The project was divided into 3 main work packages, WP1, WP2 and WP3:
WP1 comprised the overall management and coordination of the Action, which was particularly critical given the complex nature of scaling a laboratory pilot technology into an industrial process (from a few kilograms per day to approximately one ton per day). Throughout the reporting period, the coordination team ensured effective communication and alignment among all stakeholders, including employees, research partners, trial companies, distributors, and regulatory authorities. Regular project meetings, field visits, and workshops were held to maintain progress and ensure transparent reporting.All management activities have been successfully implemented, ensuring that the project remained on schedule and aligned with its objectives.
WP2 preparing Retentis® (Agrobiogel) for market entry technical marketing material and validation activities were undertaken.
Key achievements include:
• Development and validation of application scenarios and protocols for various use cases, such as substrate production, greenhouse cultivation, open-field agriculture, and landscape gardening.
• Definition of recommended dose rates and application technologies for each use case, supported by field and greenhouse trials with certified testing institutions.
• Preparation of comprehensive technical documentation and marketing materials based on validated results.
• Progress in national product registrations and organic certifications in targeted markets, a prerequisite for commercialisation of agricultural input.
• Completion of a Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analysis and definition of a long-term IPR strategy ensuring secure commercial deployment.
• Successful application of the patent its protection in strategic countries.
• Implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) and Data Management Plan (DMP) in line with Horizon Europe requirements.
WP3 focused on developing a fully scalable industrial production process for Agrobiogel, ensuring economic and ecological feasibility. Major achievements include:
• Optimization of individual production units and successful interconnection into a continuous dynamic production line at Agrobiogel GmbH’s site in Tulln an der Donau, Austria.
• Development and implementation of automation and process control systems, enabling a stable and efficient production process.
• Execution of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental performance and confirm the sustainability of the process.
• Demonstration of industrial scalability and modular design, enabling integration of the technology into existing pulp and paper mills.
A key milestone was reached in July 2025, when a full-scale operational plant was successfully commissioned at AustroCel Hallein, one of Europe’s largest biorefineries. This achievement demonstrates the technical maturity, scalability, and sustainability of the Agrobiogel production process, fully meeting the objectives of WP3.
In short, across all WPs, the project has successfully achieved its main objectives:
• A robust management and coordination structure (WP1) ensured timely and effective implementation.
• Technical and regulatory groundwork for market introduction (WP2) was completed, paving the way for commercialization.
• Industrial-scale production plant was realized and validated (WP3), marking a major step in upscaling the Agrobiogel technology from laboratory to industrial level.
