On February 20th, 2025, the UP4HEALTH project held its final review meeting in Pamplona, Spain, marking the culmination of 4.5 years of dedicated research and innovation in the sustainable valorization of food by-products. This event brought together project partners, stakeholders, and the European Commission reviewers to assess the significant progress and milestones achieved throughout the project.

A Morning Visit to ISANATUR’s Pilot Plant

The day began with a visit to ISANATUR’s facilities, where attendees had the opportunity to explore the pilot plant and witness firsthand the innovative processes developed within UP4HEALTH. ISANATUR has played a key role in demonstrating the feasibility of recovering valuable biomolecules from food industry by-products, such as grape pomace, olive pomace, olive stones, and nut residues. During the visit, the team showcased the full extraction and transformation process, highlighting how these raw materials are converted into high-value ingredients for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

Afternoon Review Meeting: Evaluating Progress and Impact

Following the site visit, the consortium gathered to discuss the technical advancements, challenges, and key findings of the project. The review meeting provided a platform for partners to present their final results, covering aspects such as:

  • The successful scale-up of extraction technologies to a pre-industrial level.
  • The demonstration of the bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and bioactivity of UP4HEALTH ingredients.
  • The market potential and industrial applications of the developed products.
  • The project’s contributions to the circular economy and sustainability in the agrifood sector.

The European Commission reviewers acknowledged the substantial progress made and provided valuable feedback on the project’s impact and potential future applications.

Looking Ahead

As UP4HEALTH reaches its conclusion, the insights gained and technologies developed pave the way for further advancements in bio-based ingredient production. The project has not only demonstrated the viability of upcycling agrifood by-products but also set a strong foundation for future research and commercial initiatives in the field.