The overriding objective of the Waste2Go project is the innovative transformation of the biogenic fraction (over 55% of MSW) into chemicals with an economic value greater than what could be achieved if it was used as an energy source. The validation of this project objective will be in the production of at least one surfactant that will be demonstrated on a laboratory scale for use in personal care product applications.


Specific objectives:

A. To reduce input, maximise resource productivity and minimise waste from processing along the value chain: The project will valorise an environmental disposal problem (MSW) into materials with economic value (chemical feedstocks), reducing the unsustainable use of fossil derived sources for chemical feedstocks. It will develop bioprocesses to transform biogenic MSW into a range of purified chemical feedstocks. A cascade approach will prioritise outputs against value.

1. Cellulose oligomers (and other oligosaccharides) produced by innovative enzyme strategies will replace petroleum derived materials in the formulation of surfactants and other added value products.
2. Monomeric intermediates will be used as sustainable feedstocks via established biochemical processing routes.
3. Residues will be used to generate energy. This approach will be market driven by representatives of the EU chemical industry, both within the project consortium and through secondary networks, who seek "greener" platform chemicals.

B. To re-use, recycle and recover valuable materials notably from urban waste: It will reuse, recycle and recover biochemicals from MSW. It will create a BAT (best available technology) that is verified by the ETV pre-programme, transforming biogenic MSW into economically viable chemicals. Established recycling options exist for the inorganic material in MSW. Using an approach based on the waste hierarchy, residual material currently not converted into economically viable bio-chemicals, will be assessed for bioenergy generation, both for use within the process (sacrificial use) or for export to power grids.

C. Exploit alternative solutions taking into account the potential of services: This project will develop a full life cycle decentralised business model. As there are variations in MSW composition and management strategies across Europe, this model will be flexible and responsive to local requirements. This model will be widely disseminated across Europe to support market penetration. It will be targeted to all parties involved in the management of a significant urban waste stream (MSW), transforming a problem into a source of new exploitable material.