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

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…
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…
Carbery

Use systems and synthetic biology to design a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) overproducing microorganism
Process Conversion and upcycling of food waste into higher value products
Rural BioReFarmeries

Green BioReFarmeries – Small-scale Circular Green Biorefineries for increasing farmer sustainability and competitiveness and building resilient rural areas
ROSETTA

Reducing food waste due to marketing standards through alternative market access

Bio2PEs

Development of Bio-based and biodegradable polyethylene and polyesters for food packaging and agricultural applications
MAGICBIOMAT

MANUFACTURING GUIDING TOOL FOR CIRCULAR AND PROGRAMMED BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS UNDER OPEN ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS
PROMOFER

Boosting upstream and downstream processes to maximize yield of PHB production and 2,3-butanediol.
ReBioCycle

A new European blueprint for circular bioplastics upcycling solutions

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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

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Plastics

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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