The European poultry sector generates 3.6 million tonnes of waste feathers each year, of which only around 25% are collected separately and valorised. In line with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, UNLOCK proposes to valorise this waste stream and design a new economically and environmentally sustainable value chain.
Farrelly Mitchell is a leading member of an EU consortium who in conjunction with its partners implement an EU funded research project, aimed at supporting innovation under the EU Bioeconomy. Please click here for our latest report on Analysis of Feather Waste Sources and Management in the EU
The bio-based products created will be tailored to the needs of the agriculture sector, with the creation of seed trays, nonwoven geotextiles, mulch films and hydroponic foams through four different technical processes, depending on the type of end products desired.
And as feathers contain nearly 90% keratin, the innovative materials arising from this new value chain will present additional advantages at the end of the product’s life: keratin-based materials are targeted to be zero waste and allow for controlled biodegradability, while also enriching soils with organic nitrogen.
The UNLOCK project is aligned with the vision and objectives of EU Soil Strategy to achieve healthy soils within the EU by 2050 and the EU Bioeconomy strategy for strengthening the connection between economy, society and the environment.
