On 11 December 2024, the SURFs UP consortium gathered in Tallinn, Estonia, for its 6-month project meeting, hosted by Fibenol. The event represented an important milestone, offering a platform to review progress, share knowledge, and define the next actions required to achieve the project’s ambitious objectives.
Discussions focused on advancing the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) production of second-generation biosurfactants, an activity led by Leitat. These innovative compounds are derived from renewable, biobased feedstocks such as hardwood sugars, lignin from wood processing residues, and waste streams from regional food production.
A key highlight of the meeting was the visit to the Fibenol Plant in Imavere (Estonia), where partners observed state-of-the-art biorefinery technologies first-hand. This visit reinforced the project’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in developing high-performance and cost-effective biosurfactants.
Next steps for SURFs UP
In the months ahead, the consortium will focus on:
- Characterising biosurfactants and ensuring compliance with the SSbD framework.
- Conducting ecotoxicity testing to evaluate environmental impact.
- Engaging stakeholders through consumer surveys, gathering input from managers, policymakers, and the general public.
- Preparing for the launch of the SURFs UP DEMO Plant, a decisive step towards industrial-scale microbial biosurfactant production.
Leitat, as one of the project partners, is strongly committed to driving the development of sustainable biosurfactants and contributing to a greener, more innovative future.
