The main objective of the SOLRESS project is to propose an integrated biorefinery system to replace the chemical origin of some of the most widely used solvents in the industry, such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate and butyl acetate with a bio-based origin from second generation sugars from post-consumer coffee grounds and lignocellulosic feedstocks. The aim is to reinforce the integration of bio-based research and innovation throughout industrial bio-based systems. Moreover, in the valorisation process of these feedstocks, not only the cellulose fraction will be valorised, but also the hemicellulose fraction to obtain 2 of the most notorious green solvents of today, 2-MeTHF and GVL, from an additional line dedicated to the processing of furfural. The challenges will lie in improving downstream purification (DSP) processes and the techniques employed to achieve a technology that is efficient and cost-competitive with current chemical production systems for solvents. At the end of the project, all solvents will be validated in at least 3 of the most relevant applications (productive processes, formulations and recycling technologies) & at least 3 of the sectors with the greatest use of solvents (paints & coatings, cosmetics & materials processing) with the aim of evaluating its performance in comparison with its fossil-based counterparts, but also as a replacement for other dangerous and toxic solvents, such as NMP, CCL4, THF or toluene. Thus, the ambition of the SOLRESS project is triple: To replace the use of fossil, non-renewable raw materials with specific bio-based feedstocks in the production of some of the most widely used solvents. Offer SSbD alternatives to controversial solvents in terms of danger & toxicity (including the ones under the SVHC & SoCs categories). To improve the competitiveness of these processes by incorporating new methods & technologies that increase efficiency & sustainability, demonstrating their scalability & industrial applicability.

The main aim of the NanoCosmos project is to create a European multidisciplinary and intersectorial network to harness the recovery of valuable bioactive compounds from plant by-product matrices for nano-applications in the cosmetics industry. The project will ensure (i) exchange of knowledge on bioactive compound properties, (ii) optimization of green extraction processes of such compounds from plant by-product materials, (iii) creation of innovative nanoencapsulated biocomponents for cosmetics formulations, mainly targeted on human sensitive skins. NanoCosmos project will aim at enhancing cross fertilization in the area of bioactive compounds from different plant by-product materials which will result in a more cost-effective use of skills and resources in circular bioeconomy. It will also involve hands-on practice in different analytical methods in connection with industrial scale-up, performed by both young researchers/PhD students (ESR), experienced researchers (ER) and experienced academics. Science and business cooperation will allow the development of a joint research network to address current needs in the area of the cosmetic industry. The project will promote university business dialogue and partnership especially in the context of greater involvement of practitioners in the preparation of ESR career development.