alchemia-nova

Our Project Researcher and Manager Antonia Zerobin attended The Climate Innovation Festival (#CIFE ), an inspiring event bringing together people from diverse backgrounds — all united in one goal: taking climate action collaboratively. During networking, Antonia shared insights from two of our EU projects: 💧 Inspire Europe – where we explore application cases for innovative solutions that prevent plastic pollution in European rivers. 🔁 SYMBIO project – where industrial symbiosis paves the way for circular bioeconomy business models to replace fossil-based products. #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy #Bioeconomy #PlasticPrevention #EUProjects #INSPIRE #SYMBIO #Collaboration

Excited to see the REHUBS EU Project officially kick off in Thessaloniki! 🌍✨ alchemia-nova is proud to lead: 🔹 T4.3 – Circular water recovery and valorisation leveraging Nature-based Solutions (NbS) 🔹 T4.6 – Framework of NbS for rural resilience Eriona Canga (Environmental Engineer, alchemia-nova) presented our approach to applying NbS for water treatment. We are excited to be part of a project that bridges circularity, water, and climate resilience. #HorizonEurope #ResearchImpactEU #CircularEconomy #WaterInnovation #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateResilience

Our Circular Bioeconomy led by Tamara Vobruba came together last week for our quarterly sync — not just to check boxes, but to celebrate progress, exchange ideas, brainstorm solutions to shared challenges, and plan ambitious steps forward. We agreed that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through shared expertise, fresh perspectives, and the collective will to transform how we use and value resources. Here’s to our brilliant circular bioeconomy team 👏 📸 Team snapshot (L–R) Panos Petridis, Gaetano Bertino, Tamara Vobruba, Antonia Zerobin, Elisabeth Saurer, Robert Slade and Nils Klose

On Monday 6th October we were thrilled to host the 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 event at the Climate Lab in Vienna, in collaboration with bündnis mikroplastikfrei, as part of the Inspire Europe's 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, a dynamic afternoon dedicated to exploring actionable strategies for reducing plastic waste and fostering sustainable innovation! Many thanks to all the invited guests Martin Leban (Co-founder, 123zero), Michael Neuman (CEO, KITOCOAT), Johann Zimmermann (NaKu - Aus Natürlichem Kunststoff, Paul Fuehrmann (Founder & CEO of chromulus - Trockennebel), Daniel Steinitz (Head of Technology and Innovation Management, bündnis mikroplastikfrei) and Polymnia Dagtzidou-Kisser (Managing Director of alchemia-nova Greece) representing #REMEDIESEU for showcasing their plastic-free waste solutions, and providing us with real inspiration for innovation. We also had a very informative panel discussion on “𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭,” moderated by Sarah Gilani, Integrated Communication Manager and Board Member at alchemia-nova. Our panelists — Gert Everaert( Project Coordinator, Inspire Europe), Milica Aksentic (Senior Sustainability Manager, Mondi Group), Andreas Mautner (Associate Professor, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)), Martin Leban (Co-founder, 123zero), Johann Zimmermann (NaKu - Aus Natürlichem Kunststoff and Renate Paumann(Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Regionen und Wasserwirtschaft) represented diverse backgrounds, ranging from government and EU-funded projects to research, packaging, product development, and sustainable materials. Panelists shared their insights and inspired a meaningful dialogue, about paving the way from innovation to market. Their contributions underscored the importance of collaboration at all levels in tackling plastic pollution at its roots. At the end of the event, we enjoyed amazing pizzas from Circular Pizza Catering by Christine Bertl. 🍕 By using 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬, and applying 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 and 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, the catering beautifully demonstrated how food waste can be reduced while creating real value. It inspired participants to close loops in practice, reassess resources, and apply sustainable ideas in both everyday and professional contexts.  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed to the discussions, and helped make this event a success. Let’s continue building momentum toward a circular, plastic-free future. Tamara Vobruba Panos Petridis Antonia Zerobin Susanna Findlay Nils Klose Robert Slade Eriona Canga 📸 credits: Julia Moser

🌿 Proud moment for our team! Our Team Lead for Nature-Based Solutions & Water, Marco Hartl, and Environmental Engineer Eriona Canga contributed to a new book chapter on the 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 – an important output of the #WATERAGRI project. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have long been used for pollution control and water management. This chapter explores not only their effectiveness but also how sustainability can be assessed through life-cycle thinking, rapid assessment, and interdisciplinary approaches. Findings show that CWs are a sustainable solution for water and nutrient management in agriculture – with environmental benefits widely recognized. Yet, it is often the 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 that can tip the balance towards long-term sustainability, highlighting the need for stronger links to social innovation. 📖 Read the full chapter here: https://lnkd.in/d2JWcax4

