EURECAT: Technical Driver for Sustainable Innovation in BIOntier
Within the BIONTIER project, EURECAT plays a supporting role across several work packages, contributing its technical expertise in sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and circular design. Although EURECAT does not lead any specific task or work package, its involvement is essential to the successful development and implementation of various project activities.
In WP1, which focuses on defining technical and environmental sustainability requirements, EURECAT provides technical advice related to the processing of use cases. This support helps ensure that the demonstrators meet the criteria established under the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework.
In WP2, dedicated to circular design for sustainability, EURECAT collaborates with TEC to support the implementation of sustainable manufacturing processes. Their joint efforts aim to reduce energy consumption and minimize production waste, contributing to the project's circularity goals.
EURECAT’s contribution is particularly significant in WP3, which addresses the development, optimization, and upscaling of sustainable materials. Here, EURECAT supports several tasks:
It assists in the development of formulations with additives and in the adaptation of manufacturing processes.
It contributes to the development of biobased composites, working alongside FORTH and IRIS on PLA-based materials with improved processability.
It also performs testing and characterization of materials, evaluating key parameters such as flowability and rheology to assess their industrial viability.
In WP4, which focuses on innovation in manufacturing processes and scalability, EURECAT supports the optimization of technologies such as injection molding and thermal compression molding. This includes integrating process monitoring and quality control tools to improve manufacturing efficiency and reliability.
Finally, in WP5, which deals with prototyping and industrial feasibility, EURECAT provides technical support for the development of Use Case 5 (UC5)—a hydrogen tank requiring a barrier made from LCF with APA6 infused with graphene oxide. EURECAT collaborates with HYD to support the manufacturing of this use case, applying the materials and processes developed in earlier stages of the project.
In summary, EURECAT’s role in BIONTIER is that of a technical enabler, offering specialized support in materials development, process optimization, and sustainable manufacturing. Its contributions help bridge the gap between research and industrial application, reinforcing the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability