How EMBRACED pioneered a new era for biorefineries in Italy

Each year, Europeans generate approximately 8.5 million tonnes of Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) waste - nappies, feminine hygiene products, and incontinence pads - that have traditionally been considered non-recyclable and are typically incinerated or sent to a landfill. The EMBRACED project, funded by CBE JU, shattered this perception by proving that AHP waste can be turned into valuable bio-based materials, fertilisers, and bioplastic through an innovative biorefinery approach.

This groundbreaking success not only validated a scientific theory, but also led the Italian government to allocate over €109 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) to support the creation of 11 new biorefineries across the country, expanding the potential of the circular bioeconomy model.

A catalyst for government investment

The impact of EMBRACED went well beyond the laboratory and pilot projects. By effectively showcasing a circular economy model at an industrial scale, the project offered the Italian government a clear roadmap for scaling up bio-based industries. It highlighted the critical role of biorefineries in achieving energy independence, reducing reliance on fossil fuel, and advancing the circular economy, proving that sustainable solutions can be both profitable and scalable.

These developments are expected to boost local economies by creating jobs in sectors such as biotechnology, waste management, and manufacturing. The establishment of biorefineries is expected to stimulate economic activity in the regions where they are located, contributing to the broader goal of a sustainable circular economy. 

The PNRR is a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity to accelerate Italy’s transition to a green and circular economy, solidifying its global position in the sector. The €109 million allocation for biorefineries is expected to have a transformative impact by expanding biorefinery infrastructure, scaling up the EMBRACED model to recycle various waste streams, and diversifying bio-based production (biofuels, bioplastic, biomaterials). By supporting biorefineries, the Italian government aims to boost industrial innovation, attract investments, and improve the country’s competitiveness in green technologies. 

Marco Mattiello, EMBRACED project representative

The technology behind EMBRACED

The EMBRACED project proved the feasibility of recycling AHP waste on an industrial scale, demonstrating both positive environmental and economic benefits. This achievement set the stage for i-Foria, which has since built upon this success by advancing the AHP biorefinery process even further. The project developed a pre-treatment process to separate cellulose, plastic, and polymer, enhancing sustainability and improving AHP recycling beyond previous methods.

EMBRACED successfully demonstrated that valuable materials could be recovered, thereby reducing reliance on virgin resources and lowering CO₂ emissions. These achievements influenced the Italian government’s decision to invest in additional AHP recycling plants, recognising the project as a best-in-class solution for improving waste management and fostering the bio-based economy. These new biorefineries will stand apart from traditional waste management facilities by not merely disposing of waste but by converting it into valuable bio-based resources.

Marcello Somma, founder of i-Foria and holder of key technology patents

Thanks to i-Foria’s advanced technology, Italy is becoming a leader in AHP recycling. The country has implemented a source-segregated AHP waste collection system serving 20 million citizens, enacted the world’s first AHP End-of-Waste decree, and made significant investments in building recycling capacity. These efforts have positioned Italy at the forefront of the circular economy and serve as a model for broader adoption across Europe.

The role of biorefineries in Europe’s green growth

EMBRACED has demonstrated the importance of biorefineries in building a resilient and autonomous Europe. These facilities help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and raw material imports, establish a circular supply chain for local industries, stabilise raw material costs, and lower environmental impacts through decarbonisation.

Biorefineries are one of the strategic tools for making Europe energy independent, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and raw materials from non-EU countries. So, investing in biorefineries means building a more autonomous, resilient Europe, leading the way in energy transition and circular bioeconomy. 

Marcello Somma, founder of i-Foria and holder of key technology patents

Looking ahead, the potential impact of biorefineries is transformative. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, biorefineries will play a crucial role in advancing Europe’s energy independence, creating new socio-economic opportunities, driving innovation, generating jobs, and reducing pollution.

The success of the EMBRACED project provided critical lessons that are now being applied to the new biorefinery projects. I’m proud of the project’s ability to turn a waste problem into a circular economy success story and demonstrate that even complex waste streams such as AHP can be fully recovered and repurposed. 

Marco Mattiello, EMBRACED project representative

The future of EMBRACED

EMBRACED aims to demonstrate that beyond just AHPs, other types of waste can be recycled and upcycled, unlocking even more sustainable solutions.

The next step in advancing the circular bioeconomy is to expand the EMBRACED biorefinery concept to encompass all urban bio-waste and to implement additional technological innovations that further enhance the value of secondary raw materials derived from both AHP upcycling and biowaste.

Marcello Somma, founder of i-Foria and holder of key technology patents

The success of EMBRACED proves that innovative recycling and biorefinery technologies are not only environmentally transformative but also economically viable and socially accepted. However, continued investment in bio-based industries is essential for them to reach their full potential.

Investing in bio-based industries is investing in the future. We need policies that support innovation, sustainable waste management, and circular economy models.

Marco Mattiello, EMBRACED project representative

EMBRACED is more than a successful research project - it is a testament to how CBE JU-funded initiatives can drive large-scale investments and policy changes. By demonstrating that even complex waste streams such as AHPs can be efficiently recycled and repurposed into valuable resources, the project has set a precedent for future biorefinery developments in Europe.