Circular cropping systems and biobased valorisation

Circular cropping systems reduce losses, emissions and inputs through smart crop rotations, mixed cropping, precision application and reuse of water and nutrients. At the same time, we maximise biomass utilisation: first extracting high-value compounds and materials, followed by energy and soil applications. Our teams combine crop science, breeding and plant physiology with process technology, biorefinery and materials science. In living labs and test facilities – from open field to greenhouse – we validate feasibility in practice. We substantiate decisions with LCA and chain logistics and build robust business cases with partners. Together we accelerate the transition from trial to production, achieving measurable impact on sustainability and profitability.

Our topics include:

• Crop system design and precision farming: smart rotations, intercropping and precise input management ensure more efficient use of water, nutrients and space, with lower losses and emissions.
• Biorefinery of biomass: from lab to pilot scale: we test extraction, fermentation, physical, chemical or biological processing and/or polymerisation for high-value applications, before residual streams are directed to energy or soil use.
• Residual stream valorisation and cascading: we maximise the value of biomass by extracting premium components first, after which residual flows serve as biobased feedstock or energy source.
• LCA and business case development: we support companies with LCA, quality protocols, chain design and financial feasibility – from concept to implementation.
• Upscaling and collaboration: in public-private partnerships, European projects and field labs we work towards sustainable value chains and concrete market solutions with measurable impact.