• Celignis Pitch for CBE 2022 Topic
    CBE-2022-R-03

Background

This is a topic in the 2022 work programme of the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) which was launched in June 2022. The deadline for submitting proposals to this call is September 22nd 2022, with the results expected by February 2023 and the projects expected to start later in 2023.

Celignis is an SME that was spun-out from an EU research project (the FP7 advanced biofuels project DIBANET) that was written and coordinated by Celignis's founder Daniel Hayes. It has now been nine years since the end of that project and over that time Celignis has grown in size and reputation and now occupies a valuable niche as being the premier analytical provider to clients in the biomass sector. We provide a wide range of compositional analysis services and bioprocessing expertise to a diverse array of customers (including SMEs, multinationals, and universities) looking to utilise biomass feedstocks, residues and wastes for the production of biobased products, biofuels, and energy.

But we have not lost sight of the importance of science and in advancing the start of the art. We were born from pioneering research and we are still passionately committed to playing our part in advancing the bioeconomy. As a result we continue to be highly active in European research projects and are particularly excited by the calls presented in the 2022 CBE work programme.


Celignis is a partner in 3 ongoing CBE projects: UNRAVEL and PERFECOAT are RIA (Research and Innovation Action) projects, whilst VAMOS is an Innovation Action project. Additionally, Celignis was a partner in the BIOrescue RIA project which was completed in 2019. Click here to read more about our involvements in these projects. They were funded as part of the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI-JU) programme. The BBI-JU was the precursor to the CBE-JU for which 2022 will be the first year of operation.

In addition to these CBE/BBI projects, Celignis is currently active in a number of other research projects funded by the EU's Horizon programme. Click here to read more about these projects and here to learn more about our completed EU projects.


Contributions Celignis Can Make to CBE-2022-R-03

  • Analysis of waste streams and products - We can use our extensive array of analysis packages, as well as potentially develop new targeted analysis methods, for characterising the feedstocks/products of interest.
  • Fractionation of the biomass - We have developed, in the CBE project PERFECOAT an optimised xylan extraction protocol for wheat straw, whilst in the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope we have fine-tuned protocols for the extraction of xylans from a number of other feedstocks. This builds on our earlier work in the Horizon 2020 project SAPHIRE. Additionally, Celignis has developed a number of processes for the extraction of pectin and proteins from biomass and of alginate from seaweed. It is our in-depth understanding of biomass chemistry, and the chemical and bioloical mechanisms that take place when biomass is processed, that has allowed us to be so successful in developing these methods and we plan to put this expertise to work on the selected feedstocks in this topic.


  • Waste specific processing to make the highest use of the feedstock and move it up in the waste hierarchy - e.g. repurposing the stream to produce high value products instead of disposal or incineration. For example, Celignis can develop enzymatic process to hydrolyse the paper fraction from the aluminum in the packaging waste. The aluminium and plastics obtained as the residue from hydrolysis can be used to make aluminium rich composite sheets using binders and with residual paper acting as filler. The sugar stream from the hydrolysis can be used to produce biobased plastics with reuse and recycling potential.
  • Materials development - Celignis can develop a range of materials such as bioplastics; films; foams and leathers from a complex stream by chemical and enzymatic modification of polysaccharides in the stream. We have strong expertise in this area, based on our work with xylans in several EU projects and the advances made with seaweed-derived alginate (see the video below).


Related Celignis Projects

Expected Outcomes of CBE-2022-R-03

Successful proposals should contribute to research and development of innovative, sustainable bio-based materials, in the scope of CBE, to improve on the circularity and recyclability of currently used complex structures, such as multi-layered or multi-material structures, including plastics and composites. Bio-based innovations should address a range of end-use applications where there is a priority to identify more sustainable, circular options (e.g., packaging, construction materials, etc.). Projects are therefore expected to contribute to the EU Bioeconomy strategy and its action plan, the Plastics Strategy, the Waste Framework Directive, the Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI) and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Project results should contribute to the following expected outcomes:
  • Higher availability of circular-by-design bio-based materials and B2B products, as innovative solutions to current products with complex structures and in line with application (performance) requirements, while being positively assessed for environmental performance.
  • Diversified bio-based materials and B2B products portfolio and their applications.
  • Contribution to increasing the availability of renewable carbon-based complex structures, their circularity and addressing zero pollution goals.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Activities are expected to achieve TRL 5 by the end of the project.

