BIOBIOWA: from biomass to biochar — redefining agricultural waste in the Mediterranean

The University of Malta has announced the launch of BIOBIOWA, a cross-border initiative aimed at converting agricultural waste into biochar for biomedical and agricultural use - a valuable resource that supports both environmental protection and medical advancement.

BIOBIOWA is funded under the Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta Programme and is led by the University of Messina (Coordinator: Prof. Alessandra Bitto) with the University of Malta (Principal Investigator: Prof. Joseph N. Grima), and Sialab SRL, a Sicilian company specialising in sustainable technology, as project partners.

The launch event brought together stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and community organisations. Speakers included Inġ. Anthony Camilleri, Director General of the Funds and Programmes Division; Prof. Emmanuel Sinagra, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta; Dr Santo Purello, Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy in Malta; and Hon. Dr. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme.

A keynote speech delivered by Mr Richard Bilocca, CEO of WasteServ Malta Ltd., highlighted the challenges of waste management in the Maltese Islands. He explained how BIOBIOWA’s goals align with WasteServ’s work to promote the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and how projects like this can help create practical solutions to environmental problems. Another keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Alessandra Bitto, from the University of Messina, the Lead Partner.

Prof. Bitto highlighted that at the heart of BIOBIOWA, one finds an eco-friendly, low-energy process that converts agricultural biomass into biochar — a carbon-rich material traditionally used for environmental remediation. “Our work is backed by extensive research, which suggests that the nanostructure of biochar is highly amenable for applications such as controlled drug delivery, creating new opportunities for biomedical innovation.”

Prof. Grima, the Principal Investigator from the University of Malta, highlighted the significance of the BIOBIOWA project as a showcase of sustainable innovation, circular economy, and research collaboration between Sicily and Malta—two neighbouring islands bound by a long history of friendship and cooperation.

He described the initiative as a unique opportunity to translate scientific innovation into tangible benefits. “By converting agricultural waste into biochar, a high-value-added product, we are tackling environmental challenges, advancing biomedical research, and bringing to the forefront the research excellence of these two southern Mediterranean nations.”

During his address, Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme Hon. Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the strategic importance of the BIOBIOWA project as a model of sustainable innovation, circular economy, and cross-border collaboration. He emphasised the Government’s ongoing commitment to maximising the impact of EU funds across key sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.

“Initiatives like BIOBIOWA are an investment in real solutions that improve lives, strengthen our economy, and protect our environment,” the Minister stated, while praising the active role of the University of Malta in contributing to cutting-edge scientific development.

A roundtable discussion highlighted the project’s interdisciplinary scope. From academia, Prof. Everaldo Attard (Rural Sciences & Food Systems, Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta) and Dr Matthew A. Xuereb (Researcher, University of Malta) shared their perspectives on the scientific aspects of the project.

The pharmaceutical industry perspective came from Mr Daniel Seguna (Head of R&D, Sterling Chemical Malta). Representing funding bodies, Mr Kyle Bonnici (R&I Executive, Xjenza Malta) and Ms Caroline Debattista (Programme Manager – EU Funds, Measures and Support Division, Ministry for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme) discussed the role of support structures in advancing research.

Entrepreneurial insight was provided by Mr Alistair Buttigieg Vella (CEO of Universal Industrial Expertise Ltd). The agricultural sector was represented by Mr Dorian Galea (Managing Director, Mġarr Farming Ltd) and Mr Richard Vella (A science graduate and self-employed farmer).

Together, these participants highlighted that the BIOBIOWA project is not only a research initiative but also a model for a circular economy, regional collaboration, and sustainable development.