AGreeNew - New biobased products of the agricultural biorefinery

AGreeNew aims to expand the product portfolio of the agricultural biorefinery. Sour whey, farm manure and green silage will be used as raw materials to produce biosurfactants, fertilizers and protein-rich animal feed. The production processes of these valuable products will be assessed in terms of sustainability and economic potential.

Short Description

Starting point / motivation

The transformation from linear to circular economy bears great opportunities for the regional economic development in Austria. Agriculture generates large quantities of residual materials that can be valorised through the production of valuable products. Due to the complex composition, however, they are rarely utilized economically and often have to be disposed of at additional expense. At the same time, the Austrian economy depends on the import of fossil and unsustainably produced resources.

Contents and goals

AGreeNew refines agricultural residues (sour whey, farm manure and green silage juice) into biosurfactants, fertilizers and protein-rich animal feed. The goal of manufacturing these valuable products from regionally available raw materials is to reduce dependence on fossil and unsustainably produced resources and, at the same time, to strengthen local value creation in the agricultural sector.

Methodological approach

The project includes the technical development and evaluation of the different value chains in terms of their sustainability and economic potential. The environmental benefits will be verified by means of a life cycle assessment (LCA). Particular attention will also be given to the procurement logistics of the dispersedly generated raw materials in order to keep transport distances short and enable the biorefinery site to be located optimally.

Expected results

AGreeNew aims to create a clear data basis for expanding the product portfolio of the agricultural biorefinery. Different value chains for valuable products will be developed and evaluated. The results will serve as a scientifically founded decision-making basis for further implementation.