Further Details

Scope of
CBE-2022-R-03

The recyclability and circularity for complex structures (e.g., multi-layered products, multi-material products and composites) remain a challenge that needs to be tackled. Their recycling can often be challenging due to their composition but also due to differences in practices across Europe in sorting, collection, and treatment of waste. Research and innovation should address current materials/components (in the aforementioned complex structures) that are currently fossil-based, or non-circular bio-based or partly bio-based/fossil-based, aiming for circular bio-based alternatives.

Proposals under this topic should:
  • Design and develop novel ‘circular-by-design’ bio-based materials and B2B products, in the scope of CBE JU, as competitive solutions that address the circularity issues of complex materials, while meeting the supply chain and end-use performance requirements.
  • Test the possible associated recycling and/or upcycling options (lab and pilot-scale). The proposed innovations should increase the valorisation of the complex structures after use and move up in the waste hierarchy.
  • Provision for the project integrating ’safe-and-sustainable-by-design’ generic criteria and framework considerations, in line with the EU Chemicals strategy for sustainability.
  • Apply and/or adapt existing/mature or novel digital technologies provided that they are instrumental to achieving the project's outcomes and scope. Applications of digital technologies that should be considered in the scope are among the following areas: i) chemicals, materials and process design & modelling ii) process monitoring and optimisation and iii) data analytics and data management of the production of bio-based products in the scope.
  • Disseminate the outputs and learning outcomes from the project in order to increase the public awareness, and awareness of relevant industry actors, of potential benefits of bio-based solutions and raise awareness on opportunities to be addressed.
  • Develop guidelines and recommendations defining how to manage the developed bio-based materials and products throughout their life cycle, with a specific reference to end of life.
  • Develop recommendations, based on the functionality and technical performance of the innovative bio-based structures, with regards to the potential end-uses/value chains being applicable for future, further scale up developments.
  • In the proposal, the preliminary assessment of the environmental sustainability of the developed bio-based materials and B2B products should include all vectors that are relevant to the biomass feedstock environmental sustainability.


Further Details





Other Topics in the CBE 2022 Work Programme

Click here to see a list of the other CBE topics and how Celignis could be a valuable project partner for them.

The Value Celignis Can Bring to a CBE Project


We believe that we can make valuable contributions to projects covering a large number of the topics in the 2022 CBE work programme, based on our expertise in:

Extraction of Hemicellulose Polysaccharides

To date much of the innovations related to the valorisation of lignocellulosic feedstocks has focused on the cellulose and lignin fractions. In most technologies hemicellulose is broken down in the process to either monomeric sugars (e.g. xylose) or their derivatives (e.g. furfural). However, hemicelluloses, when retained in the polymeric form, can have outstanding physical and chemical properties which make them suitable for incorporation in an array of consumer products, replacing less-sustainable product components and so allowing for greener market options for the consumer.

Celignis is the technical lead in the €6m Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope which focuses on the efficient extraction of xylan, the most abundant hemicellulose polysaccharide, and its subsequent modification to confer properties that make it suitable as an ingredient in a scope of consumer products. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT Celignis is also working on extraction of xylan, from different feedstocks, so that it can ultimately be used as a binder in paints and coatings. We consider that integrating efficient methods for extracting hemicellulose polymers within the wider biorefinery process scheme will allow for higher-value products and a more sustainable and profitable process.

Our expertise in hemicellulose extraction is therefore relevant to a number of topics within the CBE-JU 2022 Work Programme, in particular JU-CBE-2022-R-01 (High performance bio-based polymers for market applications with stringent requirements) and JU-CBE-2022-R-05 (Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock).

Related Projects


Modification of Polysaccharides

An efficient extraction process is only one component in developing value-added products from polysaccharides. In many cases further treatment of the polymer is required in order to confer the physical and chemical properties that are required for the desired application/market. Such properties that can be influences with these modifications include the the rheology and water-resistance of the polymers.

