BioVesi – Sustainability for industrial water treatment with bio-based solutions

Food industry wastewater and aqueous side streams contain various components such as fats, oils, grease (FOG), proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients that are often lost in conventional wastewater treatment processes. Recovering and reusing valuable resources can improve sustainability, support circular economy goals, reduce freshwater consumption, and create value-added products from industrial side streams.

The BioVesi project aims at developing sustainable water treatment solutions with use of bio-based materials and biological processes. At LUT, research focuses on the development of innovative 3D-printed bio-based adsorbents and filtration materials for oil-water separation, FOG reduction, and nutrient recovery from industrial side streams. These solutions aim to improve resource recovery and water recycling while reducing the environmental impact of industrial wastewater management.

By promoting the recovery and reuse of valuable resources, the project supports the development of environmentally friendly technologies and more sustainable water management practices in the food industry.

Goals

• Increase the use of bio-based materials and biological processes in industrial water treatment.
• Develop environmentally friendly bio-based materials for water purification, including coagulants and 3D-printed filtration materials.
• Recover valuable components from food industry side streams, enhance nutrient recovery, and reduce organic load in wastewater.
• Develop and optimize innovative processes for industrial wastewater treatment and water recycling.
• Promote sustainable industrial practices and support the growth and competitiveness of Finnish companies.