European Innovation Council

Woodio is a design-oriented company that specializes in innovative material technology for bathroom applications. The firm has developed a fully waterproof wood composite made from real wood chips, allowing for a range of design options while prioritizing sustainability. This technology offers customers fully recyclable biomaterials, enabling them to enhance and redesign their bathrooms with eco-friendly solutions. Woodio's focus on combining aesthetics with functionality positions it as a unique player in the market for bathroom design materials.

Woodio is a design-oriented company that specializes in innovative material technology for bathroom applications. The firm has developed a fully waterproof wood composite made from real wood chips, allowing for a range of design options while prioritizing sustainability. This technology offers customers fully recyclable biomaterials, enabling them to enhance and redesign their bathrooms with eco-friendly solutions. Woodio's focus on combining aesthetics with functionality positions it as a unique player in the market for bathroom design materials.

The Intelligence Behind Global Circularity VCG.AI transforms industrial by-products and waste into valuable resources. AI-powered development of circular economy business models with the latest technology, material, market, and regulatory insights. Their proprietary AI solution, the Value Chain Generator®, helps companies, cities, and regions accelerate the transition to a circular economy, through Valorisation of By-products and Waste, Circular Product Development, Regional Circular Opportunities Assessment. When organisations want to better valorise by-products and waste, develop or source circular materials, or enhance circularity in their value chains, VCG.AI analyses thousands of data points to deliver the optimal solution tailored to their specific needs and locations. What once took months or years can now be achieved in just weeks—without the need to hire additional technology or bioeconomy experts. VCG.AI’s ever-expanding system includes: - 650+ validated circular solutions - 150+ different proven valorisation technologies - 3.5 M companies - 4M tons of project-ready organic residuals across Europe VCG.AI is on a mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by unlocking circular opportunities for businesses worldwide. Learn more about them at www.vcg.ai.

Norbite is a biotech research firm focused on converting plastic waste into sustainable products through an innovative insect-based biorefinery. The company's technology integrates biorefinery and vertical farming methods to process plastic waste, yielding larvae that are bio-refined into proteins suitable for food and feed applications. By offering sustainable solutions, Norbite aims to contribute positively to environmental efforts while providing clients with valuable products and services.

Miwa is a retail solution provider focused on minimizing single-use packaging through a circular economy strategy. The company offers a system that includes reusable containers designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability. These sealable and reusable containers work alongside electronic dispensers located in retail environments, facilitating the bulk distribution of both food and non-food products. By enabling producers and retailers to store and dispense items in a hygienic manner, Miwa aims to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to retail.

Releaf Paper is a producer of sustainable paper products that utilizes fallen leaves as a raw material, aiming to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional paper production. By sourcing leaves from city parks and other urban areas, Releaf Paper offers an innovative alternative to wood-based paper. Their technology not only addresses sustainability concerns but also minimizes water and energy consumption in the manufacturing process. This approach enables paper manufacturers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices while contributing to a circular economy.

IonKraft, a German technology company, specializes in plasma coating solutions for multi-material plastic containers. Their innovative plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process enables recyclability in packaging for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. By promoting material reduction and reuse, IonKraft aims to enhance performance and lower costs, backed by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

FLEXOFibers specializes in the production of recycled flexible steel fibers designed for concrete reinforcement. The company utilizes steel fibers derived from the waste generated during the tire recycling process. These fibers exhibit high tensile strength and flexibility, featuring a reduced diameter that allows for the creation of large quantities of filaments per unit of weight. As a result, clients can achieve lower dosages per cubic meter of concrete while enhancing its resistance to abrasion and breakage. Additionally, the incorporation of these fibers helps prevent micro-cracks and shrinkage, contributing to the overall durability and performance of concrete structures.

