Aims and objectives
Aim:
Rehap aims to strengthen the European bio-economy industry by creating novel materials from agricultural and forestry waste, and considering how they can be used commercially in the green building sector.
Objectives:
- Develop methods to convert natural wastes into sustainable polyurethanes. These can be used to develop insulation foams and adhesives, as well as fire retardant products.
- Develop new high-performance bio-resins to produce eco-friendly wooden panels.
- Produce eco-friendly sustainable cement with improved properties.
- Design and assemble an environmentally sustainable and fire resistant construction solution.
- Demonstrate the development of eco-friendly products and their sustainability and business potential compared to existing solutions.
Methodology – how it will deliver
Stage 1:
- Purification of platforms from wastes
- Development of building blocks and resins
- Development of fire retardants
Stage 2:
- Up-scaling of chemical and enzymatic processes
- Development of lab-scale products
Stage 3:
- Manufacturing of materials and products at small scale plant
Stage 4:
- Manufacturing of materials and products at pilot scale
Stage 5 (post-project):
- Replication and commercialisation
Meeting EC targets – Creating sustainable patterns of consumption and production
The new processes developed within the REHAP project will facilitate a significant step towards a better use of natural resources and thus will help to reach the three priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy:• Smart growth through the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation• Sustainable growth promoting a resource-efficient, green and more competitive economy• Inclusive growth fostering a high-employment economy
Impacts
• Decreased use of fossil resources and energy in the process industry
• Creation of new jobs in the bio-based products sector
• Improved innovation capacity and the integration of new knowledge at EU level
• Improved industrial competitiveness
