Objective In the period 2005-2015 the EU mussel production decreased by 16%, while it grew in the rest of the world by 20%. Europe has a mussel tradition and outstanding conditions for mussel farming, but many regions have almost not renovated and competitiveness has declined. A major example is Galicia, a region which produces 40% of EU mussels. A key-problem is that the platform used to hang the mussel ropes (raft) is wood-made, and is as old as 50 years. Its durability is low and environmental impact very high (25 trees/raft), but it is still used since no other material was found with its robustness and flexibility to adapt to the waves movement. This sought-after material (UHC) is the core of the Formex® raft proposed, which meets perfectly the customer and social needs. The new raft has a service life four times longer than the wooden one, and without any maintenance required, what reduces production costs a 30%. Its modularity allows a safe and simple assembling in few hours and can satisfy the needs of a new client in less than a week.The raft remains undamaged even for the worst weather, so it might be used in opened seas, where waves are too heavy for wooden raft. This, together with the lower production costs, will give a relevant momentum to the European mussel cultivation sector, which will be in a renovated position to compete again for the export shares.However, environment is the greatest beneficiary. The wood degradation and the chemicals used to maintain the raft disrupt the marine ecosystem. Formex® has a footprint 100 times smaller and it would allow the mussel cultivation to become a zero-emissions sector. The material used (UHC) is comparable to an artificial stone and does not need any chemical protective layer. Potential users and authorities have perceived the added value of this innovation, which has the key strengths to become the leader of this market. With this project this excellence will be demonstrated in large scale to reach the customers. Fields of science engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesfisheriesengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorssocial sciencespolitical sciencespolitical transitionsrevolutionsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesforestry Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme H2020-EU.3.2.5. - Cross-cutting marine and maritime research H2020-EU.3.2.3. - Unlocking the potential of aquatic living resources H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) SMEInst-08-2016-2017 - Supporting SMEs efforts for the development - deployment and market replication of innovative solutions for blue growth Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-2-2016-2017 Funding Scheme SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2 Coordinator PREFABRICADOS LUFORT SLU Net EU contribution € 320 080,78 Address POLIG PAHILLA CL COLLAO E TENDE 67 77 46370 CHIVA VALENCIA Spain See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 457 258,25 Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CONCRETES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA Spain Net EU contribution € 207 882,50 Address CALLE CONDE ALTEA 52 PUERTA 3 46005 Valencia See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 296 975,00
