Other commissioned projects
Apart from the wild card projects, we are also funding small projects to investigate specific research questions. Thus, these projects are not part of an open call but have to address a very specific issue.
Below you see a list of the projects that have been funded so far.
Increasing the role of the financial sector in material transition: The scale-up problem and key lessons
Researchers
Francisco Alpizar, Alfons Oude Lansink, Kaleb Jada
Key message
For the EU to achieve its climate goals, it is crucial to quicken the shift away from fossil raw materials. Finding scalable technologies and directing private funding toward them is necessary to achieve this transition.
Developing and piloting a method to determine bottlenecks for scaling bio-material innovations, and R&D and partnership needs
Researchers
Mariette Campell, Cees Leeuwis
Key message
The bio-material technologies developed by WUR researchers require other complementary innovations before they can scale out successfully and contribute to the transition to a bio-economy. The developed method helps researchers and other stakeholders to conduct a quick-scan of their bio-material innovation, what additional innovations are required, and what strategic partnerships should be established.
Development of renewable textiles from biodegradable polyesters
Researchers
Bhavya Goyal, Sharon Chu, Evelien Maaskant, Wouter Post
Key message
This study builds on a previous study (Maaskant et al. 2023) that describes that phasing out current fossil based polyesters is only feasible if renewable biodegradable alternatives are used that do not accumulate as microplastic particles in the environment. The study suggests that several alternatives (PBS, PBSA and PLA) stand out based on their mechanical performance and biodegradability. The present study aims to demonstrate the processability into yarns of these polymers and studies the physical factors, such as fabric softness, that impact the potential use of these materials in the transition towards a more sustainable textile industry.
Routes to use CO2 as feedstock for textiles and building materials
Researchers
Daan van Vliet, Maarten Verhoeven, Evelien Maaskant, Wouter Post
Key message
In order to successfully phase out fossil carbon it is crucial that effective and efficient routes are developed to convert carbon dioxide into functional building blocks. This project investigates which of the existing sources and conversion routes are suitable for replacing fossil carbon in textiles and building materials. Subsequently it will defined which research questions require attention to bring these technologies to a higher readiness level and how the expertise of Wageningen University & Research can assist these specific transitions.