During the latest SteamDry consortium meeting, partners had the opportunity to tour Wageningen University & Research (WUR), focusing on biobased research across disciplines. As part of the consortium meeting agenda, SteamDry team members explored research facilities and interacted with leading WUR innovators working on biomass valorisation, sustainable materials, and carbon-smart construction.
Visiting the Paper Lab and Valorisation Projects
The consortium visit began in WUR’s paper laboratory, observing how plant residuals like tomato stems and leaves—part of the Valorise project—are transformed into fibre‑enriched paper and packaging. Over 15% tomato fibre content has been demonstrated in pilot paperboard and packaging (e.g. trays & boxes) with promising mechanical performance and print quality.
They also showcased exploratory work on other crop fibres (e.g. pepper), all part of a broader circular‑economy initiative in collaboration with Schut Papier and Wageningen Biobased Research.
Protein Extraction from Crop Residues
SteamDry partners also engaged with the team working on protein extraction from tomato leaves, which contain up to 27% protein content (primarily Rubisco). WUR scientists are refining techniques for separating and stabilizing these proteins using enzyme-assisted extraction and fractionation. This research holds promise for novel biobased protein streams serving food, feed, or material applications.
Nature Building Kit: Experiencing Biobased Construction Materials
An interactive highlight of the visit was WUR’s Nature Building Kit, developed in partnership with New Heroes. This hands-on installation allows participants to see, touch, and connect panels made from various biomass-based materials—such as hemp, flax, wood residues, and lignin composites. The kit illustrates tangible examples of how bio-residues can serve as structural or insulation components in construction.
Biobased Pavement and Construction Material Research
SteamDry members also visited research showcasing WUR’s development of lignin-based asphalt binders, using pulp and paper industry residues to replace up to 50% of fossil bitumen. These materials have been tested on demo roads across the Netherlands—with 30–60% lower CO₂ emissions while maintaining structural performance.
The broader research portfolio includes development of binderless boards from lignocellulosic biomass, biocomposites from hemp, flax, reeds, and mycelium-based materials, along with full-chain biopolymers and life cycle analysis support.
Biobased Construction and Environmental Impact
WUR research also included a comparative life cycle analysis showing that buildings made with biobased materials (e.g. timber frames, flax insulation) can reduce environmental impact by 18–33% compared to conventional builds like concrete or brick. These materials not only produce less CO₂ during manufacture but store biogenic carbon over their lifespan.
The SteamDry consortium visit to WUR’s facilities formed a central element of the meeting, offering hands-on exposure to advanced biobased material research. From crop residue valorisation in paper lab, to protein recovery trials, to tangible demonstrations with the Nature Building Kit, and large-scale trials of biobased pavement materials—WUR showcased a holistic biorefinery approach.
This experience deepens SteamDry’s understanding of the broader biobased and circular economy landscape, reinforcing the role of Superheated Steam Drying (SSD) as part of innovative pathways toward CO₂‑neutral industrial processes.