RUBBIO · Biosynthesis of RUBber from BIObased sources

RUBBIO confronts the EU's strategic dependency on imported rubber, a critical raw material. The current global market is precariously balanced on two pillars, each with significant drawbacks. The first, natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis plantations, is characterised by low genetic variability. This uniformity makes the plantations, which are concentrated in Southeast Asia, extremely vulnerable to pests and diseases that could devastate the global supply. Moreover, the expansion of these plantations often competes with land required for food production. The second pillar of the global market is synthetic rubber in its different formulations, which is mainly derived from fossil fuels. Synthetic rubber production is concentrated in nations with robust petrochemical industries, such as China and the United States. This dual dependency on imports for both natural and synthetic rubbers creates a significant strategic and economic vulnerability for European industries. Besides, the reliance on fossil-based materials is in direct opposition to the EU's goals for decarbonisation and a circular economy.The main objective of RUBBIO is to develop three novel, sustainable, and circular bio-based rubber value chains within Europe, optimising efficient biomanufacturing approaches to synthesise versatile compounds from bio-based feedstock. A cornerstone of the project is its choice of feedstock: starch-containing food waste (bread and potato waste). By valorising this low-value stream, RUBBIO aligns with circular economy principles and the EU's ambitions for zero pollution. Precisely, RUBBIO will develop and optimise different biomanufacturing approaches to produce platform chemicals (butanediol and propionic acid) and monomers (butadiene, acrylonitrile, and styrene). The monomers will be then used to synthesise three commercially relevant rubbers: polybutadiene, nitrile butadiene rubber and styrene butadiene rubber for sectors lacking mature bio-based solutions.