On 10 June, the SYMBIO project held a Focus Group at the headquarters of Techonological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA) in Seville, bringing together stakeholders from across the quadruple helix to explore innovative pathways for transforming forest residues into bio-based plastics.
The event formed part of the Circular Bioeconomy Summit (10-12 June), organised by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government together with CTA. Over three days, the summit gathered public authorities, companies, research centres and European stakeholders to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation within the circular bioeconomy.
The SYMBIO Focus Group focused on the potential of converting forestry waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a promising family of biodegradable bioplastics that can contribute to reducing dependence on fossil-based materials while creating added value from underutilised biomass resources.
Through a participatory co-creation process, participants analysed the viability of this value chain in the Andalusian context using insights and results generated by previous projects and initiatives. Discussions centred on identifying technical, regulatory, economic and market-related barriers, as well as opportunities that could support the development and implementation of bio-based solutions in the region.
The workshop also enabled stakeholders to define priority actions and recommendations for advancing this value chain and strengthening collaboration between key actors involved in the circular bioeconomy ecosystem.
The session benefited from the active participation of SYMBIO partners Alchemia Nova, Cardiff Metropolitan University and PDR – International Design and Research Centre, whose expertise helped guide the discussions and enrich the collective reflection process.
Representatives from CTA, including, Carmen Ronchel, Carla del Cerro, María Alonso, Juanita Centeno, Alberto Barraca and Marta Macías, participated alongside Max Läuger, Mouna Laouini and Katie Beverley, contributing diverse perspectives and knowledge throughout the workshop.
By bringing together actors from industry, academia, public administration and civil society, the SYMBIO Focus Group demonstrated the value of collaborative approaches in identifying circular opportunities and accelerating the transition towards more resilient, sustainable and innovative regional bioeconomy systems.