At Celignis we also have extensive experience in such modifications using both enzymatic and chemical approaches. For example, in the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope we are active in the discovery and application of enzymes for the debranching of xylan and for its subsequent modification for additional functionalities. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT the focus is on the chemical modification of xylan in order to enhance its properties for application as a binder in paints and coatings.

In PERFECOAT we are also working on the extraction and modification of chitosan, from prawn shells, whilst we have also internally worked on processes focused on the extraction and modification of pectin. Additionally, as outlined in the video below, we have developed processes for the modification of seaweed-derived alginate to confer the desired physicochemical properties

The ability to selectively and cost-effectively modify polymers is a key component of many topics in the CBE-JU 2022 Work Programme, in particular JU-CBE-2022-R-01 (High performance bio-based polymers for market applications with stringent requirements) and JU-CBE-2022-R-02 (Bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives).

Related Projects


Identification, Extraction, and Purification of High Value Chemicals in Biomass

The CBE-JU recognises that biomass valorisation can involve much more than the processing of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Non-structural components of the plant can also be of value, in some cases being worth thousands of Euros per kilogramme. There are numerous examples of such high value constituents, with the most prominent recent example being the extraction, isolation, and purification of cannabinoids (in particular CBD and CBG) from hemp, which has developed into a multi-billion Euro industry.

At Celignis, we can play important roles at all stages in the valorisation of such compounds, starting from their identification and ending in their purification and the testing and modification of their functional and chemical properties. For identification, we firstly get a crude extract from the feedstock, obtained via various approaches, including pressurised liquid extraction. This extract is then profiled using our top-range QTOF-LC/MS system (Agilent iFunnel 6550), which can identify constituents to the femtogram-level, and the spectra and chromatograms reviewed by Sajna, our Bioanalysis Developer. If necessary, we can collect the relevant fractions from the LC system and confirm the identification using a number of different chemical and spectroscopic techniques. We then determine which constituents warrant extraction and then work on optimising a targeted extraction method. This method considers not only the yield of the target compound(s) but also the chemical and energy costs of the process and the implications for the downstream processing and valorisation of the solid residue, evaluated by Oscar, our technoeconomics analysis (TEA) expert. We subsequently work on the isolation and purification of the targeted compound(s) from this extract, again considering the commercial and scale-up implications.

Celignis undertook such an approach in the CBE/BBI project UNRAVEL where the extractives of 25 feedstocks were profiled using QTOF-LC/MS. We identified betulin in birch bark as the most attractive compound and subsequently worked on developing an optimised extraction protocol and an isolation/purification process scheme that offered several advantages, in terms of sustainability and safety, over the current art. Click here for a news article on this work. We are also using employing our compositional analysis and purification expertise in the Horizon Europe project SteamBioAfrica where we evaluate and process the liquid condensate obtained from the steam torrefaction process and consider market applications for its constituents, fractions, and derivatives.

Our high-value-chemicals expertise is of particular value for improving the competitiveness of a biorefinery process, through employing the principle of the cascading use of biomass. For example, a relatively minor component of biomass can substantially improve the financial viability of a technology if it can be sold at a high price. As a result, such an approach can make important contributions to a number of the 2022 topics, such as: JU-CBE-2022-R-05 (Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock), JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 (Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams), JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 (Cooperative business models for sustainable mobilisation And valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas), and JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-01 (Maximum valorisation of sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock in multi-product, zero-waste, zero-pollution biorefinery).

Related Projects


Real-Time Analysis of Feedstocks and Process Outputs

We have extensive expertise in the development of algorithms and models for rapidly predicting the composition of samples using their near infrared spectra. This allows the time for analysis (for detailed lignocellulosic compositional paramaters) to be reduced from weeks to seconds. To date we have over 10,000 biomass samples in our proprietary models for lignocellulosic composition and we have also developed custom models for feedstocks and pretreatment/bioprocess outputs in the CBE-JU/BBI-JU RIA projects BIOrescue and UNRAVEL. In BIOrescue we developed custom software, employing a browser interface for the user, that allowed us to tailor the model-generation and composition-prediction experience to the requirements of our lab personnel and in-house chemometricians. This software also employed advanced chemometric techniques that we proved, in project deliverables, to deliver improved accuracies in prediction over the conventional PLS approaches.

