Research Projects

The global demand for plant-based proteins is currently estimated at 170 million tons per year. This figure is expected to increase in the coming years due to the needs of both animal feed and human nutrition, driven by global population growth and the development of new dietary patterns that move away from animal proteins (vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, etc.).

At present, Europe faces a deficit in protein crops. In 2016, more than 18 million tons of proteins, mainly soy, were imported, representing around 50% of the demand. The WAL’PROT project portfolio aims to develop new pathways for the valorization of plant-based and alternative proteins for the human food sector — from dedicated crops, discarded plant materials, agri-food industry co-products and microalgae.

Two departments of UMONS contribute to WAL’PROT: the Proteomics and Microbiology Service (PROTMIC – Prof. R. Wattiez), which produces alternative proteins from microalgae, and the SMPC (Prof. Jean-Marie Raquez), which valorizes the co-products of protein extraction by developing environmentally friendly materials.

The UP_PLASTICS portfolio develops a complete value chain around the design of new functional and circular plastics for construction and building, integrating the multiple needs of the sector — both the design of new low-carbon-footprint products and the recycling of waste generated by the renovation of existing buildings.

The 9 projects of the portfolio focus on two main applications: (1) coatings and paints, and (2) foams for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and electromagnetic shielding. They integrate the eco-design of circular plastic materials through the transformation and valorization of (i) renewable resources (biomass, including insect-derived raw materials and CO₂), and (ii) construction-sector waste (wood, PVC, etc.).

The portfolio is associated with a unique value chain designed to ensure easy transfer to Walloon industries, while targeting implementation processes compatible with existing industrial infrastructures and equipment.

Despite Morocco’s unique potential with its 3500 km of coastline and political support, its aquaculture sector struggles to reach its economic potential. Our project offers a new development pathway for the sector while preserving Moroccan marine wildlife and establishing an agro-industry based on black soldier fly (BSF) or shrimp farming.

The academic, institutional and industrial consortium will use BSF proteins for aquaculture fish feed and explore the valorization of BSF or shrimp by-products for chitin extraction. This chitin will be used to develop new, environmentally-friendly materials such as fishing nets. The project will also assess the ecological impact of these materials on Moroccan marine life.