The Government is investing concretely in innovation and sustainability through the launch of the RACE Project – Recycling Abattoir by-products for Construction Materials Engineering, an initiative that will look at the use of abattoir by-products to create high-performance construction materials. This project, with an investment of €350,000, is co-financed by the European Union and is being carried out in partnership between the Public Abattoir, the University of Malta and the Pig Breeders’ Cooperative.
This was announced during a visit to the Public Slaughterhouse, where the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and the Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi met with researchers and representatives of the sectors involved in the project. It was explained how the project is focusing on the recycling of pig wool and bones, which together amount to approximately 3.7 tonnes of waste per week, waste that is currently sent for incineration.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo said that this project reflects the Government’s vision to strengthen innovation at the heart of the agricultural sector and related industries. “The RACE project is clear evidence of how Malta can lead with courage and thought towards a modern and sustainable economy,” said Minister Refalo.
“We are taking a real challenge, waste management, and turning it into a valuable opportunity. This not only shows the result of a collective commitment between the public, scientific and rural sectors, but also that our country is capable of creating original solutions that serve as a model for others. The project confirms that our agriculture plays a strategic role in protecting the environment and in building a stronger and more sustainable future for all our communities,” concluded Minister Refalo.
Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the RACE project is a clear example of how innovation and the efficient use of European funds can transform challenges into new opportunities for the country. He explained that through this project, products that are normally considered waste that you have to pay to dispose of, will now be used as a by-product that can be sold as a component for sustainable concrete, with benefits for the environment and for the villagers.
“Through Common Agricultural Policy funds we are encouraging solutions that combine research with practice. This project shows how innovation and partnership between public institutions, farmers and researchers can create real value for both the agricultural sector and the construction industry,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The RACE project will address both the challenge of Slaughterhouse waste management and the environmental impact of construction materials. The initiative will contribute to cleaner industries, a more sustainable production model and new value-added opportunities in the agricultural and construction sectors.
Photo: DOI/MAFA/MFI
