During the first project period, efforts focused on establishing Living Labs and developing tailored workplans for valorising food processing residues (FPR) into soil improvers, biostimulants, and fertilizing products. Progress included evaluating 41 existing practices using Technology and Business Readiness Level, identifying best practices, and addressing regulatory bottlenecks. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation framework with measurable KPIs was created, with plans for ongoing updates throughout the project's duration. Groundwork was also laid for an evaluation tool designed to support decision-making in FPR valorisation.
Living Labs played a key role in advancing stakeholder engagement by organizing meetings and workshops that brought together food industry representatives, waste managers, landowners, farmers, policymakers, and community associations. These groups provided valuable insights into market needs and social acceptance.
Additionally, innovative technologies, including selective electrodialysis, microbial electrolysis cells, pyrolysis, composting, and algae treatment, were applied to various types of FPRs produced in the Living Lab areas. Field trials were conducted on both commercial and experimental farms, testing soil improvers such as compost and biochar in Spanish vineyards, protein hydrolysates for crops in Italy, microalgae biostimulants in Slovenia, and ammonium sulphate derived from digestate in Greece. Finland focused on digestate and fish sludge amenders, while Hungary tested the COMPO-CHAR process. These efforts aimed to address regional challenges, including phosphorus and carbon deficiencies and nutrient requirements.
In parallel, soil sampling was carried out to characterize soil types, as well as assess nutrient content and needs for each Living Lab. Ongoing soil health monitoring will evaluate the positive impacts of these solutions on nutrient stabilization and the enhancement of organic carbon levels.
Preliminary Life Cycle Assessments were conducted for each technology application to provide a comprehensive understanding of their environmental impact and sustainability. These assessments evaluated key factors such as resource use, emissions, and overall ecological footprint, helping to identify the most sustainable options for FPR valorisation. Finally, preliminary business models were developed to commercialize soil improvers, aligning with circular economy principles. Stakeholder workshops will refine these models, focusing on social acceptance, funding opportunities, and scalability, thus paving the way for economically viable and sustainable solutions.