This software is constantly being improved and, in the ongoing CBE-JU/BBI-JU Innovation Action (TRL7) project VAMOS we are deploying an upgraded version of it at the demo-scale biorefinery being built and operated by project partner Fiberight. This has allowed us to extend the reach of our predictive models beyond our own laboratories and into the global biorefinery landscape. We see many opportunities, within the current CBE-JU topics, to apply and refine this at-line analysis system to other IA (demo) projects as well as for Flagship projects. In addition, we also plan for the deployment of in-line analyses, using Celignis-developed models, using the latest state-of-the-art and cost-effective hardware on the market.

While there are numerous options currently on the market for NIR hardware, there is no robust solution currently available for the at-line/in-line analysis of lignocellulosic feedstocks and process outputs/residues. This is due to the complexity of such analysis, the difficulties often faced in getting precise and representative data, abd the widely varying outputs of different biomass processing technologies. At Celignis, however, we have years of expertise in getting precise lignocellulosic data and in using these data as inputs to our chemometric tools. As a result Celignis provides full vertical integration regarding advancing the art in rapid biomass analysis and the utilisation of biorefinery data.

Our abilities to develop on-site rapid analysis solutions are applicable to many of the Innovation Action and Flagship topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme, including: JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 (Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams), JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 (Cooperative business models for sustainable mobilisation And valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas), JU-CBE-2022-IA-03 (Cost-effective production routes towards bio-based alternatives to fossil-based chemical building blocks), JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-01 (Maximum valorisation of sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock in multi-product, zero-waste, zero-pollution biorefinery), and JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-02 (Alternative sources for high added value food and/or feed ingredients).

Related Projects




Compositional Analysis

As detailed throughout this website, the Celignis team are highly experienced in a wide array of methods for the compositional analysis of biomass and process intermediates and outputs/residues for lignocellulosic and thermal properties. Our expertise also extends to seaweed, algae, and a large variety of functional molecules many of which have large future potential in substituting for the use of fossil fuels in the production of consumer and industrial products.

We have an wide array of equipment that allow us to obtain the required compositional data, including an extensive chromatography laboratory that includes state-of-the-art equipment, such as our QTOF-LC/MS system.

Our in depth understanding of the steps involved in the processing of biomass also allow us to bring forward suggestions to other partners in the consortium, based on the analytical data we obtain, on how the project's technologies can be improved.

Our expertise in compositional analysis, and in the understanding and process implications of compositional data, is relevant to all of the topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme.

Related Projects


Fermentation Optimisation

Microbial conversion of sugars to chemicals and fuels is considered advantageous over chemical processes, but is a challenging area due to the high number of variables involved in the process. Fermentation process development involves: selection of microbes to produce the desired product, screening of microbes, media engineering, process optimisation, scale-up, downstream designing, etc. Screening and optimisation involve hundreds of runs which is labour and time intensive. Know-how in the area of microbiology, bioprocess engineering and design of experiments (DOE) can significantly reduce the number of experimental runs and time involved in the preliminary screening and optimisation process.

With our CIO Lalitha and our Bioanalysis Developer Sajna we have the expertise and knowledge to optimise fermentation processes for high yield and productivity in short-time. Our personnel have proven scientific record in producing enzymes, biofuels, biosurfactants, exopolysaccharides and prebiotics through aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes.

Celignis also has numerous bioreactors, ranging from 1 litre to 100 litres capacity, that allow us to undertake an extensive DoE approach in optimising fermentations.

Our expertise in fermentation is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme: JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 (Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams), JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 (Cooperative business models for sustainable mobilisation And valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas), JU-CBE-2022-IA-03 (Cost-effective production routes towards bio-based alternatives to fossil-based chemical building blocks), JU-CBE-2022-R-04 (Proteins from alternative and unconventional sources), JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-01 (Maximum valorisation of sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock in multi-product, zero-waste, zero-pollution biorefinery), and JU-CBE-2022-IA-01 (Biogenic carbon capture and use (CCU) For circular bio-based products).

