Research

Valorisation of Waste Resources

Reducing, Repurposing, Reusing

Waste Resource Research

Tackling Food, Plastic, and CO₂ Waste

We transform food, plastic, and carbon waste into valuable resources through circular technologies, helping drive Ireland and Europe toward a sustainable bioeconomy.

Food Waste

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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.

Plastics

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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.

Gain a competitive edge

BiOrbic is inviting expressions of interest from researchers and businesses to co-develop innovative bioeconomy solutions across Ireland’s agri-food, forestry, marine and biotechnology sectors.

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Active Projects from

Across This Area of Research

ComMEATted

Committed to the responsible development of meat replacement products and practices

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…
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,…
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 H16
MIX-UP [Mixed plastics degradation and Upcycling]

Developing chemo-biotechnological approaches for valorisation of mixed plastic wastes to bioplastics.
Plastox

Plastox: Machine Learning Combined with Spectral Imaging for Inferring the Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics
UPCYCLE

Sustainable plastic biorefinery for recyclable and biodegradable packaging

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Impact

Why This Research Matters

Turning Waste into Sustainable Value

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 to be adopted by industries across Ireland and Europe.

Goals

Aligned with EU Targets

Supporting a Circular, Low-Emission Future

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

Valorisation of Waste Resources

Reducing, Repurposing, Reusing

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Waste Resource Research

Tackling Food, Plastic, and CO₂ Waste

Food Waste

Expand

Plastics

Expand

Gain a competitive edge

Active Projects from

Across This Area of Research

Why This Research Matters

Turning Waste into Sustainable Value

Close the Loop

Reduce Emissions

Create Circular Value

Innovate Sustainably

Aligned with EU Targets

Supporting a Circular, Low-Emission Future

European Green Deal

EU Circular Economy Action Plan