The ResiduFlex Network is part of a more comprehensive ZeroWaste umbrella network targeting the extraction of valuables from low grade, complex wastes and ores, while upcycling the residues to added value products. ResiduFlex takes a key position and addresses this conversion of the mineral matrix, i.e. the major volumetric fraction, to (construction) materials, by making a broad variety of valorisation technologies more easily accessible throughout Europe and by offering a more diverse range of solutions compared to what partners may achieve separately (e.g. substitution of cement with by-products, carbonated products, inorganic (alkali activated) polymers, upgraded soil…). This service will be offered in first instance in the partner countries and involved CLCs, targeting both the owners/producers of residues, as well as the producers of solution materials (e.g. construction industry). Also technology providers and developers, as well as the partners in the network will profit by increasing their knowledge and their portfolio of projects, partners and clients. ResiduFlex estimates to prepare its first service offerings to external customers by mid-2016. In this year the central contact point (Network Manager) will coordinate the mapping of the relevant infrastructure and expertise within the Network, and of the legislative barriers in the related countries. All partners will be involved through a team of Technology leaders and local contact points. In the second year, this mapping exercise will be broadened to all KIC partners to identify opportunities to strengthen the Network. In the meantime, the scope of the provided services will be extended and a decision structure will be set up to channel requests through the network in consultation with the customer. As a consequence, it is expected that the amount of clients will increase drastically during 2017 and 2018, leveraging impact by contributing to industry savings and increased competitivity by improved environmental and social sustainability and by reduced landfilled and stockpiled waste. This broad customer base forms the basis for the first steps to financial sustainability and the integration of the different nodes in the ZeroWaste network at the end of 2018.

The ResiduFlex Network has the overall aim to increase the number of residues that can be treated, as well as to enhance the recovered/generated value, by proving the feasibility on the lab scale and detect opportunities for upscaling. To reach this objective, following tasks are distinguished:

1.        Inventarisation of the expertise and related infrastructure for valorisation of secondary resources within the network and in the KIC consortium

2.        Identification of legislative barriers for use of wastes in Network and KIC-partners countries

3.        Development and installation of a system to 1) simplify cooperation within the network and to 2) provide services to outside customers

4.        Detection of common project opportunities for KCA and KAVA, which in turn allow to strengthen and expand the network

5.        Liaise with the related networks in the zero-waste cluster to develop a holistic service offering to residue owners.

In this way, the Network intends to make the broad variety of valorisation technologies more easily accessible throughout Europe and to offer a more diverse range of solutions compared to what partners may achieve separately. These technologies include the production of (high) value aggregates, substitution of cement with by-products (blended cements), carbonated products, inorganic (alkali activated) polymers, upgraded soil… The main target market are construction materials, preferably high-added value applications (e.g. porous materials for insulation, incorporation of fibres for improved properties…).

The target customers of the network are both the owners/producers of residues, as well as the producers of solution materials (e.g. construction industry). Also technology providers and developers, as well as the partners in the network will profit by increasing their knowledge and their portfolio of projects, partners and clients. The service will be offered in first instance in the partner countries and involved CLCs. In time, it is the ambition to involve all CLCs and have a KIC-wide network.