Related Publications


Discovery and Use of Enzymes

Our team has years of experience in discovery and use of enzymes for deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass and, with Celignis participation in EU projects like EnXylaScope, this experience is expanded to enzymes useful for modification of the xylan fraction of lignocellulosic biomass.

The discovery of enzymes needs rapid analysis methods and, by understanding the action of enzymes and the changes that occur in the substrate, the Celignis team can develop simple high-throughput screening methods for the discovery of enzymes. This is currently being undertaking in EnXylaScope for xylan side-chain acting enzymes.

Celignis is also discovering enzymes and designing enzyme cocktails for lignocellulose deconstruction aiming at production of monomeric and oligomeric sugars and for generating clean lignin for lignin valorisation purposes. We are also isolating the microbes that have the ability to produce a cocktail of enzymes for increasing the productivity and yields of biogas from complex recalcitrant streams such as late cut grass, wheat straw and garden waste.

Celignis follows traditional methods in enzyme screening allowing the isolation of natural enzyme producers which means that enzyme cocktails developed by Celignis are non-recombinant in nature. The enzymes discovered are studied for various characteristics such as nature of protein (Molecular weight, hydrophobicity); kinetics (reaction and inhibition); optimum reaction conditions etc. Celignis has a collection of close to 100 strains capable of producing a range of enzymes that act on a variety of substrates.

Our expertise in enzymes is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme: JU-CBE-2022-R-01 (High performance bio-based polymers for market applications with stringent requirements), JU-CBE-2022-R-02 (Bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives), JU-CBE-2022-R-05 (Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock), JU-CBE-2022-R-03 (Circular by-design bio-based materials to improve the circularity of complex structures), and JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 (Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams).


Related Projects


Process Flow Diagrams and Techno-Economic Analysis of the Process

Bioprocesses are complicated, with several upstream and downstream process unit operations to achieve the final product. Celignis's process engineering team has several years of expertise in performing techno-economic analyses (TEA) for the conversion of biomass to biofuels and chemicals. Celignis performs techno-economic analysis from the process concept design and uses it for economic optimisation of the process together with the yield optimisation. This process is done iteratively during the course of the project to achieve the process optimised for conversion efficiencies and economics. Our process engineers develop TEAs for multiple scenarios of the same process and perform sensitivity analyses to identify the major contributors of the operation's cost to allow development of economically-viable processes without sacrificing the process yields.

Celignis is developing PFDs and performing TEA for the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, where the analysis is being performed for enzyme production, extraction of xylans, and use of enzymes for the modification of xylans.

Our TEA expertise is relevant to all RIA and Innovation Action topics in the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme.
Related Projects


Biomass Pretreatment and Fractionation

Based on our bioprocessing and compositional expertise, we have a very good understanding of how to optimise biomass pretreatment processes. For our clients we have analysed hundreds of samples of outputs from biomass pretreatment processes. We have a very strong understanding of the chemistry of biomass and how to evaluate the conversion and valorisation of the main constituents of lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). We target mass-closure in our analysis so that the full mechanisms of conversion can be understood and we have a suite of analytical methods to characterise process liquids for monomers, oligomers, sugar degradation products, and fermentability. Our CBE project UNRAVEL concerns the development of a pretreatment process and Celignis plays a key role in the project regarding the analysis of the products of pre-treatment and by investigating the influence of extractives in biomass pretreatment. In our completed BBI project BIOrescue we also analysed the solid and liquid outputs of biomass pretreatment and developed rapid analysis models for them using near infrared spectroscopy.

Our pre-treatment/fractionation expertise is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme: JU-CBE-2022-R-01 (High performance bio-based polymers for market applications with stringent requirements), JU-CBE-2022-R-02 (Bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives), and JU-CBE-2022-R-05 (Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock).

Related Projects




Anaerobic Digestion and Fermentation

We have years of experience in various types of anaerobic fermentation and anaerobic digestion for the production of chemicals and fuels. The team has knowledge and experience in isolation and handling of Clostridial strains and clostridial fermentations for the production of hydrogen, organic acids and solvents. Celignis's CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala has published several articles in the area of Clostridial fermentation, especially for biobutanol. Celignis’s AD expert Kwame has optimised the process for sequential production of bioethanol and biogas from paper sludge as part of his Process Engineering Research Masters in Stellenbosch University, South Africa and has published articles on the same.

