World Environment Day: transforming the industry with sustainable and green innovation

World Environment Day, celebrated on 5 June, was established by the United Nations to draw attention to the critical importance of safeguarding and regenerating the environment for the well-being of individuals and global economic progress. As the largest international environmental event with millions of people participating worldwide, World Environment Day has evolved into a prominent global platform for promoting environmental awareness.

EU-funded projects managed by HaDEA encourage businesses and industries to adopt sustainable practices that minimise their environmental impacts and promote the use of green technologies and solutions.

Discover some of these projects:

NOUVEAU’s objective is to create solid oxide cells (SOCs) using innovative La- and PMG-free electrode materials, solid electrolyte and interconnects to reduce the use of rare earth elements by 30%, and reduced amount of chromium (20%) in combination with the recycling of yttrium (50-70%). Advanced coating techniques and modelling is being employed, along with Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and recycling approaches. The project’s main goal is to promote circularity of raw materials, reduce climate impact and decrease the dependence on critical materials for SOCs.

NICKEFFECT aims to create innovative ferromagnetic Ni-based coating materials as substitutes for platinum, ensuring high efficiency in critical applications. The project is developing new materials, coating techniques, process modelling and decision support tools for material selection, incorporating SSbD criteria. These nickel-based alternatives will be used in electrolysers, electrodes, fuel cell catalysts and magneto-electronic devices, leveraging enhanced catalytic performance and magnetoelectric effects through innovative deposition methods. By promoting nickel over platinum, the project seeks to boost Europe’s self-sufficiency in renewable energy, electric mobility and digital technologies.

BIOMAT is an Open Innovation Test Bed (BIOMAT-TB) working to support European industries and small and medium enterprises in adopting innovation in nano-enabled bio-based cellular materials. The project is developing technologies for producing sustainable and cost-effective biobased polyurethane (PUR) foams, incorporating advanced nano-fillers, adhesives, and bio-polyols. Transforming conventional PUR foams can have an impact in the building and construction, automotive, furniture and bedding industries, contributing to a more sustainable Europe.

SUNER-C seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem to promote the development of “solar” fuels and chemicals obtained from naturally abundant molecules (e.g., H2O and CO2) and renewable power. The project’s goal is to bridge the gap between academia, industry, governments and society by establishing a roadmap and a European initiative for Research and Innovation on a large scale, driving the transition towards circular economy, EU autonomy and climate change mitigation.

Background information

Horizon 2020 (H2020) was the EU’s multiannual funding programme between 2014 and 2020. H2020 provided Research and Innovation (R&I) funding for multi-national collaboration projects alongside individual researchers and SMEs via special funding instruments. Horizon 2020 was replaced by the Horizon Europe Programme, which will run until 2027.