ROSI is a company based in Grenoble, France, that focuses on innovative recycling and revalorization technologies tailored for the photovoltaic industry. The company specializes in recovering ultra-pure silicon and other valuable metals that are typically lost during the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells and at the end of solar panel life cycles. By valorizing silicon waste generated during the solar wafer slicing process, as well as fine silicon particles lost during production, ROSI aims to make the production of photovoltaic modules more sustainable and cost-effective.

Releaf Paper is a producer of sustainable paper products that utilizes fallen leaves as a raw material, aiming to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional paper production. By sourcing leaves from city parks and other urban areas, Releaf Paper offers an innovative alternative to wood-based paper. Their technology not only addresses sustainability concerns but also minimizes water and energy consumption in the manufacturing process. This approach enables paper manufacturers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices while contributing to a circular economy.

FLEXOFibers specializes in the production of recycled flexible steel fibers designed for concrete reinforcement. The company utilizes steel fibers derived from the waste generated during the tire recycling process. These fibers exhibit high tensile strength and flexibility, featuring a reduced diameter that allows for the creation of large quantities of filaments per unit of weight. As a result, clients can achieve lower dosages per cubic meter of concrete while enhancing its resistance to abrasion and breakage. Additionally, the incorporation of these fibers helps prevent micro-cracks and shrinkage, contributing to the overall durability and performance of concrete structures.

Circu Li-Ion is a Luxembourg-based start-up focused on automated battery disassembly and diagnostics, aimed at enhancing the remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The company's innovative platform features three main components: a battery library, an application layer, and robotic disassembly systems. These systems significantly reduce costs by limiting manual labor and indirect expenses, achieving a 47% cost reduction overall. With 67% robot autonomy, Circu Li-Ion minimizes human intervention during disassembly, thereby increasing safety and ensuring a 95% component recovery rate. This process not only preserves the material value of batteries but also helps clients capitalize on the potential for upcycling components, addressing labor shortages while contributing positively to environmental goals.

Tozero, founded in July 2022 in Munich, Germany, by Sarah Fleischer and Dr. Ksenija Milicevic Neumann, focuses on developing technology for recycling lithium-ion batteries. The company aims to create a scalable machine that recovers essential materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese in an environmentally sustainable manner. By facilitating the recovery of these critical materials, Tozero enables industries to reintegrate fresh raw materials back into the supply chain, thereby supporting broader decarbonization efforts.

Resortecs is a company focused on advancing sustainability in the fashion industry through innovative design for disassembly. It offers heat-dissolvable stitching threads and thermal disassembly systems that simplify the recycling process for brands and recyclers. The Smart Stitch™ thread is designed to dissolve at specific temperatures, allowing garments to be easily transformed into recyclable materials from the manufacturing stage. Additionally, the Smart Disassembly™ system enables recyclers to efficiently process large volumes of garments, recovering up to 90% of the original fabric without damaging the material. This solution enhances the ability to recycle textiles, aiming to meet the environmental challenges of the fashion industry while maintaining high standards of quality and design. Resortecs is committed to facilitating the circular economy by making recycling more accessible and effective, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future in fashion.

Susphos is engaged in upcycling phosphate-rich waste streams to produce sustainable alternatives to fossil-sourced products. The company focuses on developing waste recycling technology that optimally processes these materials, transforming them into market-recognized products. By emphasizing the reuse of all components and minimizing waste, Susphos aims to create a waste-free process that benefits various industries. Their innovative approach not only addresses the environmental impacts associated with traditional fossil-based materials but also contributes to a circular economy by maximizing the value of waste resources.

Susphos is engaged in upcycling phosphate-rich waste streams to produce sustainable alternatives to fossil-sourced products. The company focuses on developing waste recycling technology that optimally processes these materials, transforming them into market-recognized products. By emphasizing the reuse of all components and minimizing waste, Susphos aims to create a waste-free process that benefits various industries. Their innovative approach not only addresses the environmental impacts associated with traditional fossil-based materials but also contributes to a circular economy by maximizing the value of waste resources.