Celignis is using this expertise in the development of an advanced anaerobic digestion process design (STEAME) that allows high volumetric productivity and yields. This is being done as part of a nationally-funded project (Irish Research Council). In this process, the thermophilic nature of archaea is taken advantage of together with the ability of Clostridia to digest complex feedstocks. In STEAME Celignis is using expertise in biomass pretreatment together with microbial and enzyme expertise to enhance the anaerobic digestion of late cut grass, wheat straw and other complex-recalcitrant agricultural residues.

Celignis also provides services for biomethane potential (BMP) determination; anaerobic toxicity assays; specific hydrolytic, acidogenic and methanogenic potential using its 90 1L anaerobic digestion reactors. Celignis has also the reactor set-up for continuous anaerobic digestion and sequential continuous anaerobic digestion that allows two stage and multi-stage digestion. Additionally, the Celignis team also has strong expertise in the valorisation and treatment of food industry effluent streams and is providing consultancy for three years for the operation of high-rate digesters that process 60 m3/h of dairy industry waste streams. This expertise is of particular value in EU projects where zero-pollution is the process target.

Our AD experience is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2022 CBE-JU Work Programme: JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 (Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams), JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 (Cooperative business models for sustainable mobilisation And valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas), JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-01 (Maximum valorisation of sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock in multi-product, zero-waste, zero-pollution biorefinery), JU-CBE-2022-R-04 (Proteins from alternative and unconventional sources), and JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-02 (Alternative sources for high added value food and/or feed ingredients).

Related Projects




Successful Proposal Writing and Proposal Evaluation

Dan Hayes wrote the €3.7m, 14 partner, EU project DIBANET from which Celignis spun-out of whilst, more recently, Lalitha Gottumukkala wrote the €6m, 13 partner, Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, which started in 2021. Celignis personnel have also been successful as the primary authors of proposals for the EU's INNOSUP and Marie-Curie programmes, as well as for a number of nationally funded projects (e.g. the STEAME project).

In addition, both Lalitha and Dan have, for a number of years, been Expert Evaluators for proposals submitted to the BBI-JU (the precursor to the CBE-JU). As a result we have a good understanding of what makes a good proposal and what will improve the chances of a project being funded, hence we can give valued advice to proposal coordinators regarding the direction and focus of a proposal.

Successful EU Proposals Primarily Written By Celignis Personnel





Pitches for Specific Topics in the 2022 CBE Call


Below we list a number of the topics in the CBE 2022 work programme in which we think we can play a valuable role. Please click on the link for each topic to see more details on it and on the contributions that Celignis can make.

HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-01 – High performance bio-based polymers for market applications with stringent requirements

This topic concerns the production of biobased polymers that can be used in a range of applications. It will involve the tailoring of specific functional properties so that the polymers will be competitive with the existing alternatives in the marketplace. There should also be extensive testing of these polymers in accordance with their desired end-markets and their particular requirements for performance under stringent operating conditions. This is a topic of particular interest to Celignis since we have, in the CBE-JU project PERFECOAT and in the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, developed sustainable and cost-effective approaches for the extraction and modification of the polymer xylan from lignocellulosic biomass. These projects target inclusion of the polymer in products scanning several consumer markets, including personal care, cosmetics, and paints and coatings. We have also worked on the extraction and modification of pectin from lignocellulosic biomass and alginate from seaweed. We are experienced in both chemical and enzymatic methods of polymer modification and have an array of analytical equipment to test the physical and chemical properties of the polymers both before and after their modifications. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-R-01




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-02 – Bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives

The target of this topic is to diversify the range of bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives product portfolio and to increase their range of application. These bio-based products should demonstrate improved sustainability and circularity and an improved health and safety profile, when compared to the fossil-based state of the art. This topic is also highly in-line with Celignis's expertise both in polymer extraction and modification (using polysaccharides from marine and terrestrial biomass) and in testing equipment and method development. This topic will also build on the important work we are undergoing in the CBE-JU project PERFECOAT where Celignis is playing a key role in developing polysaccharide-based (xylan or chitosan) UV curable binders and fillers for paints and coatings applications. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-R-02




