How CROPSAFE works

Our solution: Eco-friendly pest control through CROPSAFE

From biomass to breakthrough, here’s how we’re creating nature-based alternatives

Phase 1: Extract bioactives

Expert biorefinery operators use environmentally-friendly processes to extract powerful compounds from selected biomass.

Phase 2: Laboratory testing

Rigorous testing identifies the most effective compounds against target pests while ensuring safety for humans, beneficial insects, and soil microbes.

A worker inspects the latest intake of sustainably-harvested wood for the biorefinery.

A laboratory worker programs testing equipment for green chemistry development.

Phase 3: Formulation development

Transform promising compounds into practical, field-ready products that enhance stability and reduce microplastic pollution.

Phase 4: Greenhouse testing

Real-world environment testing helps us select the best formulations for large-scale, real-life trials.

Phase 5: Field Trials

The ultimate test – proving effectiveness, determining application rates, and how they can work as part of an integrated Pest Management approach.

Phase 6: Precision Modeling

Advanced predictive models will underpin the entire project to enable precision farming – targeting protection only where needed, minimising costs for farmers.

Tomatoes growing in a greenhouse, with monitoring of how each plant responds to pests and experimental treatments.

Our natural arsenal

Four powerful biomass sources

Used coffee grounds

Bioactive-rich coffee production waste contributes to CROPSAFE’s circular economy approach.

The source: Large-scale byproduct from instant coffee production

The potential: Decades of proven soil improvement and natural pest repellent properties

Woodchip & bark

Biorefinery worker displays woodchips, a source of renewable chemicals for nature-inspired pest control

The source: Usually burned as waste from wood industry

The potential: Trees’ natural defense compounds against pests and pathogens

Seaweed

Responsible kelp harvesting ensures environmental balance while enabling biobased innovation.

The source: Kelp from Europe’s Atlantic and North Sea coasts

The potential: Marine compounds with unique bioactive properties

Fungi: Dual approach

Biocontrol fungus Pochonia cultured for production of natural pest control chemicals.

The Sources: 1) Symbiotic biocontrol fungi + 2) industrial citric acid production waste

The Potential: 1) Pest-repellent Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and 2) plant-based chitosan polymers

The Impact: Reliable, bioinspired solutions

Zero waste philosophy

Maximum efficiency: Every part of our biomass serves a purpose

Maximum efficiency: Every part of our biomass serves a purpose
Sourcing: From waste products when possible
Primary extraction: Bioactive pest control compounds
Secondary products: Bio-based surfactants and protective supports
Residual solids: Growth medium for beneficial biocontrol fungi