As previously revealed by the Irish Farmers Journal, the Irish-based project is formally receiving €22m in European support this Thursday through the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking between the European Union and the private sector.
Based on the new bioeconomy campus in Lisheen, Co Tipperary, AgriChemWhey will convert dairy by-products know as whey permeates into lactic acid. This product can be used in industries including biodegradable plastics, bio-based fertiliser and minerals, the project's promoters said.
Enormous potential for replication in other areas across Europe
"AgriChemWhey is a highly innovative research project which, if successful, will serve as a flagship for Europe’s growing bio-economy, contributing towards a more resource efficient European dairy sector, with enormous potential for replication in other areas across Europe, while also providing a boost to jobs and growth in Europe's rural economy,” said European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan as he announced the funding in Dublin.
Project leader Glanbia will partner with Commercial Mushrooms Producers Co-op, Teagasc, Tipperary County Council as well as researchers from several European universities including Trinity College and UCD.
Global challenge
“AgriChemWhey represents a fantastic opportunity for bioeconomy leaders, including UCD, Glanbia, and the other project partners, to use their expertise to implement new technologies, at industrial scale, that address global challenges," said UCD vice-president for research, innovation and impact Prof Orla Feely.
"Such challenges include the sustainable conversion of by-products from the dairy processing industry into high-value products."
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