#Recycling / Circular Economy

2023-03-02

The Tech4Biowaste database: Getting biowaste conversion technologies out of the dark

The Tech4Biowaste database is the first and only open-source database for biowaste conversion technologies. At 10:00 CET on 30 March 2023, its creators will guide the audience through the database in the free online webinar: "The Tech4Biowaste database: Getting biowaste conversion technologies out of the dark." Registration is open now.

Tech4Biowaste Webinar Banner 2 – Biowaste and conversion technologies lining up for you / Source: nova-Institut GmbH

The European Tech4Biowaste project (tech4biowaste.eu) started in April 2021. The project consortium aimed at helping technology providers and searchers to find each other. Their goal was to provide an openly accessible dynamic database of relevant technologies of biowaste utilisation. One year later, in early 2022, the Tech4Biowaste database went online (tech4biowaste.eu/wiki). After populating the database over the last 12 months, the developers will showcase the database during a webinar on 30 March 2023, 10:00 CET. A database user, a technology provider and an advisory board member will share their experience. Technology owners will be shown, the long-term strategy for the project will be presented and the audience will be able to ask questions during a Q&A session. The programme and information on free registration are available online as of today:

https://www.bohezproductions.com/tech4biowaste

Who benefits from the Tech4Biowaste database?

Biowaste producers and converters can benefit from the database in four different ways:

1) Finding new biowaste valorisation technologies

The Tech4Biowaste database covers technology readiness levels four and higher, relevant feeds and products. The database contains up-to-date information, is user-friendly, well-maintained and accessible to everybody.

2) Presenting technologies

Biowaste valorisation technology providers can enter their company profile directly on the suitable technology page. Technology searchers will directly find the company profiles when looking for specific technologies.

3) Finding technology providers

Biowaste providers can find the right application for their feedstock and search for technologies and technology suppliers. Suppliers provide information and technical details about their technologies.

4) Comparing technologies

The one-stop and comprehensive biowaste technology overview is complemented by a technology comparison tool. The tool helps users to find the technology fit for their application.

Who is behind the Tech4Biowaste project?

"We started Tech4Biowaste to address the needs of industrial actors and meet these with a Wikipedia-style database that once operational both the ‘users’ and the ‘suppliers’ of the database will help to maintain.", John Vos (BTG)

The Tech4Biowaste consortium is led by BTG (Biomass Technology Group BV, The Netherlands, http://www.btgworld.com/en). The two other project partners are BBEPP (Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Belgium, http://www.bbeu.org) and nova-Institute (Germany, http://www.nova-institute.eu).

Tech4Biowaste is closely linked with two partner projects: Pilots4U, the Europe-wide network and database of open access multipurpose pilot and demo infrastructures for the European bio-economy (http://www.biopilots4u.eu) and the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) which aims to support and speed up the transition from fossil carbon to renewable carbon for all organic chemicals and materials (http://www.renewable-carbon-initiative.com).

Funding

This project receives funding from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101023200. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Bio-based Industries Consortium.

Tech4Biowaste Webinar Banner 1 – Getting biowaste conversion technologies out of the dark / Source: nova-Institut GmbH

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.