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Recycling Rate of Plastics by 2030
Decrease in Food Waste by 2030
Key Challenges
Researchers
Designing a Truly Circular Bioeconomy
Moving Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future
The Bioeconomy Systems pillar focuses on three major challenges: Circular Bioeconomy Design, Powering the Bioeconomy, and Digitalising the Bioeconomy. Together, these areas provide a roadmap for a low-waste, carbon-neutral future.
Circular Bioeconomy Design
Digitalising the Bioeconomy
Powering the Bioeconomy
Active Projects from
Across This Area of Research
Targeting both energy and Algae. Subsequent translation to farm scale at Lyons.
Optimization of large-scale cultivation of microalgae on Anaerobic Digestate to minimise or eliminate soybean from the pig diet in order to reduce the pressure on…
How to create a circular system in the agricultural sector and how to maximise productivity from terrestrial agriculture systems. This project aims to develop a…
Analysis of Biofilm-Solid Interactions Underpinning Wastewater Treatment
From waste to worth: Building a value chain for underutilized natural fibres as feedstock in 3D printing
Innovative ways to maximize the intra-regional benefits of TEN-T corridors
Many bioprocesses struggle due to the lack of affordable, accurate, and fast monitoring tools. To address this, we are developing a biosensor platform with cost-effective…
To run bioprocesses efficiently, we need real-time monitoring of substance levels. Currently, many bioprocesses lack affordable, accurate tools, leading to inefficiency. A new biosensor system…
Building Living Urban Ecosystems through Participatory Renovation and Innovation Tools
Plastox: Machine Learning Combined with Spectral Imaging for Inferring the Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics
Optimizing the Algal Biomass Value Chains for Sustainable Economic Growth in the Atlantic Area
Develop an efficient process train to maximise the value of recovered energy (fermentation and 3rd Generation Biofuel) via integrated analysis of the fermentation and Algal…
To identify an eco-friendly and cost competitive biohydrogen production routes and check its feasibility within Ireland’s energy landscape
Develop assessment methods, operational strategies along with economic and policy levers to promote the use of fossil free energy in BioEconomy. Can the bioeconomy achieve…
Develop a digital twin of a generic bio-economy industrial process to incorporate renewable energy forecasting and adjust operational scheduling to maximise renewable energy utilisation.
Balancing Nitrogen and Phosphorous flOWs by budgeEting at Regional scale
Bio-based composites for improving the wind energy sector’s sustainability
Why This Research Matters
Renewable Energy, Circular Design
The bioeconomy is central to a sustainable future. Through renewable energy, circular design and digital innovation, BiOrbic research helps reduce emissions, minimise waste and regenerate natural systems.
Cut Waste and Emissions
Transform industries to reduce greenhouse gases and material loss.
Design for Circularity
Reuse materials, energy and data across systems.
Power Sustainably
Run the bioeconomy on renewable, carbon-neutral energy.
Harness Digital Innovation
Use data and technology to boost efficiency and transparency.
Aligned with Key EU Targets
Supporting Ireland's Transition
This pillar supports Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-emission economy in line with major EU objectives.
European Green Deal
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Food waste – 50% decrease in retail & consumer food waste by 2030
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Carbon-neutral energy – Create pathways for renewable and low-carbon energy production within the bioeconomy.
EU Circular Economy Action Plan
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Plastic waste –55% recycling rate of plastics by 2030
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Circular design – Embed circularity at every stage of production to reduce dependence on virgin materials and fossil inputs.
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Digitalisation – Apply data and digital tools to improve efficiency, traceability and resource management.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
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Circular systems – Develop bio-based industries designed for circularity rather than linear production.
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Carbon-neutral pathways – Support renewable energy and sustainable production to meet EU climate goals.