Ettevalmistustoetuse taotlemine (AGRICELL)

5868670 428625 0 0 -3810 9839325 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post [email protected] www.taltech.ee 0 0 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post [email protected] www.taltech.ee -3810 428625 0 0 SA Eesti Teadusagentuur Soola 8 1 4.0 3 .2025 nr 11-10/ 351- 2 5 1004 Tartu Ettevalmistustoetuse taotlemine Käesolevaga taotleb Tallinna Tehnikaülikool ( reg nr 74000323, ak EE201010052037382001 ) ettevalmistustoetust p rojekti le Demonstrating novel , sustainable esterification routes for preparing thermoplastic fatty acid cellulose esters and their application in biobased agriculture and food packaging materials – AGRICELL ( 101223283 , HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01 ) , vastutav täitja professor Andres Krumme , materjali- ja keskkonnatehnoloogia instituut . Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Marika Lunden Teadusosakond Lisa: ESR left 284480 Riina Vilgats 620 3536 [email protected] 0 0 Riina Vilgats 620 3536 [email protected] Associated with document Ref. Ares(2025)1821407 - 07/03/2025 Proposal Evaluation Form EUROPEAN COMMISSION Evaluation Summary Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Report Call: HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01 Type of action: HORIZON-EIC Proposal number: 101223283 Proposal acronym: AGRICELL Duration (months): 36 Proposal title: Demonstrating novel, sustainable esterification routes for preparing thermoplastic fatty acid cellulose esters and their application in biobased agriculture and food packaging materials. Activity: HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01-03 N. Proposer name Country Total % Grant % eligible Requested costs 1 TALLINNA TEHNIKAÜLIKOOL EE 949,537.5 23.05% 949,537.5 23.05% 2 TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY FI 1,322,188.41 32.10% 1,322,188.41 32.10% 3 AKTSIASELTS METROSERT EE 367,437.5 8.92% 367,437.5 8.92% 4 VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS LT 407,350 9.89% 407,350 9.89% 5 INNOVATION IN RESEARCH & ENGINEERING BE 322,050 7.82% 322,050 7.82% SOLUTIONS 6 TARTU ULIKOOL EE 222,712.5 5.41% 222,712.5 5.41% 7 EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS EV DE 174,137.5 4.23% 174,137.5 4.23% 8 AS Scanola Baltic EE 162,875 3.95% 162,875 3.95% 9 DOMSJO FABRIKER AB SE 190,500 4.63% 190,500 4.63% Total: 4,118,788.41 4,118,788.41 Abstract: Replacing plastics with biobased materials of same or better properties in food packaging and agricultural mulch films is a global challenge in environmental, health and economic aspects. The general objective of AGRICELL is devising and demonstrating novel, sustainable esterification routes for preparing thermoplastic fatty acid cellulose esters (FACEs) and their application in over 95% biobased laminated paperboard products for agriculture, food packaging and beyond. We propose cellulose, the most abundant naturally occurring biopolymer in the world, as the resource for replacing fossil-based plastics in the applications of the Call. It has good mechanical properties and chemical durability, it is nontoxic and is not competing with food resources. Up to now only minor amount of global plastics production is covered by cellulose derivatives or regenerates. Unlike most of the commodity plastics, cellulose is not intrinsically thermoplastic and must be chemically modified to achieve melting behaviour, which is expected by plastics processing industry. The cellulose modification methods known so far are resource and energy intensive. We propose cellulose-based bioplastics and laminated products as a sustainable solution. Our method is safe and sustainable by design and FACE’s allow for recyclability and full biodegradability, ensured by minimizing the impact of the esterification reagents, solvents as synthesis environment and modification methods. The cellulose esterification process is based on chemically modified plant oils, new solvent systems and mechanochemical effect of reactive extrusion (REX). The developed materials are fully biobased and degrading naturally without toxic by-products. The FACE-based laminates are designed regarding safety regulations and controlled biodegradation. The project focuses on the material development to meet food packaging and agricultural mulch films industry requirements, to TRL5, to be scaled up after the project end. Evaluation Summary Report Evaluation Result 101223283/AGRICELL-07/03/2025-11:13:52 1/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2025)1821407 - 07/03/2025 Total score: 4.00 (Threshold: 0 ) Criterion 1: Excellence Score: 4.00 (Threshold: 4 / 5.00 , Weight: 60.00% ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: Objectives and relevance to the Challenge : How clear are the project’s objectives? How relevant are they in contributing to the overall goal and the specific objectives of the Challenge? The introduction and objectives of the proposal are clear and well-defined, providing a strong foundation for understanding the project's scope and focus. The specific objectives and KPIs are thoughtfully articulated, enabling a structured and goal-oriented approach. However, not all KPIs are adequately quantified, considering the specific objectives and this represents a shortcoming. The proposal demonstrates strong alignment with the challenge by leveraging cellulose and its derivatives as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers and plastics within the agri-food sector. Although preliminary lifecycle assessment (LCA) data are absent, the outlined plan to conduct both cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave LCA is forward-looking and reflects a solid commitment to assessing and addressing environmental impacts. The proposal also highlights commendable