On 20 May 2026, the Coordinator, Kyriakos Panopoulos (CERTH), participated in the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) 2026 held in The Hague, Netherlands.
During the event, he presented “Incubating Circular Business Models for Soil Health: The Waste4Soil Living Lab Approach to Digestate Valorisation”, highlighting innovative approaches developed within the Waste4Soil project for enhancing soil health through circular bioeconomy solutions and advanced digestate valorisation pathways.
Advancing Circular Business Models through Living Labs
Waste4Soil develops and tests circular business models that transform biowaste and digestate into high-value fertilising products through Soil Living Labs. The project aims to close nutrient loops and strengthen collaboration between key stakeholders across the bio-based value chain, including food industries, biogas plants, and farmers.
In Greece, the approach integrates Selective Electrodialysis and composting with innovative business model design to demonstrate practical pathways for nutrient recovery and soil improvement at scale.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The emerging circular models—including cooperative hubs, SME-led initiatives, and public–private partnerships—demonstrate multiple benefits:
- Reduced operational and treatment costs
- New revenue streams from waste valorisation
- Increased trust in circular fertilising products
- Stronger collaboration across the agri-food and bioenergy sectors
Supporting the EU Soil Mission
By combining technological innovation with Living Lab methodologies, Waste4Soil provides an evidence-based framework for scaling circular soil solutions across Europe. These activities contribute directly to the objectives of the EU Soil Mission, supporting healthier soils, improved nutrient cycling, and more sustainable agricultural systems.
Further Information
Read more about the presentation at EUBCE 2026: EUBCE 2026 Abstract