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-05 – Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock

Feedstocks are the main focus of this topic. It concerns the sustainable provision of green biomass with a particular focus on the use of underexploited feedstocks. These feedstocks should then be processed in the project to produce various alternative sustainable fibres (e.g. textiles, non-woven materials, composite biobased materials). Given Celignis's background in the detailed compositional analysis of feedstocks and the products of biomass processing, we are highly suited to this topic. We have in previous projects (DIBANET, BIOrescue, and ENABLING) worked on the evaluation of different candidate feedstocks, and the detailed compositional analysis of those feedstocks of most interest, linking variations in composition (and fibre quality) with changes in supply-side parameters. We can also develop non-woven composites and innovative materials, having a track-record in dealing with fibres obtained from lignocellulosic and marine biomass. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-R-05




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-03 – Circular-by-design bio-based materials to improve the circularity of complex structures

This topic focuses on the development of new bio-based materials that will lead to an expanded and increased market presence of biobased materials, substituting for less sustainable fossil-derived materials. Once again, Celignis's vast experience in the analysis of biomass feedstocks and biomass-derived products can be put to great use in this project, as can our optimised methods for the extraction and modification of polysaccharides from biomass. We have also worked on the development of biobased materials, including bioplastics, films, foams, and leathers, from a complex stream by chemical and enzymatic modification of polysaccharides in that stream. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-R-03




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IA-04 – Co-processing of mixed bio-based waste streams

This is an Innovation Action topic, meaning that the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of the activities developed in the project should be at TRL 6 or 7 by the project end. The topic focuses on the valorisation of waste streams, with a particular target of demonstrating processes that could contribute towards the planned lowering of the fraction of municipal bio-waste sent to landifll to 10% by 2035. The topic encourages approaches to not only valorise municipal bio-wastes but also the wastes that are currently generated in existing biobased processes. Celignis's main contribution to this topic, in addition to performing any required analysis of feedstock and products, would be to demonstrate on-site rapid-analysis tools for prediction of the composition of the feedstocks and process outputs. This is work that we are currently undertaking in the CBE-JU Innovation Action project VAMOS where we have installed an NIR-device at the demo biorefinery and have customised the user-side software experience so that routine plant operators can get quick actionable data regarding the composition of feedstocks and process outputs. This allows for much more responsive decision making and process optimisation. We expect that such an approach could be of benefit to many of the Innovation Action and Flagship projects in this year's CBE-JU topics. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IA-04




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 – Cooperative business models for sustainable mobilisation and valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas

This demonstration-scale topic concerns the deployment of replicable, regional, circular bio-based business models. These should target the production of added-value bio-based materials and industrial products with improved sustainability characteristics. Celignis has plenty of experience with EU projects that are concerned with the development of sustainable coopertative business models for biomass valorisation, this being a key part of the ongoing Horizon Europe projects BIO4AFRICA and SteamBioAfrica and the completed project ENABLING. In these projects our responsibilities include resource and technology mapping, the compositional analysis of the feedstocks and process outputs, and the development of processes to fully valorise side-streams (for example the liquid steam condensate in the SteamBioAfrica project). Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IA-02




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IA-03 – Cost-effective production routes towards bio-based alternatives to fossil-based chemical building blocks

This is another Innovation Action topic that targets the diversification in the range of EU-produced chemicals through the production of biobased building blocks, using sustainably-sourced biomass. The topic covers both high-volume/low cost and/or low volume/high-cost chemicals, depending on application, performance, and functionality. The sustainability of these chemicals, when compared against the fossil-based (and any biobased) alternatives, is a key component of the topic and it is expected that these new building blocks will represent a significant advance in this regard. Celignis is borne from a project (DIBANET) that was focused on the development of sustainable chemical building blocks (levulinic acid and furfural) from biomass, so we have a strong understanding of the factors to consider and the downstream chemical processes that can be employed to diversify the range of products that can be obtained from these building blocks. In this topic our core strength will be to contribute our process-knowledge expertise to perform the scale-up analysis and perform scale-down optimisations as well as to undertake detailed technoeconomic analysis of the whole process. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IA-03




