The LUCRA Advisory Board is composed of highly qualified professionals from scientific, industrial, and societal sectors relevant to the project. Throughout the project’s implementation, the Board will provide independent feedback, strategic guidance, and expert advice, ensuring that LUCRA’s activities remain aligned with cutting-edge knowledge, technologies, and societal needs. Board members are selected for their deep expertise and strong connection to the project’s focus areas, enabling them to contribute directly to achieving LUCRA’s objectives. Their involvement also strengthens the link between LUCRA’s research and the broader innovation landscape, ensuring lasting impact beyond the project’s duration.
Jens Balko, PhD, Head Technical Center Schwarzheide
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP)
Company Description
Fraunhofer IAP develops sustainable and innovative polymer materials, covering the entire value chain from synthesis to pilot-scale production and processing. Its expertise spans bioplastics, biopolymers, functional materials, and advanced composites for industrial and societal applications.
Expertise & Interest in LUCRA
Jens joins the LUCRA Advisory Board to contribute his expertise in sustainable polymer technologies, supporting the project’s goals of developing innovative, resource-efficient materials with strong industrial relevance and societal impact.
Christina Tsamoutsoglou, Engineer of Natural Resources and Environment
DEDISA
Company Description
DEDISA is an inter-municipal company responsible for waste management in Chania, Crete. It operates state-of-the-art facilities for sorting, recycling, composting, and landfill management, serving as a key actor in advancing sustainable waste solutions, and implementing Greece’s circular economy strategy.
Expertise & Interest in LUCRA
Christina brings her expertise in waste management and recycling, ensuring that project results are grounded in real-world circular economy practices. She is interested in how LUCRA’s innovations can help valorize organic waste streams, and strengthen sustainable development.
Luigi Capuzzi, PhD, Research&Development Director
Novamont
Company Description
Novamont is a Benefit Company certified B Corp, and a global leader in biodegradable and compostable bioplastics and the development of bioproducts and biochemicals derived wholly or partially from renewable plant-based sources. Their development model, focused on territorial regeneration, aims to build bridges across sectors by fostering collaboration among all actors in the value chain.
Expertise & Interest in LUCRA
Luigi contributes to LUCRA’s Advisory Board by offering his deep expertise in sustainable biopolymer innovation and circular systems thinking, helping steer the project toward impactful, eco-conscious material solutions.
Agata Olszewska-Widdrat, PhD, Head of the Bioconversion Group
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)
Company Description
The Leibniz Institute ATB is a leading research institute at the interface of biological and engineering sciences. It pioneers systemic and technological research for a sustainable, bio-based circular economy. ATB develops and integrates innovative processes, technologies, and management strategies for transforming agricultural, food, industrial, and energy systems toward sustainability.
Expertise & Interest in LUCRA
Agata’s experience in bioeconomy and process innovation is highly valuable for LUCRA. She is curious about how the project’s bio-based production strategies can support the transition to sustainable resource use and strengthen links between research, industry, and society.
Giorgio Lesage, Innovation and Sustainability Director
MONDO Group
Company Description
MONDO is a global leader in the design and production of high-performance sports surfaces, flooring, and rubber-based materials. With over 70 years of experience and a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, MONDO develops advanced, durable, and recyclable materials used in sports facilities, commercial spaces, and industrial applications worldwide.
Expertise & Interest in LUCRA
Giorgio shares his expertise in sustainable material development and polymer technologies. He is interested in LUCRA’s potential to deliver bio-based materials that combine high performance with reduced environmental impact, supporting MONDO’s commitment to circular design and sustainable manufacturing.
The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.
This work was also co-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee grant number 10082169.