This project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in the pharmaceutical industry, improving its wastewater management performance in a way that yields cost-effective, low energy consumption, and legally compliant results. This will be achieved through the development and implementation of an economically viable, innovative system for the transformation of pharmaceutical compounds, present in wastewater, into non-toxic substances, and to recycle water that would otherwise have been discarded in the wastewater sewage system. The system will be able to treat the wastewater generated from production activities, ensuring that no APIs would end up in the wastewater sewage system without being processed and detoxified by PHARMA-DETOX system. The produced recycled water can be used in non-critical applications, such as in heat exchanging equipment, irrigation, and cleaning purposes.
LIFE PHARMA-DETOX Actions
A1 Technical planning (tender documents, permits)
This Action involves the procedure of preparing all the necessary documents for the smooth implementation of core implementation actions. Additionally, perform all the necessary works in Medo B building to facilitate Pharma Detox system installation.
A2 Detailed physico-chemical characterization of real effluents from the production plants
The objective of this action is to characterize physico-chemically the effluents of production plants and decide whether pre and/or-post treatment are needed.
B1 Final engineering drawings of the innovative demonstration (demo) system for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater
The objective of this action is to prepare the final engineering drawings to be used for Pharma Detox prototype manufacture.
B2 Construction of the prototype LIFE PHARMA DETOX
The objectives of this action are to manufacture, order and purchase certain prototype system components-parts and to assemble the whole prototype system and install it at the Medo B facilities.
B3 Operation, optimization and demonstration of the innovative system.
Amongst the targets of Action B.3 is the 12-month operation of the prototype system, completely on renewable sources, and irrigation of the adjacent park using the effluents of the pilot plant. The prototype system will be optimized, while individuals will be trained to operate and maintain the prototype system. Finally, minimization of environmental impacts occurring due to uncontrolled disposal of wastewater containing low concentration of pharmaceutical.
B4 Replicability and transferability of the project
The aim of this Action is to replicate and transfer the project results. For this purpose, the prototype system will be tested in at least two other demo sites. Additionally, in order to facilitate the continuation of the project activities, geographical expansion activities will take place (one in Greece and one in Italy).
B5 Business plan and market exploitation
Action B.5 involves the preparation of a business plan for the pharmaceutical industry based on the results from the demonstration activities of the project and also the preparation of another business plan for the two identified replication markets. Additionally, an investment memorandum will be prepared, while a Special Purpose Vehicle or a Framework Agreement will be established in order to be used as a vehicle to commercialize the project results.
C1 Monitoring Protocol and Baseline monitoring
Aim of this action is to establish Key Performance indicators/Monitoring Protocol that will be used for monitoring the outcomes of the project, as well as to acquire a clear and representative picture of the current situation environmental and socio economic. (Baseline Monitoring).
C2 Monitoring the process performance
The main objective of Action C.2 is to evaluate the performance of the applied PHARMA DETOX system.
C3 Monitoring the environmental impact of the project-Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the demo system
The main objective of this action is to evaluate the results of the implementation activities compared with the initial situation, objectives and expected results. For this purpose, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be carried out, providing decision-support for the sustainable development of the PHARMA DETOX system.
C4 Monitoring the socio-economic impact of the project
The overall objective of this Action is to monitor and evaluate on a regular basis the socio-economic impact of the project. A social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) will be conducted to assess the social aspects of products and processes, their actual and potential positive as well as negative impacts along the life cycle.
D1 Information and awareness raising activities
The objectives of this action are to develop the necessary dissemination tools and information material. Raise awareness of the target group. The target audience is the general public, EU projects consortia funded under LIFE program, Public authorities, Policy makers of the EC related to Wastewater, pharmaceutical companies, Universities and Research institutes. Inform other interested parties regarding the project objectives and main findings. Disseminate the project outcomes in the international community concerning the innovative prototype system developed, especially to other pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
D2 Development of Dissemination Plan and Tools
The activities in this action focus on dissemination of project results and outcomes to specialist audiences and policy makers, based on the communication plan developed in action D.1. Therefore, activities are more content related and focused on technical and/or policy issues. It is expected that from the dissemination of project results at this group of stakeholders the replication and the exploitation of the project results will be promoted.
D3 Networking with other projects
The objective of this action is to exchange information and experience with LIFE and H2020 projects relevant to wastewater management, water management, circular economy, filtration techniques, and wastewater treatment using RES.
E1 Project management by Medochemie
The management of the project is carried out by the project coordinator (Medochemie), in close collaboration with all the consortium partners. Management and Steering Committees will be formed in order to achieve the (i) timely and efficient coordination of project actions, (ii) the financial and technical management of the project and the (iii) regular reporting to the EC on the technical and financial progress of the project. Finally, monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress and performance will be carried out within this action.