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-01 – Maximum valorisation of sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock in multi-product, zero-waste, zero-pollution biorefinery

Proposals submitted to this topic are expected to ensure the full valorisation of a feedstock so that there are no waste streams produced. As a result, the project should focus on the cascading use of biomass approach where different process nodes are employed to ensure that the different components of the feedstock are effectively valorised and that there are no output streams that have no value. The wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge, of both feedstock chemistry and the different biomass valorisation approaches, within the Celignis team allows us to make important contributions to this topic in terms of the evaluation of all process streams and in ensuring that maximal value is made from them. Additionally, we can demonstrate on-site rapid-analysis tools for prediction of the composition of the feedstocks and process outputs. This is work that we are currently undertaking in the CBE-JU Innovation Action project VAMOS where we have installed an NIR-device at the demo biorefinery and have customised the user-side software experience so that routine plant operators can get quick actionable data. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IAFlag-01




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-04 – Proteins from alternative and unconventional sources

This RIA (Research and Innovation Action) project is concerned with the identification of currently under- or unexploited sources of proteins and their mobilisation via sustainable pathways. These proteins can have applications in the feed, food, and non-food chains and should reduce the EU's dependency on imported proteins. For this topic our microbiological activities come into the picture. We have an extensive collection of different strains (both bacteria and fungi) which can be screened for their use as a protein source and for their ability to grow in low value industrial by-product streams. These are natural isolates and hence protein generated from these strains will not be recombinant in nature. Our expertise in scale-up modelling can also add value to the project, as together the team can optimise the production process by taking the scalability and economics of the process into consideration. Additionally, Celignis can scale-up the lab-scale process up to 100 L scale and optimise the upstream and downstream processes at that scale. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-R-04




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IAFlag-02 – Alternative sources for high added value food and/or feed ingredients

This is a Flagship topic, which means that it targets the high TRL (level 8) demonstration of a process at enhanced-scale. Such projects are significantly more capital intensive than the other CBE-JU programmes (RIAs, IAs, and CSAa), for example the budget for this particular topic is expected to be over 14 million Euros. The topic concerns the large-scale production of high-value feed and/or food ingredients from alternative sustaimable sources, without impacting, or by regenerating, local biodiversity and ecosystems. For this project we can offer the vast experience of Celignis's process engineering and modelling with regards to their use and modelling of microbes for a wide variety of purposes. Additionally, as in the other Flagship and Innovation Action projects, we can demonstrate rapid on-site analysis of feedstocks and process-streams, building on our activities on the Innovation Action CBE-JU project VAMOS. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IAFlag-02




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-S-01 – Developing and validating monitoring systems of environmental sustainability and circularity: collection of best practices and benchmarks

This is a Coordinating and Supporting Action (CSA) project, the only one in this year's CBE-JU Work Programme. The topic is aimed at supporting bioeconomy stakeholders with regards to evaluating the environmental impacts and circularity of industrial bio-based systems. The project should target the development of techniques and tools for monitoring and assessing these impacts. In this context, Celignis has much to offer for this topic. With our expertise in development of sustainable products from biomass and microbial sources and our biorefinery client base across Europe, we can contribute to collect and analyse the (range of) best available industrial bio-based systems in terms of process, environmental and circular performances, to build a preliminary set of benchmarks or references of best performing industrial systems for similar ones. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-S-01




HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IA-01 – Biogenic carbon capture and use (CCU) for circular bio-based products

This Innovation Action topic involves the demonstration of technologies for the production of sustainable circular non-fossil-based products using gaseous carbon as a feedstock. Under this topic Celignis can undertake a number of different activities, for instance we can develop microbial processes to convert carbon dioxide to organic acids using microalgae or cyanobacteria. We can also develop biomaterials that can utilise and capture CO2 in the process. Additionally, our process and techno-economic modelling expertise can be used to achieve near theoretical yields by optimisation of process conditions. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

Full Pitch...CBE2022-IA-01








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