BIOCORNER BIO-waste for a Coordinated and Regenerative New supply chain of eco-sustainable building materials in Emilia-Romagna region

Challenge

Agri-food, aquaculture and marine residues are often underused, while construction materials still depend heavily on carbon-intensive virgin resources.

Solution

BIOCORNER develops bio-based mortar formulations using regional waste streams such as rice residues, mollusc shells and marine plant fibres. The project connects these materials with the construction sector through an industrial-symbiosis model that combines advanced mortar formulation with digital traceability and lifecycle monitoring. The solution includes material routes at TRL 8 and TRL 6, showing different levels of technological maturity and market readiness.

Impact

BIOCORNER aims to increase the share of bio-waste used in construction materials, divert regional residues from landfill and reduce the embodied carbon associated with conventional construction products. The project estimates a potential annual revenue of €6.3 million, with an initial application capacity of around 120,000 m² per year and a potential material demand of up to 9 million kg per year. By connecting regional waste streams with high-value construction applications, BIOCORNER demonstrates how industrial symbiosis can create new markets while reducing resource use and environmental impact.