67th International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements

 is the perfect platform for promoting the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Industry 4.0. It revolves around digitalization, which has introduced revolutionary changes in company development and business operations, boosting productivity and enhancing competitiveness. This concept highlights new opportunities and challenges, directing attention to the recognition of emerging influences and the consequences of accelerated technological advancements.

One of the exhibition halls at the 67th International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements in Belgrade (Serbia)

The Fair is one of the longest-running and most significant events in the field of technological development and industry globally, which is traditionally held at the Belgrade Fair. The conceptual focus is on innovations and new technologies, emphasizing “factories of the future”, industrial automation, electrical power engineering and energy infrastructure. It brings together leading companies, innovators, scientists and experts from various fields of technics and technology, providing a unique platform for presenting the latest achievements, products and solutions. It was organized in the space of 12,163 m2, with 592 national exhibitors, from which 328 were international exhibitors.

(upper row): Dr Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic at the opening ceremony; Dr Ivana Aleksic, Dr Tatjana Ilic-Tomic, Dr Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic; Dr Dusan Milivojevic, Dr Brana Pantelic, Nikola Radivojevic;

(lower row) Lena Pantelic, Vukasin Jankovic, Dr Vuk Filipovic; Dr Jelena Simic, Dr Sanja Skaro Bogojevic; Dr Marijana Ponjavic, Dr Ivana Aleksic, Milan Slavkovic; Dr Milica Ciric, Dr Jelena Milovanovic.

Group for Eco-Biotechnology and Drug Development

 from the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) presented their ongoing research projects to 17,548 curious visitors of all ages. They highlighted the transformative potential of 

, with the EcoPlastiC project at its core. Visitors explored groundbreaking innovations, from a fully 3D-printed biomaterial sneaker to the composting potential of bacterial polymers and the commercial viability of bacterial pigments in sustainable printing. These advancements mark a significant step toward eco-friendly solutions that could redefine material production and environmental sustainability.

Two main concepts that IMGGE team presented at the Fair: BIOMATERIALS and BIOPIGMENTS

EcoPlastiC at the 67th International Fair of Technics in Serbia

The ninth online EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting (SM) was held on March 28, 2025, where partners discussed the final stages of the project.

Within WP4, various extraction methods were assessed by 

, where supercritical carbon-dioxide (CO₂) exhibited very promising results. Microscopy analyses revealed that cells were disrupted, exposing PHA granules, suggesting CO₂ could be used as a pre-treatment to enhance PHA accessibility. From the organic solvents, dimethyl carbonate DMC provided the best results, achieving a 43% recovery efficiency with high purity. Moreover, alkali/enzymatic extraction was explored using wet biomass containing 60% PHB. A recovery efficiency of 96% was achieved with high purity and properties similar to chloroform-extracted PHB. The next steps involve continued optimization of enzymatic extraction methods and further characterization of polymers for packaging applications. The 

 team is currently optimizing enzymatic extractions using a 

 worm protein mix and conducting experiments with other worm types. At 

, a protocol was followed for a batch phase and two feeding phases fermentation, where TPA was used as a control. Observations indicated that the first 24 h of feeding phases are critical for biomass growth, while no significant increase is observed afterwards.

 has been working on the recyclability of single-cell protein (SCP-) and PHA-rich biomasses. Experiments were carried out by re-pressing the materials 6 times, with folding of the film between pressings, which demonstrated that materials retain their flexibility. Experiments of hydrolytic degradation and degradation in soil are ongoing. In parallel, they are preparing several scientific publications. At 

, films from NOVA were tested and they demonstrated strong mechanical properties. Their work in progress includes research on protein-based adhesives.

reported that all target Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all activities have been achieved, but that partners are planning many more activities before project’s end. The team recently had several successful meetings with the industry representatives.

Representatives from all partner institutions attended the SM:

 (Ireland) - Marija Nicevic, Laura Rodriguez Barroso, Bor Shin Chee, Cuneyt Erdinc Tas, Buket Alkan Tas, Necdet Ozcelik, Zeliha Ece Ozcelik,

 (Belgium) – Kim Windey (Team Leader), Helena Koninckx

 (Portugal) –Patricia Concordio dos Reis

 (Serbia) – Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic (Team Leader), Jelena Simic, Marijana Ponjavic, Milica Ciric

EcoPlastiC Steering Meetings are held every two months to ensure the constant project progress.

Ninth EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting

The 1st International Sustainable Resource Recovery Strategies Toward Zero Waste (

: Cross Border Transfer and Development of Sustainable Resource Recovery Strategies Towards Zero Waste. It was held in FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland campus, Basel, Switzerland from the 5-7 May 2025. The objective of this event was to discuss the latest approaches to waste recycling and valorization and to promote interdisciplinary networks. The conference included relevant topics such as Biopolymer & bioplastic production, Innovative processes, Eco-efficient solutions for waste management, Circular economy, Life cycle assessments, Zero waste approach Sustainable waste management and Social-economy issues & policies.

Day 2 afternoon session was initiated by the plenary lecture of Prof. Maria A. M. Reis titled "Unlocking the Potential of Waste for Sustainable Biopolymer Manufacturing” which included results from the EcoPlastiC project. The co-authors from NOVA were Filomena Freitas, Cristiana A.V. Torres, Nídia Lourenço, Anouk Duque, Eliana Guarda, Patrícia Concórdio-Reis, Mónica Carvalheira, Bruno Marreiros, Miguel Palhas, Joana Fradinho and João R. Pereira.

Prof. Maria A. M. Reis (NOVA) during her Plenary Lecture “Unlocking the Potential of Waste for Sustainable Biopolymer Manufacturing”

1st International Sustainable Resource Recovery Strategies Toward Zero Waste (FULLRECO4US)