About the project
The EMBEDED project aims to demonstrate alternative business models in 36 months by transforming waste from Europe traditional agrifood industries into biochar and construction boards, with a long-term carbon sink effect and short resilient value chains. The validation of the km.0 application of biochar on primary producer plantations and the regional market characterization will be conducted. Valorisation streams aim to combine marginal revenues from mainstream residues (olive pomace, olive stones, grape mark) with overlooked or underutilised ones (cork bark left on field, press-cake from fresh grass, grape stems), with five demonstration pilots planned in Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and Czech Republic. Four of the pilots will have pyrolysis for the manufacture of biochar, using a modular method that fits pre- and post-conditioning phases into a single–maned portable unit. In two of the pilots, extractive methods aimed at bio-active chemicals will be evaluated to determine the added benefit of a cascade valorisation. Using a modular but stationary pilot, the Board production plant will capitalize on the cork outputs geographical.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Design and commissioning of 3 modular plants for the local production/obtention of bio-materials and bioactive compounds.
On-site demonstration of the pyrolysis plant for the valorisation of 50 tons of waste in 2 campaigns.
Demonstration and optimisation of the regional production of sustainable non-wood boards made from cork waste.
Certification, registration and/or validation of 4 bio-materials, 2 biofertilisers and 8 prototypes.
Consolidation of business cases for portable pyrolysis plant and cork board production and their environmental impact.
Clustering with stakeholders and governmental bodies.
IMPACT
EMBEDED will drive progress toward a climate-neutral bioeconomy by demonstrating how local, modular technologies can unlock the value of overlooked agricultural and forestry residues. Through its portable pyrolysis units and cascade valorisation approach, the project aims to transform more than 50 tonnes of biomass into biochar, biofertilisers, and other climate-positive materials, while avoiding up to 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of biochar produced. EMBEDED strengthens the role of primary producers, supports cleaner land management practices that reduce wildfire risk, and contributes to higher quality GHG accounting through region-specific data. With strong engagement from rural stakeholders, the project will also deliver open calls, training, and field demos to scale up adoption across Europe.