UNICO₂RN and Growing Europe's Circular Economy

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

UNICO₂RN is an initiative launched in June 2025, running until May 2029. Funded by the European Union (EU) and coordinated by the Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), it brings together nine partners across Europe, ranging from technology companies and research institutes to industrial firms and start-ups. One of these research partners is CO2BioClean, who we have invested in. Its mission is to transform biogenic CO₂ (carbon dioxide from natural processes like fermentation and organic waste treatment) into bioplastics and other sustainable materials. 

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with a 55% emissions reduction by 2030. While energy can shift to renewables, industries producing chemicals and materials still rely heavily on carbon. UNICO₂RN addresses this gap by offering sustainable carbon alternatives. UNICO₂RN combines Metal Organic Framework (MOF) technology for efficient CO₂ capture with biotechnological processes using Hydrogen Oxidising Bacteria (HOB). These bacteria convert hydrogen and CO₂ into useful compounds, enabling flexible, modular systems adaptable to different industries. By capturing CO₂ from agricultural food waste, crop residues, and industrial side streams, the project turns waste into feedstock for valuable products. The project focuses on producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are biodegradable plastics derived from biogenic CO₂. These materials can replace fossil-based plastics in packaging and other applications, reducing environmental impact. This supports the EU’s circular bioeconomy strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The headquarters for the VITO Research Institute in Mol, Belgium

UNICO₂RN’s significance goes beyond bioplastics and sustainable materials. The project fosters cooperation and knowledge sharing between key actors in business, research and development and sustainability. It also creates pathways for industries to reduce emissions without sacrificing material production. UNICO₂RN’s success will open opportunities for sustainable packaging and biopolymer industries and support the scaling of production across Europe. Lastly, it demonstrates how carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) can be scaled beyond energy into usable materials, a critical frontier in climate innovation.

The UNICO₂RN project is significant because it tackles one of the hardest challenges in climate policy. By decarbonising materials and chemicals and turning biogenic CO₂ into bioplastics and other products, it reduces emissions and supports the creation of a circular, bio-based economy in Europe. Its success could set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide, especially in regions seeking to balance industrial growth with sustainability.