Partners

Certech’s mission is to deliver innovative solutions to its industrial partners in both product and process development, following the principles of sustainable chemistry and circular economy. Its activity focuses on three main pillars, supported by a specific analytical platform:

• Materials: (Bio)polymers and composites, emission and odours of materials, barrier materials, mechanical recycling
• Environment: Air quality, health and safety, energy, circular economy
• Chemistry & industrial processes: Intensified and continuous processes, micro/mesofluidic technologies, catalysis and synthesis, chemical recycling

As leader and partner of the COMPOVERT project, Certech aims at developing polymers and functional biocomposites using its expertise in chemistry and material science. These composites will be fully characterised, not only in terms of chemical and physical properties but also of odours and emissions. Certech focuses on the chemical modification, formulation (thermoplastics, natural fibres, particles) and process of the biopolymers through techniques like extrusion, compounding, film, injection, … Its advanced analytical platform will support project partners to characterise the different biomaterials and benchmarking them against industrial standards.

The laboratory of biomass and green technology of the university of Liège, headed by Prof. Aurore Richel, specialised in research on the chemistry of renewable resources and associated technologies. The laboratory is currently involved in more than fifteen national and international projects focusing on the development of bioenergy and bioproducts. Its main axes of research include the design and optimisation of innovative pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, the development of solutions for converting biomass into energy (such as biofuel or energetic vectors) and the valorisation of some chemical from the biomass for high value application in sectors as medicine, packaging, automotive or electronic.

The UMR FARE (for Fractionation of AgroResources and Environment) is under the supervision of URCA and INRAE. FARE works on the biological or technological transformation of plant-based lignocellulosic biomass for non-food applications. Its first expertise is on the field degradation of lignocellulose using micro-organisms to maintain its fertility and to favour sustainable agriculture and ecosystem ( management of input, carbon or nitrogen cycles,…). Its second axe of research focuses on the fractionation of lignocellulose using enzymatic and microbial bioprocesses targeting application in chemistry and energy (bioethanol 2G, sugar-based surfactant…). FARE’s third pillar is on the valorisation of biobased fibres and polymers to develop innovative high-performance materials and composites (light, recyclable, biodegradable…). This last expertise is key for the COMPOVERT project in which biobased composites, containing lignocellulosic (flax or hemp) fibres or lignin, will be processed using extrusion processes.

IMT Nord Europe – and more specifically its Materials and Process center – is working on implementing new processes, from lab scale to pilot, for the development of new materials with optimised structural and functional performances.

Within COMPOVERT, IMT Nord Europe leads the activity “Process of functional biocomposites” and focuses its action on the design and process of thermoplastic composites containing biobased fibres or particles as well as their characterisation. A specific effort will be made on the development of tools and techniques to manufacture semi-products with continuous fibres as well as their processing via thermocompression, filament winding or additive manufacturing.

CRITT Matériaux Innovation is a French non-profit technological center specializing in materials science, surface engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Based in the Grand Est region, it supports industrial companies through testing, expertise, R&D, and innovation services. With over 40 years of experience, CRITT-MI works with demanding sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, metallurgy, and automotive, offering independent and confidential services tailored to industrial needs.

The organization provides a wide range of technical services, including materials characterization, mechanical and environmental testing, failure analysis, and surface treatment technologies (e.g., plasma processes, coatings, corrosion resistance). It is also actively involved in advanced manufacturing techniques such as Powder Injection Molding (PIM) and additive manufacturing, helping clients transition from design to industrial production. CRITT-MI also participates in collaborative R&D projects at regional, national, and European levels.

CRITT-MI is ISO 9001 certified and holds ISO/IEC 17025 (COFRAC) and NADCAP accreditations, with qualifications from major industrial groups like SAFRAN and AIRBUS. Recognized as a CRT (Centre de Ressources Technologiques), the center is eligible for R&D tax credit programs (CIR/CII) in France. With strong technical expertise, modern equipment, and a client-focused approach, CRITT-MI plays a key role in supporting innovation and performance in materials and processes.