Representatives of the industry will attend the dissemination day of the POCTEP Conserval project, whose technology transforms fish waste and wastewater into high added value products.

The techniques developed to make the marine sector sustainable are beginning to make their way into the mainstream of the agri-food sector. Coinciding with the advance of the results of the European project Conserval POCTEP, key players in the industry with international presence will discuss the applications of these technologies on 11 November, in an event organised by ANFACO-CECOPESCA in collaboration with FEUGA, in its task of transfer, internationalisation and exploitation of results.

Entitled ‘The eco-efficient transformation of by-products and water from the canning industry’, the dissemination day will allow Conserval’s circular economy model to be transferred to the agricultural and food sectors, an innovative approach based on the recovery of the raw material that is left out of canning cans: In this way, wastewater gets a second life in the form of volatile fatty acids, biofuel components and bioplastics; while fish heads, bones or skins give way to oils rich in omega-3 and protein hydrolysates with healthy properties. What was once an environmental problem is now a new source of income.

The occasion will be attended by a large representation from the Conserval consortium, including the project leader, Cetaqua Galicia. On behalf of FEUGA, Noelia Vilar will talk about the milestones and possibilities of transfer and internationalisation, and then give way to the debate table of the agri-food sector, with Irene López, R&D project manager at Bolton Foods; Elena García, head of Quality and Environment at Frinsa Noroeste; Jaume Lluis Tartera, Director of Analysis Methods and Control Systems at Mahou San Miguel; Eduardo Cotillas, Director of R&D&I at the Spanish Federation of Food and Drink Industries (FIAB); and Josefa de León, Director of Strategic Competitiveness at Agroamb Prodalt.

The conference, which will be held in a hybrid face-to-face and online format on 11 November, from 15.00 to 17.00, is especially aimed at research centres, associations, consultants and public officials. Information about the event, as well as the registration form, can be found on the Conserval project website.