efforts to foster collaboration with other consortia on functional characteristics, material applications, and sustainability assessments. This approach effectively leverages synergies, avoids duplication, and amplifies the project's potential impact. However, the lack of specific references to collaborative projects represents a minor shortcoming Novelty : To what extent is the proposed work ambitious and goes beyond the state-of-the-art? The proposal demonstrates a high level of ambition, particularly in its application of thermoplastic fatty acid cellulose esters (FACEs) for food packaging and agricultural mulching, while also outlining additional potential uses, such as pharmaceutical packaging and wind barriers for construction. The inclusion of applications beyond agri-food adds significant strategic value. This diversification enhances the project's relevance to key European priorities, including advancing the circular economy and promoting sustainability. These innovative applications showcase the project's commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art. The state-of-the-art is in general well addressed, including an analysis of current deficiencies in technological processes and a clear outline of the progress the project aims to achieve. The scientific novelty lies in the development of sustainable esterification methods, with innovative use of esterification reagents, solvents, and processes. This approach aligns perfectly with circular economy principles, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based materials. However, the current properties and applications developed for FACEs in the sectors included in the project are not sufficiently reviewed in the state of the art and this is a shortcoming. Plausibility of methodology : How sound is the proposed methodology, including the underlying concepts, models, assumptions, appropriate consideration of the gender dimension in research content, and the quality of open science practices? The proposed methodology is comprehensive, well-structured, and effectively supports the project’s objectives. The underlying concepts, models, and assumptions are credible, with activities logically aligned to the roles of participants. The integration of open science practices, gender dimension considerations, and adherence to the "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) principle further enhance the proposal’s credibility and societal relevance. These elements reflect a thoughtful and robust approach to achieving the project’s goals. However, certain aspects require further elaboration to strengthen the proposal’s feasibility and impact. For example, while the proposal references the use of ionic liquids (ILs) or deep eutectic solvents (DESs), it does not specify their composition. This omission introduces uncertainty regarding the environmental implications and feasibility of the proposed processes. Similarly, the methodology for cleaning fatty acid cellulose esters post-extrusion lacks sufficient detail. Although the use of antisolvents such as water or alcohols is mentioned, it is unclear if this process can ensure complete removal of solvents, raising potential safety and environmental concerns. The impact of solvent removal on the material’s properties and its reprocessing potential is also insufficiently addressed. While the proposal includes references to the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), it does not clearly outline how or where these technologies will be implemented within the project framework. This lack of clarity represents a minor shortcoming. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary scope of the project would benefit from a more explicit integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines, as their inclusion is not adequately detailed. Criterion 2: Impact Score: 4.50 (Threshold: 3.5 / 5.00 , Weight: 20.00% ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: Potential Impact : How credible are the pathways to achieve the expected outcomes and impacts of the Challenge? To what extent would the successful completion of the project contribute to this? The proposal effectively describes the potential of its outputs to contribute to the expected outcomes by introducing cellulose-based biomaterials in the food packaging and agricultural sectors. The innovative biopolymer formulations under the AGRICELL approach are designed to enhance sustainability, safety, and circularity compared to both fossil-based and existing bio-based benchmarks. This focus aligns strongly with the goals of the Challenge, particularly in promoting a circular economy and advancing the adoption of biodegradable materials. While the proposal addresses barriers such as technological adaptation, industry acceptance, and regulatory challenges, the pathways to achieve the specified outcomes and impacts in the work program are not sufficiently detailed or quantified, which represents a shortcoming. 