Zaragoza unveils new biorefinery to enhance circular economy

Daniela Castillo Monagas

Zaragoza has officially launched its latest biorefinery, integral to the CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project, which receives funding from the CBE JU under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 initiative. Operated by Urbaser, a key player in environmental solutions, this facility aims to transform urban solid waste and wastewater treatment sludge into high-value products such as biopolymers, biofertilizers, and green graphene.

The inauguration drew project partners and European stakeholders from various sectors, held at the Zaragoza Urban Waste Treatment Center and the Alfonso Maíllo Innovation Center. Coordinated by Urbaser, the consortium includes 11 entities, with a combined budget of €23 million.

This biorefinery is set to improve waste management in Zaragoza and surrounding areas by converting organic waste into valuable bio-based materials, thus reducing landfill waste. Mayor Natalia Chueca highlighted the project’s role in positioning Zaragoza as a leader in the circular economy, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and job creation.

Featuring process lines in both Zaragoza and Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, the biorefinery adopts a multi-site operation to test performance across diverse waste management systems, enhancing its replicability in Europe. 

The initiative aligns with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, addressing biodegradable waste’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Urbaser CEO Fernando Abril-Martorell described the facility as a significant step toward a circular bioeconomy, emphasizing the shift from waste management to material production.

Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, Executive Director of CBE JU, recognized the facility as a landmark in circular economy efforts, poised to create local jobs and promote sustainable industries. The biorefinery will produce a variety of eco-friendly products, including compostable bags and biostimulants, catering to both industrial needs and consumer markets.

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