REWINE Operational Group: Valorization of waste from the wine sector for an innovative circular economy

Work Package 1 aims to optimize the large-scale extraction process of natural biostimulants from wine industry byproducts. To achieve this, the extraction and processing methods will be defined and validated through pilot plant trials, where at least three batches will be obtained under different operating conditions. The expected outcome is an optimized and documented process for obtaining biostimulant extracts. The efficacy of these extracts will then be validated in the field, demonstrating an increase in plant vigor equal to or greater than 15% compared to the control. Verification will be carried out through a technical document describing the extraction, formulation, and processing procedures, including the equipment used and the operating parameters.

Activity 2 develops a process to transform vine pruning waste into biocomposite pellets suitable for industrial plastic injection molding. After the collection and conditioning of the biomass (drying, cleaning, and preparation), the material is incorporated into a polymer matrix to produce pellets. Test specimens and a functional final part are then manufactured from these pellets, evaluating their mechanical properties and technical performance. The results will validate the use of this material in non-structural technical components, as well as analyze its environmental impact through a life cycle assessment. From a practical standpoint, this solution offers a way to utilize pruning waste as a resource, reducing agricultural waste and generating new raw materials for industry. For farmers and cooperatives, it represents an opportunity to add value to a vineyard byproduct, while processing companies can use these pellets in conventional injection molding processes to produce components with a lower environmental impact.

Work Package 3 addresses the production and agronomic validation of a solid biofertilizer derived from vineyard pruning waste. The plan includes the production and analysis of at least three batches of the material, evaluating its physicochemical characteristics and nutritional composition to determine its fertilizing properties and verify the consistency of the production process. Subsequently, the biofertilizer will be applied to experimental plots to assess its effect on soil fertility, monitoring relevant soil indicators to demonstrate a minimum improvement of 10% compared to the initial situation or control plots. Verification will be based on the technical documentation generated during the process, including formulation and characterization reports, analytical results of chemical composition, and records of its application in the field.

Activity 4 involved conducting agronomic trials on farms to evaluate commercial biostimulants and biofortifiers under real-world growing conditions. The evaluation focused on their effect on vegetative vigor, tolerance to drought stress, and crop yield. Yield increases of 15% or more compared to control plots are expected, supported by agronomic records documenting crop response under abiotic stress. A technical-agronomic report was prepared with yield data and physiological parameters, along with technology transfer materials. The trials indicate that incorporating these products into agronomic management can improve crop resilience to water scarcity, contributing to maintaining or increasing productivity and providing technical guidance for their application in the field.

In activity R5, a digital traceability system was designed, implemented, and validated for the value chain that transforms waste into finished products. The system was tested with two complete data cycles, covering the process from the waste's origin to its final use, and included documentation of the system architecture, database, functional tests, labeling, and tracking flows. The main result is a digital traceability system tested under real-world conditions, accompanied by technical documentation that guarantees its reproducibility and compliance with tracking and quality requirements. From a practical standpoint, this type of tool improves transparency and control in the valorization of agricultural waste, facilitating digital batch tracking and origin verification. For producers and processors, it represents an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable origin, comply with regulatory requirements, and differentiate their products in markets linked to the circular economy.

Dissemination Plan 1 focuses on three main actions: the initial meeting of partners to define the communication strategy; the development and validation of the communication and knowledge transfer plan; and its review and final approval by the consortium. All dissemination activities will be coordinated and executed by FEMAC, which will be responsible for leading and structuring these actions within the project. The main expected outcome is a consensus-based, clear, and operational plan, aligned with the project objectives and geared towards the various stakeholders (producers, technical advisors, researchers, government agencies, and other industry agents). Furthermore, a coordinated strategy is established from the outset to facilitate the effective dissemination of the results generated in the other project activities. Having a structured dissemination plan from the initial phases is key to maximizing the project's impact and promoting the adoption of the knowledge generated. For the end user, this tool facilitates access to validated technical information in adapted formats.

Dissemination Plan 2 aims to strengthen the project's institutional and sectoral visibility through a coordinated external communication strategy. All dissemination activities will be carried out by FEMAC, which will be responsible for issuing a launch press release, promoting the project through partner websites and social media, including it in institutional newsletters, and disseminating information on sectoral platforms and in specialized media. These actions seek to broaden the project's reach, ensure its presence in the sector's usual information channels, and facilitate awareness of its objectives and progress among the various stakeholders.

Dissemination Plan 3 focuses on generating accessible and reusable informational materials aimed at technology transfer within the project. The main activities include program design, planning and scheduling of workshops, webinars, and technology transfer sessions, as well as the organization and execution of these training activities. All dissemination activities will be carried out by FEMAC, which is responsible for coordinating and implementing the transfer program. The expected outcome is the creation of a set of resources and training activities that facilitate the practical dissemination of the knowledge generated in the project. Through workshops, webinars, and specific sessions, the aim is to bring the results closer to the various stakeholders in the sector and promote their understanding and application in real-world contexts. These actions add value to the project by transforming technical results into accessible and reusable content, fostering the training of end users and the effective adoption of the innovations developed.

The Dissemination Plan 4 aims to generate accessible and reusable informational materials to facilitate the dissemination of the project's results. To this end, FEMAC will design infographics and fact sheets, produce explanatory videos, and publish these materials on the project website, thereby improving communication and access to the information generated.

The Dissemination Program 5 aims to ensure effective technical transfer to the productive sector through in-person and digital channels, facilitating practical access to the results and knowledge generated by the project. To this end, ATRIA will conduct field demonstration workshops showcasing real-world applications and addressing questions on-site, as well as organize thematic webinars to foster remote technical exchange and reach a wider audience. CAMPAG will be responsible for recording training videos that facilitate asynchronous access and reuse of the generated content. Additionally, ANDALTEC and PROINSUR will develop digital training dossiers with structured, downloadable, and updatable materials to serve as a technical reference for end users.

The Dissemination Program 6 aims to strengthen the project's strategic positioning within the agri-food innovation ecosystem, increasing its visibility and fostering synergies with key stakeholders in the sector. To this end, CAMPAG will promote the project's active participation in specialized platforms and networks, facilitating connections with communities of practice, operational groups, and other innovative initiatives. Furthermore, CAMPAG and FEMAC will participate in leading national and international trade fairs, conferences, and industry events to present results, network, and disseminate project progress. They will also maintain ongoing interaction with agri-food clusters and innovation hubs linked to these networks to encourage collaboration and knowledge transfer.

The Dissemination Program 7 aims to ensure the availability of final, replicable technical documents that consolidate the project's results and facilitate their access and use by other stakeholders in the sector. To this end, CAMPAG will prepare the final project report, which will include the progress, results, conclusions, and lessons learned during its implementation. ATRIA will develop a best practices manual that compiles the most effective operational recommendations, methodologies, and procedures identified during the project. ANDALTEC and PROINSUR will create a replicable REWINE model fact sheet that concisely describes the key elements for its reproduction or transfer to other contexts. They will also be responsible for publishing these materials in digital repositories and technical platforms to guarantee open and permanent access.

The Dissemination Program 8 aims to conclude the project by organizing a final event to present the achievements and disseminate the materials generated among industry stakeholders. To this end, FUENDEJALÓN and ATRIA will be responsible for the comprehensive planning and organization of the event, including logistics, agenda development, general coordination, and inviting key industry participants. During the event, ATRIA will be responsible for presenting the results and final project materials through technical presentations and discussion sessions. CAMPAG will also handle the live online broadcast and full recording of the event to facilitate its subsequent dissemination and availability on digital channels.