About the project
Our planet is being polluted at an alarming rate with plastic pollution growing into one of the most pressing environmental issues. Despite serious efforts deployed at the European level, internal disparities among different countries and regions in Europe, in terms of prevention, detection and purification of microplastics, are evident. This project is aimed at changing the system and making a great contribution towards creating a planet without plastics by working on preventive measures, innovations, and a plan for remediation. We have created a development strategy that will launch Serbia into a cutting-edge R&I position in Europe through the GREENLand project (GREENLand). This will be achieved by twinning with EU research intensive institutions with extensive expertise in this field – the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany and the University of Galway in Ireland.
By increasing knowledge and the use of technologies on prevention, detection, and purification of microplastics, this project contributes to the safety of food and the environment. Furthermore, the project activities will encourage and foster the development of researchers in the region, united in their quest to protect the environment. GREENLand will benefit EU citizens and beyond because the baseline of the project is the creation of a microplastics-free environment and food for the future with the objective to reach zero-microplastics pollution and zero-hungry goals in an eco-friendly environment.
| Grant preparation (General information screen) | |
|---|---|
| Project numbre: | 101079267 |
| Project name: | TWINNING MICROPLASTIC FREE ENVIRONMENT |
| Project acronym: | GREENLand |
| Call: | HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03 |
| Topic: | HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03-01 |
| Type pf action: | HORIZON-CSA |
| Service: | REA/C/03 |
| Project starting date: | fixed date: 1 January 2023 |
| Project duration: | 36 months |
Meet Our Team
Partner
Coordinator
Partner
Work Packages
WP 1
Generating the SIT roadmaps with the new approaches for the purpose of a microplastics-free environment WP1 is a work package dedicated to increasing science and innovation capacities. It will deal with microplastics in soil, water and microorganisms and develop Scientific, Innovative, and Technology roadmap, as well as initiative for developing national microplastics strategy. The lead institution for this WP is Educons University.
The objectives of WP1 are to: Develop Microplastics Resilience Index contributes to improved understanding of this complex environmental issue, its sources, fate, and transport at the selected pilot areas. Harmonize Serbian with EU legislation to provide PDP strategy for microplastics-free environment Develop Microplastics Resilience Index, protocol and analysis Pilot areas database and maps development (hot spots)
WP 2
Creating an efficient workflow WP2 is a work package dedicated to strengthening research management capacities and administrative skills. With a special approach to support Data Management Plan, within WP2 will be established e-Tools: Cloud Based System, eLearning System, and University Repository. The lead institution for this WP is National University of Ireland, Galway.
The objectives of WP2 are to: Develop Cloud Based System Develop eLearning System Establish Document Management System Establish University Repository
WP 3
Staff exchange, education and networking WP3 is a work package dedicated to improving creativity supported by development of new approaches in R&I collaboration. Activities of this WP are designed to develop Human Resource Strategy and IP strategy, staff exchange and networking, as well as establishing Project Incubator Hub and Technology Transfer Hub. The lead institution for this WP is Alfred Wegener institute.
The objectives of WP3 are to: Develop Human Resource Strategy Exchange and educate staff Establish a Project Incubator Hub Establish a Technology Transfer Hub
WP 4
Communication, dissemination and exploitation WP4 is a work package dedicated to raising reputation, research profile and attractiveness of MRI. Activities of this WP are designed to disseminate, exploit and communicate project results and information to a wide range of stakeholders. National and international events will be organized (conferences, workshops, and summer/winter school). An extensive demonstration and dissemination program will ensure optimum and rapid utilization and exploitation of project deliverables and innovations by the relevant industry and other users/stakeholder groups (including policymakers). The lead institution for this WP is Educons University.
The objectives of WP4 are to: Disseminate, exploit and communicate project results Develop a project communication plan. Develop a dissemination plan. Share know-how technologies and skills
WP 5
Project management WP5 is a work package focused on management and co-ordination of the program. It involves the monitoring and evaluation of progress to ensure timely completion of all project milestones and deliverables and the on-time submission of all periodic and final reports to the Commission. The lead institution for this WP is Educons University.
The objectives of WP5 are to: Manage and coordinate project activities within the consortium. Monitor and evaluate progress and timely completion of all project milestones and deliverables. Co-ordinate the preparation and submission of all periodic and final reports to the Commission.
Sister Projects
More info
The upPE-T project aims to address challenges in plastic waste management by upcycling post-consumer PE and PET packaging into biodegradable and recyclable bioplastics (PHBVs) for food and drink packaging. This initiative, funded by the European Commission, seeks to achieve significant waste reduction, increase recycling facilities, promote renewable sources, raise awareness, and establish standards. Coordinated by CETEC in Spain, the project involves 20 partners across Europe.
Plastic packaging, which makes up nearly 60% of the total plastic waste in Europe, is highly problematic from a waste management and environmental point of view due to their durability and resistance to degradation. upPE-T project will develop, through sustainable strategies, an alternative for plastic chemical degradation, turning PE and PET waste streams via enzymatic degradation and bioprocesses into raw material for the production of biodegradable bioplastic.
