Activities | BioTHOP

The execution of LIFE projects is divided in five categories of actions:

A. Preparatory actions (BioTHOP has one: Action A1)
B. Implementation actions (BioTHOP has five: Actions B1 to B5)
C. Monitoring the impact of the project actions (BioTHOP has two: Actions C1 and C2)
D. Public awareness and dissemination of results (BioTHOP has two: Actions D1 and D2)
E. Project management (BioTHOP has one: Action E1)

A. Preparatory actions

A1 Field tests with current PLA Twine & Hop waste preparation

Before starting with LIFE BioTHOP, Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing (IHPS) was carrying out preliminary tests of the commercially available PLA Elite Bio Twine, produced and supplied by Lankhorst Yarns (LEP).

B1 Hop waste transformation into new valuable feedstock

Compost is suitable for use as organic fertilizer if it meets the requirements of the regulation governing the introduction of dangerous substances and plant matter into the soil.

B2 Adjustability of PLA Twine for Hop-Growing Sector

Action B2 will demonstrate the feasibility of using the modified PLA twine in the hop growing industry. To this end, Lankhorst Yarns (LEP) will modify the twine material for increased weather resistance and mechanical performance, while taking into account the biodegradable regulations for onsite composting.

B3 Demonstration Pilot in Packaging Sector

Action B3 will demonstrate the feasibility of using the transformed hop waste fibre sheets in the packaging sector. To this end, TRIDAS will produce the packaging demonstrator – the box inserts for wine bottles packaging, based on pulp moulding technology, with the material supplied by Zelfo Technology (ZT).

B4 Demonstration Pilot in Horticulture Accessories Sector

Action B4 will demonstrate the feasibility of using the recovered fibres from hop waste residues in reinforced PLA composite materials, intended for injection moulding application in horticulture production sector.

B5 Replicability and Transferability

Within Action B5 we will replicate and transfer the BioTHOP results to other EU regions and industrial sectors. The replicability and transferability of project results on three-fold level: (1) other transformation processes (extrusion blow moulding), (2) new applications (bio-films), and (3) trans-regional, and the demonstrative replication will be implemented in at least 5 other EU States.

C1 Monitoring of the project impact

Action C1 includes key indications for a successful project execution and completion, project monitoring and impact evaluation.

C2 Conclusions and recommendations

Conclusions and Recommendations of the project will be based on the monitoring. The evaluation will compare expected objectives with the progress results of the preparatory action (A1) and implementation actions (B1-B5) to evaluate the project's outputs and the benefits of its products.

D1 Communication strategy

The main objectives of the communication strategy is to ensure a proper and correct delivery of information, and sufficient impact of the project's development & results.

D2 Dissemination of the project results and stakeholders involvement

In Action D2 all partners will disseminate the project results at local, regional and international level and boost the involvement of stakeholders during and after the project execution.

E1 Project management

Project management includes the overall management of the project, following the latest LIFE Regulation Amendments and the procedures and governance structure as agreed in the Partnership Agreement, including the project’s own Steering Committee Board.