1. Can you briefly introduce your team? What’s your story and what drives you?
Our team unites research, industry, and cluster organizations to make construction more sustainable. CETMA leads as an RTO specialized in eco-innovative materials; UNIMORE contributes scientific excellence in bio-based materials; Agrifood Clust-ER connects agri-food producers and waste suppliers; and NTC&R translates research into industrial products. We are driven by the vision of transforming local bio-waste into valuable, low-carbon construction materials (mortars).
2. In simple words, what is your project about and how is it linked with CIRCULOOS?
BIO.CO.R.N.ER turns agri-food and marine waste—like rice husks and mussel shells—into eco-friendly mortars for sustainable buildings. It links directly with CIRCULOOS by using its digital tools (RAMP, GRETA, and the Data Platform) to trace materials, measure environmental impact, and connect circular economy actors in Emilia-Romagna.
3. How did you come up with this project idea/concept and what innovative benefits will it bring to the end users?
The idea came from recognizing the unused potential of regional bio-waste and the construction sector’s urgent need for low-carbon materials. The project introduces two innovative bio-based mortars that cut CO₂ emissions by up to 30% and integrate up to 70% bio-waste. End users—builders, designers, and public authorities—gain high- performance materials aligned with green building standards like LEED, NZEB, and CAM.
4. What type of synergies do you want to explore/are already exploring with other circular economy partners?
Through CIRCULOOS, we’re connecting new bio-waste suppliers, green manufacturers, and digital solution providers. We aim to expand these synergies across clusters—especially Agrifood and Build Clust-ER—to promote cross-sector collaboration and replication in other EU regions.
5. What are your plans for the future when it comes to the development of your ideas & projects?
Our goal is to scale up the BIO.CO.R.N.ER model beyond Emilia-Romagna, involving new SMEs and regional partners. We plan to industrialize the bio-based mortars, extend digital traceability to more products, and replicate the circular value chain in other Italian and European regions. Ultimately, we want to make circular bio-materials a mainstream choice in construction.