Eco-friendly, safe and highly-absorbent wood pellets for animal bedding and litter, produced by an optimized cost-efficient energy process

Objective

The ECO-Pet innovation relies on the valorization of current disused wood wastes from conifers and hardwoods by their transformation into improved pelletized products for animal bedding/litter. The novelty of ECO-Pet is based on our patented methodology carried out under an efficient energy production process (<30% of external energy is required). By technical adaptations of the pellet mill to meet the optimal matching between roller pressure, material supply and compression, ECO-Pet wood pellets show improved efficacy qualities (absorbance and durability), but keeping an affordable price for animal owners. ECO-Pet will be a cost-effective (38% cheaper than current similar products), durable (increased mechanical resistance) and highly-absorbent solution (up to 100% more than current options) meeting the needs and demands of the increasing European pet-owning populations. ECO-Pet is expected to become a core source of growth for the company and the successful market launch of ECO-Pet will enable our company to consolidate its position in the wood pellet sector. Therefore, the company will carry out a complete feasibility study, covering the technical aspects required to ensure the ECO-Pet viability and combined with a robust business plan addressing the financial investment requirements and forecasts, and designing a competitive commercial strategy. ECO-Pet is made of 100% biodegradable organic material, being safe and with no impact on the environment. Thus, ECO-Pet addresses important EU global challenges regarding resource efficiency and raw materials, environmental issues and climate action. In addition, ECO-Pet is in line with the Circular Economy Strategy adopted by the European Commission. ECO-Pet will allow the valorization of disused wood wastes, adding value to forest resources, contributing to the sustainable forest management and delivering multiple environmental benefits.

Fields of science

• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › forestry
• natural sciences › biological sciences › botany
• social sciences › economics and business › economics › production economics
• social sciences › other social sciences › social sciences interdisciplinary › sustainable development
• engineering and technology › materials engineering › paper and wood

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
• H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
• H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies

Topic(s)

• EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 - SME instrument

Call for proposal

H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

Coordinator

ENERGIA NATURAL DEL NORTE SL

Address

Poligono La Rad Parcela B-1
26371 Sotes
Spain

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

EU contribution

€ 50 000