The PROTEUS Flagship project, under the acronym “kelP side stReam valOrisaTion to dEvelop new biobased valUe chainS”, is designed to unlock the potential of kelp-derived ingredients for the creation of innovative, sustainable biobased value chains. With its focus on scientific thoroughness and technological advancement, PROTEUS is directly relevant to ongoing efforts in the biobased industry and supports the transition to a more circular and resource-efficient bioeconomy.
The biobased industry faces challenges related to resource efficiency, waste management, and the sustainable utilization of marine biomass without use of toxic chemicals. Traditional processing methods often leave side streams non- or underutilized, representing a missed opportunity for innovation and value creation. In response, the project addresses the need for new approaches to valorise kelp processing side streams, motivated by both environmental imperatives and the growing demand for renewable materials.
PROTEUS is guided by a set of well-defined objectives. These objectives are carefully aligned with international sustainability agendas, including the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that project outcomes contribute real impacts on environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness and autonomy.
PROTEUS is structured to deliver tangible impacts along the entire value chain. Project activities are designed to overcome technical, operational, and integration challenges. This pathway is reinforced by iterative evaluation and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that results are relevant, applicable, and capable of driving systemic change. The project supports key policy frameworks at both the European and national levels, including the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, Horizon Europe’s sustainability pillars, and national circular economy initiatives. By aligning its objectives and outputs with these frameworks, PROTEUS enhances its capacity to contribute to policy goals and to demonstrate impact in areas of strategic importance for both public and private stakeholders.
The scale of PROTEUS’s expected impact is significant, with the potential to transform the utilization of marine processing side streams and set new standards for biobased value chain development. The project’s outcomes are anticipated to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits—ranging from reduced waste and greenhouse gas emissions to job creation and increased competitiveness in the biorefinery sector. By setting a replicable example, PROTEUS paves the way for broader adoption of sustainable practices across the industry.