DePoly is a chemical recycling company focused on addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. Its innovative technology converts post-consumer PET plastic and polyester textiles into their primary raw materials at room temperature, eliminating the need for pre-washing, pre-sorting, or separating other plastics. This process enables the production of high-quality raw materials that can be reintegrated into the industry, facilitating the creation of new virgin-quality plastic products. By promoting this method, DePoly aims to contribute to a circular plastic economy, supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Gr3n Recycling has developed an innovative technology that enables the chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and food containers in a cost-effective manner. By applying microwave technology to a well-established chemical reaction, Gr3n has created a process that not only facilitates the industrial implementation of PET recycling but also depolymerizes polyester textiles to yield virgin PET. This groundbreaking approach has the potential to transform the global PET recycling landscape, offering significant financial benefits and cost savings for the recycling industry.

Ecopolplast is a manufacturing company that innovates in the utilization of recycled materials. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Poland.

Deasyl specializes in the development of innovative, eco-friendly chemical solutions aimed at transforming traditional chemical processes. The company focuses on creating scalable methods that are utilized by major players in the fine chemical and petrochemical industries. By advancing clean technology, Deasyl promotes sustainable practices through waste valorization and the conversion of biomass into renewable products. Their work encompasses recycling processes and the production of biodiesel, allowing clients to adopt greener technologies and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Miwa is a retail solution provider focused on minimizing single-use packaging through a circular economy strategy. The company offers a system that includes reusable containers designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability. These sealable and reusable containers work alongside electronic dispensers located in retail environments, facilitating the bulk distribution of both food and non-food products. By enabling producers and retailers to store and dispense items in a hygienic manner, Miwa aims to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to retail.

CO2 Bioclean is a biotechnology company that serves the environment with treatments for climate change, pollution, and waste management. The company is based in Kronberg, Hesse.

Green Spot Technologies specializes in nutrition and sustainability by producing upcycled food ingredients. The company utilizes a fermentation platform to convert wasted fruit and vegetable by-products into low-carb flour that offers enhanced nutritional value and functionality. This innovative process results in flour that is rich in protein and dietary fiber while being low in starch, sugars, and fats. By focusing on upcycling, Green Spot Technologies aims to reduce food waste and provide healthier alternatives for clients in the food industry.

CO2 Bioclean is a biotechnology company that serves the environment with treatments for climate change, pollution, and waste management. The company is based in Kronberg, Hesse.

Green Spot Technologies specializes in nutrition and sustainability by producing upcycled food ingredients. The company utilizes a fermentation platform to convert wasted fruit and vegetable by-products into low-carb flour that offers enhanced nutritional value and functionality. This innovative process results in flour that is rich in protein and dietary fiber while being low in starch, sugars, and fats. By focusing on upcycling, Green Spot Technologies aims to reduce food waste and provide healthier alternatives for clients in the food industry.

Miwa is a retail solution provider focused on minimizing single-use packaging through a circular economy strategy. The company offers a system that includes reusable containers designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability. These sealable and reusable containers work alongside electronic dispensers located in retail environments, facilitating the bulk distribution of both food and non-food products. By enabling producers and retailers to store and dispense items in a hygienic manner, Miwa aims to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to retail.

Woodio is a design-oriented company that specializes in innovative material technology for bathroom applications. The firm has developed a fully waterproof wood composite made from real wood chips, allowing for a range of design options while prioritizing sustainability. This technology offers customers fully recyclable biomaterials, enabling them to enhance and redesign their bathrooms with eco-friendly solutions. Woodio's focus on combining aesthetics with functionality positions it as a unique player in the market for bathroom design materials.

