. Development of Pre-treatment technologies for controlled degradation methodology, characterisation, processing and valorisation of both fossil-based and biodegradable polymersPI: Ramesh Babu, Staff: Pooja Priyadarsini (RA – departed), Shivani Pathania, Jesus Frias
impact

Why This Research Matters

Every waste stream is a lost opportunity. Our research captures that lost value, cutting pollution, supporting new green industries, and strengthening resource independence.

Close the Loop

Keep materials in use through recycling, bioconversion, and reuse.

Reduce Emissions

Lower GHGs from food, plastics, and industrial waste.

Create Circular Value

Turn waste into energy, materials, and products that support local economies.

Innovate Sustainably

Develop scalable technologies that can be adopted by industries across Ireland and Europe.

Strategic Alignment

Aligned with Key EU Targets

This pillar supports Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-emission economy in line with major EU objectives.

European Green Deal
  • Food waste – 50% decrease in retail & consumer food waste by 2030
EU Circular Economy Action Plan
  • Plastic waste –55% recycling rate of plastics by 2030
  • Pesticides – 50% reduction by 2030