Together with customers and food and drink brand owners, bio-based end-packaging will be demonstrated and validated to ensure fast market deployment.
More info
TwinVECTOR is an EU-funded project whose aim is to create a centre of excellence at Tomas Bata University (TBU) Zlin, Czech Republic, focusing on next-generation battery sustainable design, energy business models and sustainability assessments, with the support of the upgraded Research and Administration Unit (RAU).
The TBU aims to increase scientific expertise and capacity in techno-economic simulation tools, cost-benefit analysis methods and business model innovation for assessing advanced battery technology. Within the project consortium, members share their expertise to undertake world-class R&D activities in the energy storage field and bring them to the market.
The coordinator of the project is Tomas Bata University (TBU), which cooperates within the project with four excellent institutions, the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT), the Austrian Institute of Technology Austria (AIT), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology from Germany (KIT), and the Bayerische Forschungsallianz GMBH (BayFOR) from Germany as well. The project lasts 36 months: from 11/2022 until 10/2025.
More info
UPLIFT – PLASTICS. The overall idea of UPLIFT is to biologically depolymerize bio- and fossil-based plastic packaging waste and convert it into more renewable and easily upcyclable polymers, following a biorefinery approach.
The successful implementation of UPLIFT will contribute to putting the European plastic packaging industry at the forefront of innovations and sustainability worldwide, by upcycling (currently not recycled) plastic packaging waste and integrating bio-based building blocks, instead of using virgin fossil-based monomers, hence resulting in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of plastic packaging waste generation and also the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil-based production.
To this end, UPLIFT will address the full plastic packaging value chain, from monomer production to packaging material manufacturing and back to EoL reusing and recycling options, including socio-economic, healthy, quality, regulatory and standardization issues around current practices.
More info
PRESERVE is a European research project that develops solutions to improve the recyclability of food packaging and to enhance packaging design through cutting-edge biopolymer synthesis.
The project is committed to developing bio-based food packaging by enhancing bio-coatings and, at the same time, PRESERVE makes sure that these materials can be upcycled into new containers and textiles for non-food applications.
The end result of PRESERVE is packaging applications prototypes for food and drink packaging and for second high performance applications such as flow packs, trays, pouches, beverage bricks, injected jars, bottle, carrier boxes and bags.
More info
The EU-funded REMEDIES project aims to restore our seas and rivers through deploying (micro)plastic litter valorisation and prevention pathways.
Project activities will revolve around monitoring and detection, collection and valorisation, and prevention and reuse of plastic waste.
The REMEDIES movement is striving to co-create a plastic-conscious society by applying cutting-edge technology and circularity approaches, underpinned by a holistic citizen engagement framework.
After validating the technologies in eight demonstration sites, they will be scaled up in 33 more locations across the Mediterranean, while 400 tonnes of plastic litter will be collected in the marine and riverine environment. Moreover, during this EU mission, EUR 500 000 of cascade funding will be granted to foster real zero-waste solutions with two open calls targeting five associated regions.
Project outputs:
REMEDIES is developing 12 innovations at 8 Mediterranean sites under 3 pillars: detection & monitoring plastic litter, its collection & valorisation, prevention & zero waste solutions. By 2024 we launched 2 Open Calls with up to 100k€ support for local authorities and a Hackathon with 200+ participants. By 2027, we will map 170 km², prevent 3,700t and collect 400t, and co-organize 115 clean-ups (#20tonneschallenge). We have already reached over 1 million people with an inspiring movement for a healthy Ocean and Waters.
More info
InPlasTwin, a Horizon Europe project (Oct 2024 – Sept 2027), aims to strengthen micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) research capacity in Slovenia and Greece. The project will study the environmental and food-related impacts of MNPs, particularly from biodegradable mulching films used in agriculture, focusing on strawberry cultivation.
Researchers will simulate real farming conditions to analyze MNP uptake by crops and their effects on yield, quality, and safety, including the release of toxic plastic additives.
InPlasTwin will develop methods for MNP generation and study, standardized extraction protocols, and enhanced analytical techniques. The project will share findings with stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate MNP impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can microplastics be found?
Microplastics are everywhere. Just because we can’t see them with the naked eye doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Microplastics are present in soil, water, air and even in the human organism. The daily use of plastic mass is one of the biggest environmental polluters.
Can I contribute to the project and to environmental protection?
Yes. Everyone can help. Don’t use plastic bags or plastic bottles, use fewer products packed in plastic etc.
Why should I contact you?
The subject matter of the project affects all participating groups (companies, NGO’s, policy makers, individuals). Companies can utilize the results of the project, individuals can learn more about microplastic pollution and prevention, other projects (project leaders) can benefit from cooperation with our project, farmers can find solutions to their problems and start cooperation with relevant companies, institutions and universities, scientists can work on several topics and scientific papers, multiple stakeholders can get the opportunity to participate in workshops, courses etc.
What are GREENLand concrete steps?
Education of staff on how to conduct research on microplastics in soil, water, and microorganisms, as well as networking with the excellent institutions and stakeholders which are interested in the results of scientific research. For more information, please visit the Newsroom website page.