FABRIC

Infrastructure and User Services

The FABRIC research infrastructure is based on the vision that all needs in a circular and biobased world can be met with sustainably produced bioresources. FABRIC develops and applies technologies for novel zero-emission value chains for food, feed, materials, chemicals and fuels (TRL 4-7, lab to pilot scale). More specifically, the facilities include:

• Postharvest technology: vision and robotics facilities including AI and sensing; storage and controlled atmosphere cells for physiological research of fresh produce and biomass.
• iorefinery and conversion technology: facilities for pre-treatment of biomass (dry and wet), isolation of components, removal of water, solvents and pollutants; chemical, microbial and enzymatic conversion.
• Food Processing Technologies: mild preservation and structuring technologies; integrated product development- consumer research facility; MLII-certified labs (food safety research).
• Biobased Chemicals: specialized laboratories for chemical and biotechnological conversion of biomass into bulk and fine chemicals.  
• Biobased Materials: facilities to process biobased polymers into various materials (e.g., bioplastics, coatings, adhesives, resins and composites) with supporting labs to test the physical and chemical properties.
• Separation and Recycling technologies: valorisation of waste streams and post-use materials (plastics, textiles) for closing of carbon-containing material loops.
• Consumer and Health research facilities: facilities for consumer tests including implicit and explicit monitoring; digestive simulations for in-vitro lead detection; a state-of-the-art facility for human nutrition clinical trials.
• Supporting labs for technology development and advanced analysis (e.g., GPC, LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, XRT, physical, chemical, rheological characterization).
• Digital infrastructure to allow for a “digital twin approach”, linking research data to innovative modelling, sensor development and advanced process control.

Examples/description of the type of research 

The FABRIC research infrastructure supports technological and organizational innovations in the domain of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR): healthy food in a sustainable and biobased world. FABRIC’s research services include:

• Brainstorming and ideation;
• Consultancy and policy support;
• Technical validation and advice;
• Co-development of technical and organizational solutions;
• Strategic partnerships.

FABRIC’s research activities typically focus on TRL 4-7, ranging from lab to pilot scale. Research at lower TRL levels (<3) and on smaller scales (up to ~1 kg) is usually performed in WFBR’s adjacent laboratories, while work at higher TRL levels (>7) and on larger scales is performed in available facilities at other research parties or the process environment of WFBR's clients.

Partners and users are given access under conditions specified in either contract research contracts or use contracts. Depending on the research question and involved parties, contract research projects have a different focus, ranging from fundamental, strategic, applied to valorisation research. In all cases, the use of the research infrastructure is an integral part of these projects.

When divided over the different sources of financing, the projects can be classified into (in order of importance):

• Public-private partnerships (e.g., TKI Agrifood, Green Chemistry & Circularity, MOOI): pre-competitive research, TRL: 2-5, 50% public / private funding.
• Bilateral projects: competitive research, TRL: 3-7, 100% private funding.
• Science grants (e.g., NWO, NWA): mostly fundamental research, TRL: 1-2, >80% public funding, outcomes in public domain

How to access the infrastructure?    

The FABRIC research infrastructure  is accessible to project partners and users under the applicable governance and contract conditions of WFBR.  For many projects, direct physical access to the facilities is not necessary and sometimes even undesirable (safety). Exceptions are projects in which end products are worked on through co-creation, or in which the equipment can be operated by the client's personnel (shared use). The organization and prioritization of the use of the facilities and equipment is done with the planning and control tools for WFBR's research projects.