- The biorefinery will process 20,000 tonnes of agricultural sidestreams annually.
- The project involves a 20-member team and is led by a small Spanish business.
- 35% of CBE JU's beneficiaries are SMEs, receiving 32% of the funding.
Project Overview
The SUSTAINEXT biorefinery project, funded by CBE JU, has commenced construction in Hervás, Spain. Once operational, the facility will process 20,000 tonnes of agricultural sidestreams annually to produce healthy ingredients for sectors such as food, cosmetics, and chemicals. The project aims to transform an existing plant into a digitalized circular biorefinery, utilizing local medicinal and aromatic plants.
Collaboration and Goals
The project is a collaborative effort involving a 20-member team, led by a small Spanish business. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the value chain, including farmers, researchers, and end-users, to achieve competitiveness and sustainability. The initiative is seen as a model for driving sustainability, innovation, and economic growth in the Extremadura region.
Role of SMEs
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the project, with NATAC as the coordinator. SMEs make up 35% of CBE JU's beneficiaries and receive 32% of the partnership's funding. They also coordinate 15% of over 190 CBE JU-funded projects, highlighting their importance in scaling up Europe's bio-based sector.
Regional Impact
The SUSTAINEXT project is expected to bring substantial value to rural areas like Extremadura by creating new business opportunities and highly skilled jobs. Its zero-waste and zero-emissions model aims to boost the local economy and serve as a template for other regions. The project is seen as a pioneering effort in transforming agricultural waste into high-value compounds, promoting innovation and qualified employment in the region.