101223283/AGRICELL-07/03/2025-11:13:52 2/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2025)1821407 - 07/03/2025 Innovation potential : How adequate are the proposed measures for protection of results and any other exploitation measures to facilitate future translation of research results into innovations with positive societal, economic or environmental impact? How suitable are the proposed measures for involving and empowering key actors that have the potential to take the lead in translating research into innovations in the future? The proposal demonstrates significant innovation potential, starting at TRL 3 and aiming for TRL 5 by the project’s conclusion. The TalTech member of the consortium has already secured a patent for the preparation of FACE materials and plans to expand on this foundation by developing new FACE-based materials under the AGRICELL project. They have conducted a thorough patent search and confirmed the feasibility of advancing their technology without encountering any blocking issues. However, the proposal does not sufficiently clarify the differences between their existing patent and the innovations expected upon the project's completion, particularly in terms of the innovation potential. The consortium’s well-defined strategy for protecting intellectual property (IP), including proactive measures and plans for commercialization through licensing and potential spin-offs, provides a clear and viable pathway for translating research into impactful innovations. Furthermore, the project’s measures to engage key stakeholders, including SMEs, startups, and early-career researchers, are exemplary. Through collaborations with the European Enterprise Network and tech transfer initiatives, the project strengthens its potential for wide-reaching impact. The integration of structured engagement formats, such as Start-up Day, the BBE Student Challenge, and the Ambassadors Network, promotes the uptake of innovations. This multifaceted approach not only ensures societal, economic, and environmental benefits but also empowers young talent and other key stakeholders, positioning them to lead future advancements. Communication and Dissemination : How suitable are the proposed measures, including communication activities, to maximise expected outcomes and impacts for raising awareness about the project results’ potential to establish new markets and/or address global challenges? The proposed measures to maximize the outcomes and impact of the AGRICELL project, particularly in raising awareness about the project results, are well- structured and effectively detailed. The plan includes a range of targeted channels aimed at specific stakeholders such as the scientific community, policymakers, industrial end-users, standardization and certification bodies, and the general public. The Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication (DEC) Plan is thoughtfully designed to enhance the project’s visibility and ensure its long-term impact. Key Messages and Questions and Answers documents will guide partners in their dissemination and communication activities, providing a clear framework for consistent messaging. The project has developed a comprehensive communication strategy, incorporating realistic KPIs designed for a three-year timeframe to effectively quantify its outreach and measure its impact. Although the goal of publishing > 6 articles in the project lifespan lacks ambition to achieve a proper scientific awareness of the project results (minor shortcoming). The use of diverse communication channels, such as scientific publications, industry events, webinars, and policy papers, ensures a wide and varied engagement with stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy sectors. Particularly noteworthy is the project’s emphasis on open- access platforms, such as Zenodo and OpenAIRE, which align well with Horizon Europe's open science goals and support the broader dissemination of project results. The proposal’s efforts to engage policymakers directly through live events and webinars, in addition to collaborating with standardization bodies like the CEN Technical Committees, are commendable. These efforts enhance the credibility of the project and help facilitate the practical application of its results. Criterion 3: Quality and efficiency of the implementation Score: 3.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: 20.00% ) The following aspects will be taken into account, to the extent that the proposed work corresponds to the description in the work programme: Work plan : How coherent and effective are the work plan (work packages, tasks, deliverables, milestones, timeline, etc.) and risk mitigation measures in order to achieve the project objectives? The proposed work plan is generally coherent and well-structured, aligning with the project's objectives and defining clear workflows that engage the various partners in specific tasks. WPs are appropriately explained and interlinked, providing a logical sequence of activities toward achieving the overall project goals. However, there are several areas where the work plan could be further improved. First, some technical WPs lack adequate explanation and detail. For example, WP3 does not clearly identify experimental conditions, procedures, or techniques for achieving the expected objectives, which represents a shortcoming. Similarly, the production of laminated paperboards for agricultural and food packaging applications described in Tasks 5.1 and 5.2 is not sufficiently assessed, leaving uncertainty about whether these materials will be obtained through extrusion or solvent casting, methods that directly influence the final properties and potential exploitation activities. Timing inconsistencies also appear within the work plan. In WP5, the validation of the produced materials is scheduled to begin at M13, while the production of the materials is planned for later—M18 for agricultural laminates and M14 for food packaging laminates. Additionally, Task 4.3 related to the physical and technological characterization ends at M26, yet the preparation of FACE materials finishes at M30. This discrepancy raises questions about the feasibility and alignment of these tasks. Another issue is the insufficient number of deliverables assigned to monitor the progress of key activities. For instance, only one deliverable is planned for WP4 and WP5, which does not adequately cover the results generated by the corresponding tasks in these work packages. Additionally, deliverables from WP7 and WP8 are misaligned with the planned tasks; for example, D7.1, D7.2, and D8.1 are scheduled