Resortecs is a company focused on advancing sustainability in the fashion industry through innovative design for disassembly. It offers heat-dissolvable stitching threads and thermal disassembly systems that simplify the recycling process for brands and recyclers. The Smart Stitch™ thread is designed to dissolve at specific temperatures, allowing garments to be easily transformed into recyclable materials from the manufacturing stage. Additionally, the Smart Disassembly™ system enables recyclers to efficiently process large volumes of garments, recovering up to 90% of the original fabric without damaging the material. This solution enhances the ability to recycle textiles, aiming to meet the environmental challenges of the fashion industry while maintaining high standards of quality and design. Resortecs is committed to facilitating the circular economy by making recycling more accessible and effective, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future in fashion.

Mimbly is a company focused on sustainability through innovative water-saving and microplastic-capturing solutions. It manufactures a system designed for laundry applications that recycles water in washing processes. This system connects to a washing machine via a water intake valve, where it tracks, analyzes, and purifies water during each cycle, allowing for its reuse. Mimbly's technology enables professional laundry facilities to adopt more sustainable practices, significantly conserving water, reducing microplastic pollution, and lowering CO2 emissions.

ROSI is a company based in Grenoble, France, that focuses on innovative recycling and revalorization technologies tailored for the photovoltaic industry. The company specializes in recovering ultra-pure silicon and other valuable metals that are typically lost during the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells and at the end of solar panel life cycles. By valorizing silicon waste generated during the solar wafer slicing process, as well as fine silicon particles lost during production, ROSI aims to make the production of photovoltaic modules more sustainable and cost-effective.

TomaPaint specializes in the production of eco-friendly bio-resins derived from by-products of industrial tomato processing. The company focuses on creating organic-based lacquers designed for use in food packaging, particularly for the internal coating of food cans. This innovative approach offers an ecological alternative to traditional synthetic petrochemical-based resins, significantly reducing carbon emissions and the use of hazardous chemicals. In addition to its core products, TomaPaint is involved in tomato processing and waste recycling, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

TomaPaint specializes in the production of eco-friendly bio-resins derived from by-products of industrial tomato processing. The company focuses on creating organic-based lacquers designed for use in food packaging, particularly for the internal coating of food cans. This innovative approach offers an ecological alternative to traditional synthetic petrochemical-based resins, significantly reducing carbon emissions and the use of hazardous chemicals. In addition to its core products, TomaPaint is involved in tomato processing and waste recycling, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Woodio is a design-oriented company that specializes in innovative material technology for bathroom applications. The firm has developed a fully waterproof wood composite made from real wood chips, allowing for a range of design options while prioritizing sustainability. This technology offers customers fully recyclable biomaterials, enabling them to enhance and redesign their bathrooms with eco-friendly solutions. Woodio's focus on combining aesthetics with functionality positions it as a unique player in the market for bathroom design materials.

Wimao is passionate about ecological composites. Their operations are based on patented technology. They work to promote a circular economy and to find new ways of utilizing recycled raw materials and industrial side streams. Their company was established in 2016 to commercialize the patented production technology. In 2018, after careful product and process development, their first production plant became operational in the Kukkuroinmäki area in Lappeenranta, where they also work in close collaboration with (waste management company) Etelä-Karjalan Jätehuolto Oy.

Wimao is passionate about ecological composites. Their operations are based on patented technology. They work to promote a circular economy and to find new ways of utilizing recycled raw materials and industrial side streams. Their company was established in 2016 to commercialize the patented production technology. In 2018, after careful product and process development, their first production plant became operational in the Kukkuroinmäki area in Lappeenranta, where they also work in close collaboration with (waste management company) Etelä-Karjalan Jätehuolto Oy.

RePack is a company based in Helsinki, Finland, that specializes in manufacturing reusable and recyclable packaging solutions for online retailers and shoppers. Founded in 2013, RePack offers durable packaging bags made from materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and cardboard, which can be conveniently returned for recycling. The innovative system encourages customers to participate in sustainability efforts by rewarding them with vouchers for future purchases when they return the packaging. This model not only enhances the customer experience but also aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions. RePack's packaging is designed to be folded into a letter-sized format for easy return via local postal systems, making it a practical option for eCommerce businesses looking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.