Noèlia Márquez, co-founder and CEO of Benviro, details how the Industrial Doctorate Plan helps them transform organic waste into 100% biodegradable bioplastics through scientific rigor and industrial scaling. A strategic commitment that consolidates the company as a benchmark in the circular economy and in the creation of a future free of microplastics.
From hospitality to cutting-edge biotechnology, Noèlia Márquez’s career is a testament to her entrepreneurial vision and adaptability. Márquez made the leap to the start-up sector to found, together with Patricia Aymà, Benviro. Today, from Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, the company is positioned as a benchmark in the circular economy thanks to a disruptive technology: the production of bioplastics using bacteria that transform organic waste from the food industry into 100% biodegradable polymers free of microplastics.
However, the transition from a laboratory innovation to a scalable industrial solution requires exceptional scientific rigor. It is at this point that the collaboration with the Industrial Doctorate Plan becomes a strategic pillar for Benviro. The company not only invests in young talent, but also articulates its R&D around three fundamental axes in its applied research: the optimization of the hydrolysis of agro-industrial waste (in collaboration with the UAB and Eurecat), the efficient concentration of fatty acids using membrane technologies (with the UdG) and the design of advanced applications for new PHA polymers (with the UPC).
In this interview, Noèlia Márquez explains how the integration of these high-level research projects not only accelerates the development of biocompatible materials for sectors such as health or packaging, but also consolidates Benviro’s mission: to lead a future where waste ceases to be a problem and becomes the resource that definitively replaces fossil plastics.
Bioplastics from waste
— What is the main benefit of Industrial Doctorate projects and how does this collaborative research position you in the sector?
— We believe that Industrial Doctorates have had a very positive impact on our company because they provide us with a complementary point of view. In the day-to-day work of companies, we are not always focused on pure scientific research or on understanding the basis of each process. This collaboration gives us the possibility of scientifically delving deeper into our technology. Understanding it deeply gives us a decisive competitive advantage to grow as an innovative company.
— Do you feel like a leader thanks to your commitment to this program?
— Believing in what we do makes us leaders, and part of this identity is committing to Industrial Doctorates. We currently have three in operation; it is not a matter of chance, but a strategic decision because we consider them very useful tools for our development.
"In the company we can't always focus on scientific research or understand the why of everything; Industrial Doctorates provide us with precisely this necessary point of view."
From hydrolysis to the health market
— Could you explain any tangible results of how these doctorates contribute to the company and society?
— We have three very significant examples. The first is that of Montserrat, which specializes in the hydrolysis of organic waste. Thanks to its project, we have managed to process waste that was initially unsuitable for our yields, transforming it into useful material.
Editor’s Note. Montserrat Jiménez’s research, carried out in collaboration with Eurecat and the UAB GENOCOV group, has been key to solving the bottleneck of the process: hydrolysis. By properly “cooking” complex agro-industrial waste to make it assimilable by bacteria, scaling up to a 400-liter pilot plant has been validated. This optimization not only improves the sustainability of the business model by increasing the production ratio per euro invested, but also guarantees traceability of the polymer, which allows Venvirotech to offer high-performance materials for sectors such as luxury packaging or cosmetics. You can read the interview with the industrial doctoral student of the project at this link.
On the other hand, Pere is leading research on the concentration of volatile fatty acids. This is key to stabilizing the process, saving on transportation costs and scaling up production. In addition, it has a direct environmental impact, as it allows us to reuse the water we use. Finally, Anna studies our final product in depth. Her scientific knowledge helps us formulate materials, analyze compatibilities with other polymers and adapt to new markets, including the medical and health sector.
— What is the relationship like with the university’s research groups?
— The relationship is very good, although we start from different objectives: the company seeks to scale and optimize, while the university seeks to delve deeper into the “why” of things. Success lies in creating synergy. In a sector as demanding as biotechnology, we base collaboration on three pillars: agile communication between the R&D department and the researcher, a clear focus on the industrial scale —if the result cannot leave the laboratory, it is of no use to us— and the setting of scientific challenges that respond to real business needs.
— How do you combine the need for academic publication with industrial secrecy?
— It’s a delicate point. The research center wants to show knowledge and the company, often, would like to protect it. However, we understand that demonstrating that we are pioneers in scientific innovations gives us seriousness and added value in the market. We have to be careful with what we share, but publishing also positions us as a reference.
"As a company, if we get a really good result, but we can't get it out of the lab, it's no use to us. For us, that's really key."
The value of research talent
— What does a doctor bring to the organization, compared to other profiles?
— They bring a unique capacity for in-depth analysis. In the company we focus a lot on quick results, but the PhD asks why an experiment failed or worked. This scientific method allows us to reach places we wouldn’t reach otherwise. This heterogeneity of profiles is what really enriches the team.
— Why would you recommend the Industrial Doctorate program?
— I would recommend it because it allows you to incorporate a highly specialized scientific profile that you might not have otherwise. In addition, it offers the support of technology centers and universities, facilitating access to high-level equipment and analysis that are essential for innovation.
PDI: Regarding internationalization, how do you evaluate research stays abroad?
Noèlia Márquez: There is a duality. When you have a researcher integrated into your day-to-day work, you miss them when they leave. But it is true that, when they return from a stay in companies or similar centers, they bring a renewed vision and many fruits for research. Despite the temporary “break”, the final result is very valuable for the organization.
