The EMBEDED project (2025–2028) is an EU-funded initiative focused on building alternative, sustainable business models by transforming agricultural waste into long-lasting, carbon-storing materials. Over the next 36 months, EMBEDED will pilot the conversion of residues from traditional agri-food sectors, such as olive pomace, grape mark, cork bark, and others, into biochar and construction boards. These pilots, spread across Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and the Czech Republic, aim to create short, resilient value chains with regional economic and environmental impact.
At the core of the project is a modular approach to pyrolysis, fitting pre- and post-processing into a single, portable unit operated by one person. Four pilots will focus on biochar production, while a fifth will explore board manufacturing using local cork byproducts. EMBEDED will also assess biochar use directly on nearby plantations (km.0 applications) and evaluate cascade valorisation strategies, including the extraction of bioactive compounds for added value. The project doesn’t just aim to demonstrate new technologies; it’s about integrating them into real agricultural and industrial systems.
The consortium brings together 15 partners (including SMEs, research institutions, and key players in regional agri-food sectors) working collaboratively across disciplines and borders. With the kick-off meeting held on June 6, the project is now in motion. Our website has just launched, the first newsletter is coming soon, and updates will follow regularly on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and soon YouTube.