 Yesterday we celebrated 3 years of Climate Lab together with the amazing community that has grown and thrived here over the past three years. Our Circular Economy Team Lead & Board Member, Tamara Vobruba, was featured as a 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 in the Living Library, where she shared how  𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 can be used to identify circularity potential and explore sustainable scenarios for the valorization of residual side streams. She presented insights from our projects RURBANIVE Project EU and FUTURAL Project Sarah Gilani, Integrated Communications Manager, shared our work on the ATRIUM Project, where we are not only rethinking construction materials but also co-creating sustainable business models for a circular future. 💚 It has also been one year since the alchemia-nova team joined the Climate Lab coworking space, and we are excited to see it grow. We wish Climate Lab every success with its upcoming expansion. 👏 A big congratulations to Barbara Inmann on stepping into the role of Managing Director, Climate Lab! We wish you and the space continued success in nurturing collaboration, innovation, and community. 💫

🌊 Join us for the Inspire Europe Blue Economy event! 📅 Monday, October 6th 📍 Climate Lab, Vienna We are excited to host Innovative Solutions for Plastic Pollution Prevention, an inspiring session showcasing pioneering approaches to plastic-free waste solutions. ✨ Featured solutions and speakers: Polymnia Dagtzidou-Kisser (Managing Director of alchemia-nova Greece) representing #REMEDIESEU. Born in Thessaloniki, educated in England, and with 20 years in the pharmaceutical sector, she now pioneers circular economy solutions and reusable infrastructure. Martin Leban (Co-founder, 123zero), creating plastic-free cosmetics for hotels and festivals. Building on his family’s 30-year legacy in hair and scalp care, he bridges industry expertise with sustainable innovation. Michael Neuman ( CEO, KITOCOAT) – with an MSc in Material Science and extensive experience in operations and sales. At KITOCOAT, he leads innovation on chitosan-based nanocoatings that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Johann Zimmermann (NaKu - Aus Natürlichem Kunststoff) – Pioneer in biobased and biodegradable plastics. For nearly 20 years, NAKU has been developing and marketing sustainable packaging solutions made from renewable raw materials. Paul Fuehrmann (Founder & CEO of chromulus - Trockennebel GmbH) – With innovative dry-fog technology, Chromulus helps retailers reduce food spoilage by up to 35%, cutting packaging needs and ecological impact. His background in consulting and strategic planning drives sustainable business growth. This event is a unique opportunity to discover how entrepreneurs and innovators are tackling plastic pollution with tangible, scalable solutions. We only have a few seats left—register now to secure your spot! 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/d7Pw5JDz Tamara Vobruba Sarah Gilani Daniel Steinitz Antonia Zerobin

Our Junior Ecologist, Susanna Findlay, recently participated at the D-A-CH Geobiology Symposium at the Natural History Museum in Vienna. This annual event brings together early-career researchers at the intersection of geosciences and biosciences, providing a platform to share research, exchange ideas, and build international networks. Susanna presented a poster on her PhD research into change and adaptation in inland waters, work that is closely connected to our ProCleanLakes project. It was a fantastic opportunity for her to engage with researchers from across Europe and gain new insights. We are truly proud of Susanna’s work and the passion she brings to both her academic journey and her contributions at alchemia-nova. 💚

Earlier this month in 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐨, our Researcher & Scientific Project Manager, Panos Petridis, and our Integrated Communication Manager & Board Member, Sarah Gilani, joined the Inspire Europe biannual General Assembly. Together with other consortium partners, we presented the progress we have made so far. 🌍✨ We are leading 𝐖𝐏𝟑 (𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬), where we are coordinating the testing, showcasing and further application of innovative solutions such as 123zero 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 without plastic packaging 🧴, 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐇𝐀🌱, and 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐧-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🔬. We are now seeking partners interested in learning more about these prevention technologies and testing their potential applications. If you or anyone you know is interested, feel free to reach out to us. 🤝 In addition, alchemia-nova is also responsible for the 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐏𝟔, ensuring that communities remain engaged and informed. 🧑🤝🧑📢 While in Porto, we also visited the 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐱𝐨, where INSPIRE’s latest 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 unit has been installed in the Douro River. This compact technology helps remove microplastics from marinas and shipyards’ wastewater before they reach the river and is capable of filtering 200 liters per hour. 💧⚙️ On the final day, we joined the “𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 - 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐨 & 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓” swimming event, proudly sponsored by Inspire Europe. 🏊♂️ This inspiring community event brought together swimmers of all ages and backgrounds, who swam 𝟒 𝐤𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫—a true testament to dedication and perseverance. The event also highlighted the importance of maintaining a 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 so that both humans and marine life can continue to thrive. 🌊🐟 We were especially proud that the 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 in his category! 🏆 At the showers after the swim, our team distributed 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡 by our partners 123zero. 🧼✨ These innovative powder formulations are 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥, 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐬—completely eliminating the need for plastic bottles. ♻️ A special thank you to Gary Kett and Luis R. Vieira from CIIMAR for their warm hospitality and for hosting us in Porto, and to Gert Everaert and Ana I. C. for their tireless efforts in coordinating this massive project. 🙌 Porto reminded us once again of the value of our rivers, the power of community, and the importance of innovation in protecting our natural resources.