Throughout the BeonNAT project, the consortium has advanced from species selection and field establishment to pilot-scale validation of eight new forest-based value chains, targeting the sustainable use of marginal lands in Spain, Germany, and Romania.
In WP1 (Underutilised Tree & Shrub Species Screening), thirteen species were selected based on ecological suitability and biochemical profiles, and the legal frameworks for agricultural and forest marginal lands were analysed.
In WP2 (Biomass Cultivation, Harvesting, Logistics & Supply Plan), intercropping plantations covering 4 ha per country were established and maintained across six sites. Supply protocols were developed to ensure continuous biomass provision for downstream processing. Harvest and storage trials were implemented, and biomass characterisation for energy and material uses was completed.
In WP3 (Essential Oils and Vegetal Extracts), a portable distillation plant was built and tested, enabling the extraction of essential oils at pilot scale. Functional compound identification, quantification, and bioactivity assays were carried out, and regulatory analyses for new products were advanced.
In WP4 (PLA Bioplastics for Packaging), sugar-rich media were produced from selected species, lactic acid production was scaled up, and PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) was synthesised and processed into packaging prototypes.
In WP5 (Biochar and Active Carbons Production), multiple biomass batches were conditioned and processed to produce biochar and activated carbon, with additional oxidative pyrolysis trials conducted.
In WP6 (Development of New Absorbents for the Pet Industry), biomass-char mixtures were pelletised, including microencapsulated essential oils. Laboratory tests were performed to assess physical pellet quality, and an industrial plant study (Task 6.3) was completed.
In WP7 (Wood Pulp and Particleboard Preparation), kraft pulping tests were conducted for both hardwood and softwood species, and particleboards were manufactured and evaluated for physical and mechanical performance.
In WP8 (Market, Biodiversity and Value Chain Sustainability Assessments), location, capacity, and product focus for the three biorefineries were finalised. LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), techno-economic analysis, and market studies confirmed essential oils, biochar, and pet litter absorbents as the most promising products in the short to medium term. Biodiversity and soil monitoring showed no significant changes over the project period.
In WP9 (Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation), two public workshops, 13 conference presentations, 10 peer-reviewed publications, more than 150 social media posts, and three project videos were delivered. Exploitable results were identified and their protection strategies initiated.
Across these WPs, the project met its targets by validating eight forest-based value chains through pilot-scale demonstrations and market feasibility analysis. The selected end products—essential oils, biochar, activated carbon, pet litter absorbents, PLA packaging, and particleboards—show potential for profitable business development in the short to medium term, even considering the low productivity of marginal land plantations.
The project’s impact is twofold: it demonstrates how underutilised marginal lands in Spain, Germany, and Romania can contribute to the bioeconomy without creating ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) issues, and it delivers scalable, sustainable processes adaptable to other EU regions.
