AREFLH is a partner on the  WASTE4SOIL project “Turning food waste into sustainable soil improvers for better soil health and improved food system”. It aims at developing applicable recycling technical pathways to transform Food Processing Residues (FPR) into improvers, through a circular, system, and multi-actor approach. All food chain actors are involved at the regional level, thereby closing specific loops (nutrients, organic matter, water).

 

On 19–20 May 2026, AREFLH took part in the Month 36 Waste4Soil Consortium Meeting held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, marking two dynamic and highly productive days of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic reflection on advancing soil health and sustainable nutrient management across Europe.

The meeting was hosted by the University of Ljubljana – Biotechnical Faculty, together with KOTO and the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper), bringing together consortium partners to review progress, strengthen cooperation, and define the next steps of the project.

Scientific progress and knowledge sharing

Partners exchanged updates on methodologies, research findings, and implementation plans across all work packages, reinforcing alignment and shared understanding of project objectives. The meeting further enhanced cooperation between consortium partners and Living Lab regions, supporting stronger integration of real-world testing and co-creation approaches.

Field visits and practical insights

Participants visited key sites, including:
• The facilities of the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper)
• The Port of Koper (Luka Koper) composting plant
• Vinakoper, showcasing innovative approaches to circular bioeconomy practices in the region
These visits provided valuable insights into applied solutions supporting circularity and sustainable resource management.

Strategic workshops

Interactive sessions focused on:
• Policy briefs and regulatory alignment
• Business model development
• Key Exploitable Results (KERs)
• Fairness and stakeholder engagement

These discussions helped refine pathways for impact, scalability, and uptake beyond the project lifetime.
Partners reflected on key achievements to date and jointly defined priorities for the next phase, ensuring continued progress toward healthier soils, resilient agricultural systems, and circular bioeconomy solutions across Europe.

 

The Ljubljana consortium meeting highlighted once again the importance of collaboration, co-creation, and real-world demonstration activities in driving meaningful change for soil health and sustainable agriculture in Europe.

AREFLH warmly thanks all partners and hosts for their contributions and looks forward to continuing this important work with renewed momentum and shared ambition.

 

Know more about Waste4Soil

• www.waste4soil.eu
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This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement Nr. 101112708.