Transforming Organic Waste into Valuable Biobased Succinic Acid (LUCRA)

Ten industrial partners and renowned research centres from seven countries representing the whole value chain from feedstock to products have joined forces to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of transforming organic waste into bio-succinic acid on a pre-industrial scale. By combining cutting-edge thermal and enzymatic technologies, innovative fermentation and electrochemical processes, the consortium led by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Belgium will pave the way for a sustainable, resource-efficient, and circular bioeconomy.

Over the course of the project, extensive validation and demonstration activities in various European locations will take place to optimize the production process at a pre-industrial scale, evaluate the environmental impact and circularity of the process, and validate its economic feasibility. The final products, namely succinic acid-based polyester and resins will also be validated e.g. in products for the textiles industry, guaranteeing the products meet the required technical and economic specifications. The results and insights of LUCRA will help to turn common waste and residue materials into a valuable resource for chemical products.

LUCRA is a great example of how CBE JU-funded initiatives advance sustainable and competitive bio-based industries. By setting up innovative bio-based processes and value chains, LUCRA will unlock the potential of sustainable biomass and reduce CO₂ emissions compared to traditional production methods, which will help strengthen Europe's sustainability.

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is one of the project partners and leader of the communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement activities. Its main tasks include the strategy development and implementation of the communication and dissemination of the LUCRA results to promote awareness, engagement, acceptance and uptake among several stakeholders at the local and European levels. In addition, SEZ coordinates the collaboration with other relevant projects, initiatives, and activities.

Further Information:

• Funding: European Commission, Circular Bio-based Join Undertaking
• Funding budget for all partners: 4 682 743  EUR
• Participating countries: Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom
• Project duration: 07/2023 – 06/2027