in the first part of the reporting period, even though the tasks associated with them are set for completion by M36. Milestone definitions also need refinement, as some milestones are scheduled before the tasks and deliverables that contribute to them are completed. For example, M1.1 is scheduled for M10, while M1.2 appears at M1, and milestones in WPs 1, 3-6 are set too early in relation to the completion of associated tasks and deliverables. The milestone system should be adjusted to ensure it more accurately reflects the project's progress. Additionally, the risk management strategy is not adequately developed. While the proposal identifies only two technical risks, it fails to address critical challenges such as potential issues with bio-based raw materials, FACE synthesis, and laminate production. The lack of a comprehensive risk mitigation plan for these aspects weakens the project's ability to anticipate and address potential hurdles. Specific issues also arise in the methodology and materials selection. The proposal does not specify the ionic liquids (ILs) or deep eutectic solvents (DES) intended for use, introducing uncertainty regarding the feasibility and scalability of the processes. The quantities of these solvents are not detailed, limiting the ability to assess resource requirements and environmental impacts. Moreover, the plan for washing materials prepared with ILs or DES lacks clarity, which raises concerns about potential residues remaining in the final products. This could impact the safety and quality of materials, particularly for agricultural applications. Lastly, while the project proposes the development of mulch materials, it does not convincingly demonstrate that these materials will meet standard performance requirements. Although laminated mulch paperboards show promise as a viable alternative to existing paper mulch films, the work plan lacks a dedicated task in WP5 to test these materials for their performance as mulch, which would ensure that all aspects of the project are comprehensively evaluated. 101223283/AGRICELL-07/03/2025-11:13:52 3/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2025)1821407 - 07/03/2025 Allocation of resources : How appropriate and effective is the allocation of resources (comprising person-months and other cost items) to work packages and consortium members? The allocation of resources is generally appropriate and well-distributed among the work packages and consortium members, supporting the project’s objectives. However, several areas require clarification and adjustment to ensure the transparency and consistency of resource distribution. Quality of the applicant/consortium (depends if mono or multi-beneficiaries) : To what extent does the applicant / do all consortium members have the necessary capacity and high quality expertise for performing the project tasks? The consortium is highly complementary, with each member demonstrating the necessary capacity and expertise to effectively carry out the proposed activities. Leadership roles are appropriately assigned, ensuring alignment with tasks and deliverables, while the consortium covers the full value chain, including industry players with relevant expertise. Scope of the application Status: Yes Comments (in case the proposal is out of scope) Not provided Exceptional funding A third country participant/international organisation not listed in the General Annex to the Main Work Programme may exceptionally receive funding if their participation is essential for carrying out the project (for instance due to outstanding expertise, access to unique know-how, access to research infrastructure, access to particular geographical environments, possibility to involve key partners in emerging markets, access to data, etc.). (For more information, see the HE programme guide ) Please list the concerned applicants and requested grant amount and explain the reasons why. Based on the information provided, the following participants should receive exceptional funding: Not provided Based on the information provided, the following participants should NOT receive exceptional funding: Not provided Use of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) Status: No If YES, please state whether the use of hESC is, or is not, in your opinion, necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the proposal and the reasons why. Alternatively, please state if it cannot be assessed whether the use of hESC is necessary or not, because of a lack of information. Not provided Use of human embryos Status: No If YES, please explain how the human embryos will be used in the project. Not provided Activities excluded from funding Status: No If YES, please explain. Not provided 101223283/AGRICELL-07/03/2025-11:13:52 4/5  Associated with document Ref. Ares(2025)1821407 - 07/03/2025 Do no significant harm principle Status: Yes If Partially/No/Cannot be assessed please explain Not provided Exclusive focus on civil applications Status: Yes If NO, please explain. Not provided Artificial Intelligence Status: Yes If YES, the technical robustness of the proposed system must be evaluated under the appropriate criterion. Comments Not provided 101223283/AGRICELL-07/03/2025-11:13:52 5/5  Digitally sealed by the European Commission Date: 2025.03.07 11:25:17 CET This electronic receipt is a digitally signed version of the document submitted by your organisation. Both the content of the document and a set of metadata have been digitally sealed. This digital signature mechanism, using a public-private key pair mechanism, uniquely binds this eReceipt to the modules of the Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission, to the transaction for which it was generated and ensures its full integrity. 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