ENFiber – European Network for Valorizing Food Processing Waste into Sustainable Fibers (COST Action CA24111) is a European research and innovation network transforming food processing waste into sustainable fibers. By uniting experts in food science, engineering, sustainability, and industry, ENFiber develops scalable, green, and standardized methods to convert waste into commercially viable fibers. Aligned with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, ENFiber fosters training, mobility grants, and industry-academia collaboration. The Action will deliver new fiber-based products, sustainability and regulatory guidelines, and a strong interdisciplinary network advancing Europe’s circular bioeconomy.
Project Summary
The ENFiber COST Action addresses the challenge of food processing waste by transforming it into highvalue fibers using innovative and sustainable methods. This initiative meets the environmental and societal demand for waste reduction and circular bio-economy solutions. With food by-products often discarded or underutilized, ENFiber unlocks their potential by promoting scalable green extraction technologies and implementing advanced characterization techniques.
The main challenge is to scale fiber production from food processing waste, making it both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable. To achieve this, ENFiber will identify fiber-rich waste streams, explore non-destructive analytical methods, develop extraction methodologies to maximize yields, assess the environmental impact of the processes, and pursue product development opportunities. Collaboration between researchers, industry, and policymakers will ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks and market demands.
ENFiber is organized into Working Groups focused on extraction, characterization, product development, sustainability, and dissemination. The network will promote capacity building through training schools, Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs), Virtual Mobility (VM) grants, and industry-academic partnerships, providing opportunities for early-career researchers to develop expertise and expand their networks.
Aligned with the EU’s circular economy and Green Deal objectives, ENFiber promotes sustainable waste
management and aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It also supports global environmental goals by creating value-added products for the food, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries. ENFiber aims to deliver tangible outcomes such as new fiber-based products, market-ready technologies, and regulatory recommendations, contributing to sustainable food systems and reducing the environmental impact of waste.
Main Objectives of the Action
O1: Identifying fiber rich food sources and conduct a preliminary feasibility analysis for its large-scale production
O2: Develop and scale extraction processes that are optimized for industrial throughput, by green technologies
O3: Standardizing novel chemical and nondestructive characterization techniques
O4: Conducting sustainability assessments
O5: Integrating processing innovations with fiber expertise
O6: Engaging industry for scaling and commercialization
O7: Investigate the health effects of fibers produced from food waste through collaboration
Action Chair
Prof. Halil Mecit ÖztopMiddle East Technical University (METU), Türkiye
Vice-Chair
Dr. Lillian BarrosInstituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), Portugal
Network Composition
- 41 COST Member Countries actively participating
- Israel as Partner Member with 2 MC representatives
- Egypt and Lebanon as Near Neighbour Countries
- South Africa as International Partner Country
- Kosovo providing additional regional representation
Start date: 23 September 2025
End date: 22 September 2029
Action duration: 48 months
Funding: European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)
APRISE social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enfiber/