Objective
LEGUVAL targets the use of co-products and by-products of processed legumes production for valorisation by extraction of the protein fraction and use of the leftover biomass as additives in composites production and as a source of biogas by anaerobic digestion. Multiple benefits will be gained by these approaches for plastics producers since proteins are biodegradable raw materials suitable for melt processing, are a source of nitrogen in agriculture applications and have the ability to improve barrier properties in packaging when applied as a layer on biodegradable plastic films, while maintaining biodegradability of the final package. The biomass residual of protein extraction will be used as a low-cost natural filler in bio-composites production, as well as investigated for biogas production.
Four RTD Performers from Europe who are leaders in their fields will provide contract research services to Industry Associations and companies from the legume, food and plastics value chains in order to meet with their technical requirements and market needs. The new materials developed over the course of the project will be tested for composting (biobased) and recyclability by assessed recycling processes and evaluated for cost/environmental impact by cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Analysis and Life Cycle Costing.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediationbioreactors
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositesbiocomposites
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- agricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturegrains and oilseedslegumes
Call for proposal
FP7-SME-2012
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
BSG-SME-AG - Research for SME associations/groupingsCoordinator
08940 CORNELLA DE LLOBREGAT
Spain