Key Challenges
Researchers
Decrease in food waste by 2030
Recycling rate of plastics by 2030
Waste Resource Research
Tackling Food, Plastic, and CO₂ Waste
We transform food, plastic, and carbon waste into valuable resources through circular technologies, helping drive Ireland and Europe toward a sustainable bioeconomy.
Green Chemistry for the Bioeconomy
This challenge aims to enable Irish and international industries to replace fossil-derived and waste-intensive processes with scalable green chemistry solutions, guided by the principles of green chemistry
Key Research Areas
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Continuous flow chemistry and modular reactor design.
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Catalysis, biocatalysis and microbial biotechnology.
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Polymer design for biodegradability and circularity.
Food Waste
This challenge focuses on preventing food waste and turning unavoidable waste into valuable products. Researchers are finding new ways to reduce food losses across the supply chain, from farms to consumers, while creating renewable energy, biobased fertilisers, and chemicals from leftover materials.
Key Research Areas
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Cut food waste by 25% via prevention and innovation.
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Turn leftover food into biogas, fertilisers, and biochemicals.
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Boost food system circularity with data and community action.
Plastics
This challenge aims to transform how we produce, use, and reuse plastics. BiOrbic researchers are developing new biobased, compostable, and recyclable plastics, while finding innovative ways to break down and repurpose mixed plastic waste. The goal is to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions, and recover valuable materials from what we currently throw away.
Key Research Areas
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Develop biodegradable plastics with a 50% lower carbon footprint.
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Increase plastic recycling and re-circulation to 55% by 2030.
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Create technologies to turn mixed plastic waste into new materials.
Why This Research Matters
Turning Waste into Sustainable Value
Every waste stream is a lost opportunity. Our research captures that lost value, cutting pollution, supporting new green industries, and strengthening resource independence.
Close the Loop
Keep materials in use through recycling, bioconversion, and reuse.
Reduce Emissions
Lower GHGs from food, plastics, and industrial waste.
Create Circular Value
Turn waste into energy, materials, and products that support local economies.
Innovate Sustainably
Develop scalable technologies to be adopted by industries across Ireland and Europe.
Aligned with EU Targets
Supporting a Circular, Low-Emission Future
This pillar supports Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-emission economy in line with major EU objectives.
European Green Deal
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Food waste – 50% decrease in retail & consumer food waste by 2030
European Green Deal
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Plastic waste –55% recycling rate of plastics by 2030
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Pesticides – 50% reduction by 2030
Turning Waste into Value
From Waste Streams to Valuable Resources
Turning Waste into Opportunity
We treat waste as a starting point for innovation, transforming food, plastic, and carbon emissions into valuable resources through circular systems and advanced technologies that reduce waste and recover lost materials.
Leading the Circular Bioeconomy
Our mission is to position Ireland and Europe at the forefront of a circular bioeconomy, where waste becomes feedstock for new products, energy, and materials.
Key Challenges
Researchers
Decrease in food waste by 2030
Recycling rate of plastics by 2030
