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Our focus
PRIMARY’s main research questions
How can we maximize the value of underutilized agricultural waste through cascaded processing?
What are the optimal logistics and stabilization methods for different feedstock types?
How can we develop economically viable, farmer-centric business models for rural communities?
What processing technologies can achieve the highest TRL for commercial viability?
PRIMARY uses experimental design to test and optimize agricultural waste processing across multiple regions and conditions. We deliberately cross-test key technologies on all four feedstock types to prove their versatility and identify the best solutions for different contexts.
Our research spans Finland and Greece to understand how environmental and cultural factors affect technology performance. We measure not just technical success, but environmental impact, economic viability, and real benefits for rural communities.
By advancing technologies from various starting points (TRL 2-6) to demonstration-ready levels (TRL 5-7), we bridge the gap between research and real-world application, providing the evidence needed for commercial deployment.
Our technologies/processes
Grass biorefinery
What: Protein and fiber separation from grass
Products: Food/feed proteins, bio-based materials
Target: 4→6
Feedstock from: Häme, Finland (grass cultivation)
Piloted at: Häme-Helsinki & Ostrobothnia, Finland (Luke & Valio facilities)
Submerged fermentation
What: Microbial protein production from all feedstocks
Products: Food and feed protein ingredients
Target: 5→6 (varies by feedstock)
Feedstock from: All pilot regions
Piloted at: Espoo, Finland (VTT facilities)
Solid-state fermentation
What: Feed protein enhancement using fungal cultures
Products: Enhanced protein feed
Target: 2→5
Feedstock from: Attica, Greece
Piloted at: Lykovrysi, Greece (ELGO facilities)
Foam forming technology
What: Bio-based packaging and construction materials
Products: Packaging materials, thermal insulation
Target: 4→6/7* (*one case scaled to TRL 7)
Feedstock from: All pilot regions
Piloted at: Järvenpää, Finland (Fiberwood facilities)
Pelletizing process
What: Solid biofuel production for energy generation
Products: Energy pellets, electricity
Target: 5→7
Feedstock from: Thessaly (cotton) & Crete (olive trees), Greece
Piloted at: Karditsa and Crete, Greece (ESEK & MINOA facilities)
Gasification and pyrolysis
What: Combined energy production and biochar creation
Products: Electricity, biochar, soil enhancers, particle boards
Target: 5→7
Feedstock from: Thessaly (cotton) & Crete (olive trees), Greece
Piloted at: Thessaly gasification plant + CERTH laboratories + CERTH laboratories
Pilots
PRIMARY pilot demonstrations validate practical approaches that can help maximise the value of agricultural biomass that would otherwise remain unused. Explore the map below and discover more.