CANNVALUE
Innovation and Integral Valorization of Medical Cannabis
We lead a strategic consortium that merges Portocanna’s industrial expertise with the scientific excellence of the University of Aveiro, IPMA, and ISQ. Centered on the circular economy, we transform residual biomass and cannabinoid extraction by-products into high-value-added solutions.
The project foresees the development of 5 new products and 6 new processes designed to optimize curing and industrial extraction. These innovations target both human and animal health, specifically aquaculture, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability for the industry.
Process Engineering and Bio-Refinery Methodologies
The CANNVALUE project (36-month duration) researches and develops new processes to ensure the standardization of inflorescences and the integral valorization of biomass. Through green technologies, such as supercritical CO2, the project responds to the growing global demand for sustainable and safe solutions.
The Three Pillars of Impact
Industrial Efficiency
Implementation of a curing process for uniform moisture distribution, aiming for a production increase of at least 2 tons/year.
Extraction and Purification
Recovery of 80% of terpenes during decarboxylation and development of microencapsulation techniques to diversify the market.
Valorization of Waste
Creation of a commercial outlet for the remaining biomass (rich in active compounds) through the development of functional ingredients for animal health.
Technical Innovations
CURING
+ Uniform moisture
+ Extended shelf life
+ Industrial yield
TERPENES
+ 80% recovery
+ Oil enrichment
+ Sensory quality
MICROENCAPSULATION
+ Matriz sustentável
+ Libertação controlada
+ Biodisponibilidade
AQUACULTURE: FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS AND NUTRACEUTICALS
The project applies a biorefinery model to convert residual biomass into functional ingredients with immuno-modulatory and antimicrobial properties. These new products are intended to strengthen animal health, making the industrial process profitable by transforming a by-product into high-value-added nutrition for the veterinary sector.
Technical validation focuses on in vivo trials, using brine shrimp (artemia) as a fundamental live feed for the larval phase of marine fish, succeeding rotifers, before adapting to inert feed, evaluating growth parameters and resistance to pathogens. These tests allow monitoring of biological efficacy and fish welfare, ensuring the economic viability and safety of the supplements before their introduction to the market.
AQUACULTURE: FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS AND NUTRACEUTICALS
The project applies a biorefinery model to convert residual biomass into functional ingredients with immuno-modulatory and antimicrobial properties. These new products are intended to strengthen animal health, making the industrial process profitable by transforming a by-product into high-value-added nutrition for the veterinary sector.
Technical validation focuses on in vivo trials, using brine shrimp (artemia) as a fundamental live feed for the larval phase of marine fish, succeeding rotifers, before adapting to inert feed, evaluating growth parameters and resistance to pathogens. These tests allow monitoring of biological efficacy and fish welfare, ensuring the economic viability and safety of the supplements before their introduction to the market.
CANNVALUE CONSORTIUM
PORTOCANNA, S.A.
Project leader; specialist in EU-GMP processing and cannabinoid extraction.
PORTUGUESE INSTITUTE OF THE SEA AND ATMOSPHERE (IPMA), I.P.
Responsible for biochemical characterization, animal nutrition, and in vivo trials in aquaculture.
ISQ - INTERFACE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Authority in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), circular economy, and pharmaceutical compliance.
UNIVERSITY OF AVEIRO
Expertise in Green Chemistry, supercritical extraction, modeling, and materials science.
TECHNICAL SHEET AND CO-FINANCING
Project Designation: CANNVALUE – Valorization of by-products from the cannabinoid extraction process and their applications.
Operation Code: 01203300.
Main Objective: To strengthen research, technological development, and innovation.
Start Date: 01/09/2024.
Completion Date: 31/08/2027.
Total Eligible Cost: €2,399,130.24.
EU Financial Support: €1,759,881.24.
Co-financing Rate: 73% through the Innovation and Digital Transition Program (COMPETE 2030).
FRAMEWORK AND PUBLIC FUNDING
Operation co-financed by the European Union through the Innovation and Digital Transition Program – COMPETE 2030.
The project drives an innovative, sustainable, and competitive cannabis industry.
Focused on the circular economy, it uses the whole plant to reduce waste and optimize resources. Through new technologies, it promotes transformative changes in the pharmaceutical and animal nutraceutical sectors.
These investments in sustainability align with the European Green Deal, fostering regional development and a greener, digitalized, and competitive global industrial strategy.
CANNVALUE PROJECT
The realization of the CANNVALUE vision is based on close collaboration between scientific knowledge and strategic support from public entities. This project is driven by co-financing from the European Union, through the Portugal 2030 program.
The investment channeled via COMPETE 2030 and the Regional Programs of Lisbon and the Algarve is fundamental for the strengthening of national research and technological development. This support allows us to transform industrial challenges into circular economy solutions, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of a greener, digitalized, and competitive European industrial strategy.
Co-financed by:
For more information, download the project operation sheet here.