FURIOUS's M12 Meeting: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

FURIOUS partners meet at ZUT, strategizing for sustainable innovations ahead, for their periodical M12 meeting. Read more. 

Meeting at ZUT university

On the 5 and 6 of June, the West Pomeranian University of Technology (ZUT) in Szczecin hosted the M12 meeting of the EU-funded project FURIOUS. With the Senate Room at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics as venue, partners gathered to review the progress and strategize the next steps in this ambitious journey towards sustainable innovation.

The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome from the Head of the Faculty. Attendees were eager to dive into the detailed discussions and reflections planned over the two days.

During day 1, Debora Puglia from the University of Perugia (UNIPG) opened the session with a comprehensive overview of our project’s current status at the 12-month mark. The discussion focused on our achievements so far, the challenges encountered, and the strategic adjustments required to stay on course. Debora emphasized the critical milestones ahead as we approach M18, setting the stage for the day's subsequent sessions.

The conversation then turned to the fundamental building blocks of our project. We explored the criteria for raw materials and their application needs, aligning our technical and ecological goals with practical requirements.

As lunchtime approached, our focus shifted to the synthesis of eco-designed polymers. This session not only assessed our progress but also established an action plan for the next six months. The aim is to enhance the eco-friendliness of our polymer solutions, ensuring they meet our rigorous sustainability standards.

Post-lunch discussions centred on circularity. We debated how designs could embody circular economy principles, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. The resulting action list will guide our efforts from M13 to M18.

The day concluded with an inspiring tour of ZUT's laboratories, offering a firsthand look at the cutting-edge facilities and technologies driving our project forward.

Day two began with a deep dive into the characterization of furan-based polyesters. The session addressed the technical intricacies and outlined an action plan to refine these materials over the coming months.

The role of furan-based thermoplastics in electronic and biomedical packaging was then examined. This discussion highlighted the unique properties required for these applications and set objectives for M7 to M12. 

Next, it was the turn of the automotive sector, exploring how furan-based plastics could revolutionize materials used in vehicles

The focus then shifted to underwater and thermoplastics tailored for sensors and robots. These materials face unique challenges, and FURIOUS action plan will ensure they meet the rigorous demands of marine environments.

Safety and sustainability are cornerstones of the project. This session assessed progress in these areas and outlined how we can ensure the innovations are not only effective but also economically viable.

Day 2 concluded with a review of communication and dissemination activities, as well as a focus on pre-printing for clustering opportunities. This session reviewed strategies for spreading findings and engaging with stakeholders.

The M12 meeting was a significant milestone in the FURIOUS project. The insights gained and the plans laid out over these two days will steer the efforts as we move towards M18. With each partner bringing their expertise and enthusiasm, the project is well-positioned to advance in the mission of innovating for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey together!

For more information on our project and upcoming meetings, please visit our official project website or follow us on X and LinkedIn.