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.

Micro-Algae offer a solution to many of the European bioeconomy needs. Nevertheless, significant challenges still exist to their acceptance on the market, including organoleptic and functionality challenges. CleanAlgae2Value seeks to unlock such potential via a cascading approach to white-microalgae-derived medium-price ingredients, including protein isolates, oils, natural pigments and starch. The project will build and operate a replicable “upgrading-module” to drastically enhance relevant biorefineries performance via a cost-competitive, sustainable, and scalable microalgae fractionation and valorisation process for producing food-grade, medium-value, carbon-negative ingredients that exceed market standards. More specifically, the project will prove the effectiveness and efficiency of a “Micro-Algae Biorefinery Upgrade Module” (MABUM), able to unlock productions of protein isolates, protein concentrates, starch-rich fraction and oils (respectively 2, 1.3, 3.98 and 1.8 tons) to be validated into 15 prototypes, 13 for food and 2 for bio-packaging markets. The project will do so while increasing operative margins, by decreasing “value-normalised” CAPEX and OPEX, also thanks to modelling optimisation, contributing to market penetration. Importantly, CleanAlgae2Value would also benefit from synergies with a recently granted EIC Accelerator project, which focuses on upstream algae production from CO2 via SOL two-step fermentation, using solely CO2 as carbon source. The project brings together 16 organizations from 9 European countries, collaborating with end-users to produce added value ingredients. Holistic evaluations, including both empirical (surveys, workshops) and horizontal considerations (LCA, TEA, SSbD), will allow for the assessment of market acceptance and environmental, economic and societal sustainability, as well as further support and boost the project DCE activities and pathways towards EFSA positive opinion for those ingredients that still require it.

REVOLUTIONIZING FOOD PRODUCTION WITH CO2 INPUTS AND CARBON-NEGATIVE MICROALGAEE PROTEINS Solmeyea is a biotech company producing functional food ingredients as an alternative to both animal- & plant-based proteins. Our groundbreaking, IP-protected Hybrid Vertical Microalgae Fermentation (HVF) technology, enables microalgae fermentation using CO2 in lieu of carbon substrates and Greece's abundant Renewable Energy Sources. This combination results in the production of carbon-negative, microalgae-derived proteins in various colors requiring 0.1% of the crops-land on 200x higher yields of the same proteins. ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY, GEOPOLITICS & ECONOMIC IMPACT Our HVF not only unlocks the full potential of microalgae but also addresses EU’s critical challenges, reducing reliance on heavily commoditized and price-volatile crops and glucose. We support food security, facilitate the production of fermented CO2-derived food proteins and replace imported, highly processed and environmentally harmful crop-derived ones. We ensure the efficient production of food ingredients, contributing to national and EU GDP and empower the EU to regain independence and geopolitical competitiveness. SOLUTION: MEY PROTEIN FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AT SCALE MEY is the first-ever non-GMO protein produced from CO2 with the highest standards for human consumption. Through the pioneering combination of gas and microalgae fermentation, we transform SCOPE:1 CO2 into authorized, white, functional food protein. Compared to any FDA/EFSA-approved protein, our microalgae-derived MEY demonstrate 30x higher land-efficiency and 400x more sustainable in terms of water and carbon footprint. EICA SUPPORT: ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY TO TRL:9 AND BEYOND It will propel Solmeyea's CO2-Bioconversion and microalgae fermentation system to (TRL) 9, projecting an annual revenue of €190 million by 2029. Our integrated AI models ensure precision, efficiency and cost-effectiveness at both our demo and future flagship devel