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In a world increasingly aware of the climate emergency and the need for responsible resource management, the valorization of agri-food by-products has become a priority. One of the most prominent European initiatives in this field is the PRIMA NEWFEED project, coordinated by AZTI. This project is a tangible example of how applied innovation can transform waste into valuable resources—specifically, for animal feed.
PRIMA NEWFEED was launched with a clear objective: to transform agri-food industry by-products into safe, sustainable, and effective ingredients for feed production aimed at dairy ruminants and poultry, through the implementation of a circular economy approach.
The initiative seeks to enhance the sustainability of Mediterranean livestock farming by valorizing local agri-food by-products, thereby reducing both environmental impact and production costs.
Funded by the European PRIMA programme (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area), the project operates in Spain, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey—four countries with significant agri-food production and strong potential for by-product valorization.
Livestock farming faces the pressing challenge of ensuring the long-term sustainability of its business model. Increasing productivity and product quality must go hand-in-hand with adapting to major sectoral changes, including rising concerns about animal welfare and growing climate-related risks.
Feed constitutes the largest single cost in livestock production systems. In recent decades, feed prices have steadily increased while product prices have stagnated or declined.
Therefore, the development and adoption of at least three new alternative feed sources—more sustainable and cost-effective than conventional ones—will play a key role in building more resilient livestock production systems in the medium to long term.
Three representative value chains have been selected for in-depth work:
These materials, traditionally considered waste, are treated using cascade-based technological processes that include:
The expected outcomes of PRIMA NEWFEED are ambitious and far-reaching:
Beyond its role in PRIMA NEWFEED, AZTI has established itself as a leader in developing comprehensive solutions for the valorization of food by-products at both national and international levels.
At AZTI, we work directly with industries, associations, and public administrations to identify specific valorization opportunities through a methodology that includes:
In regions like the Basque Country, this approach has enabled the recovery and valorization of up to 75% of organic by-products from food industries, leading to waste management cost reductions of 15–25%.
We offer the food sector a wide range of technologies that enable the transformation of by-products into:
Additionally, AZTI provides validation services at both pilot and industrial scales, ensuring proposed technological solutions are feasible, scalable, and sustainable.
In addition to PRIMA NEWFEED, AZTI has spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on circular economy practices, including:
These examples demonstrate AZTI’s capacity to generate replicable, adaptable models for various industries and regions.
Food Valorization with a Future Vision
Our work goes beyond R&D; we aim to create real economic and environmental impact in the industry. From supporting SMEs to collaborating with large corporations and international technology centers, we have proven that by-product valorization is not only possible—but profitable and sustainable.
In this context, PRIMA NEWFEED marks a key milestone toward a truly circular economy in the agri-food sector, where waste becomes a resource. Thanks to AZTI’s strong track record in by-product valorization, this initiative stands as a model applicable to other regions worldwide.
Contact: David San Martín (dsanmartin@azti.es)
The PRIMA NEWFEED project has received funding from the European Union’s PRIMA Program for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration under grant agreement n°2013. The information and views set out in this Website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.