PIEP’s VALORNATURE project stood out for its innovation component and for promoting cross-border dynamics between the business fabric of the Euro-Region of Galicia and Northern Portugal.
PIEP – Pólo de Inovação em Engenharia de Polímeros, a technology and innovation centre based in Guimarães, was distinguished by the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-Norte), as part of the ‘More North’ Awards, as the winner in the ‘More Sustainable North’ category, with the VALORNATURE project – Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Materials in Galicia and Northern Portugal.
The main aim of the VALORNATURE project was to promote new cooperation dynamics and create innovative knowledge in the areas of valorising natural resources and waste, developing products with a reduced environmental impact and transferring technology to the Euro-Region’s business fabric.
“The initiative has established an infrastructure of excellence in research and innovation, creating a collaborative ecosystem to meet business needs, increase industrial competitiveness and reduce unemployment in northern Portugal and Galicia. The project adopts a circular economy and industrial symbiosis model, promoting sustainable development,” says Bruno Pereira da Silva, director of PIEP’s VALORNATURE project.
Throughout the project, the potential of 12 types of waste from the Euro-Region was assessed, including biomass from broom, gorse, vines, olive trees, kiwi fruit, mussel shells, stone dust and industrial waste. From these materials, more than 30 new sustainable materials, a green carbon fibre prototype and 25 technological demonstrators were developed.
These demonstrators were created in partnership with local companies and have resulted in innovative solutions such as sustainable coat hangers (Adolfo Dominguez), 15,000 visors for the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, skateboards with wood and carbon laminates, new containers for cosmetics, differentiated furniture, injected parts for the automotive industry, structures for construction, handicrafts and underwater rifles, among others.
The project has made it possible, on the one hand, to deepen knowledge of the region’s endogenous resources and their potential for enhancement, and on the other, to create an innovation ecosystem involving more than 50 entities, including business associations, companies, universities and research centres. This collaborative network has been key to fostering the circular economy and promoting the creation of products with greater added value, contributing to the generation of skilled jobs and new companies in the Euro-Region.
On a scientific and academic level, VALORNATURE has resulted in the development of 5 master’s theses and the publication of 10 scientific articles, reinforcing advanced training and the production of knowledge.
‘This distinction comes in the year that PIEP celebrates 25 years of activity, representing an important recognition of its commitment to sustainability, innovation and technology transfer to industry,’ emphasises Cláudia Cristovão, PIEP’s Director General.
The big winner of the evening was Casais – Engenharia e Construção, S.A., which was awarded the ‘Mais a Norte Prize’ for its project ‘Industrialised Construction: The First Guimarães’, a milestone in technological innovation and sustainability. This building, the first in the Iberian Peninsula with hybrid industrialised construction (concrete and wood), represents an outstanding example of alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles and the NORTE 2030 Strategy, promoting a greener, more inclusive and innovative future.
SOURCE: Gazeta Rural
