So far in Sardinia, recycling processes and subsequent valorisation of waste deriving from slaughtering processes have been rather neglected. Most of these surpluses have always been considered as a waste, or a production cost, with a consequent advantage for disposal companies of the rest of Italy.

Within this scenario the PRISMA project represents a model of circular economy. Thanks to PRISMA, part of the slaughtering waste produced in the slaughterhouse of the Arborea Cooperative will be recovered and transformed, giving rise to new agronomic products used to improve the production performance of soil and plants.

These recovery and transformation activities will be based on the natural process of “earthworm composting”, whereby earthworm oligochaete, belonging to the Eisenia genus, will degrade the organic wastes distributed to them, giving rise to a completely natural fertilizer which is fully allowed in organic farming.

There are three partner companies in the PRISMA project: Cooperativa Produttori Arborea, BioSS and Abinsula. Two, instead, are the research organizations involved: the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sardinia and the University of Sassari, with the Department of Agriculture and the Research Unit on Desertification.

About 40 people are involved, including researchers, managers and company technicians.

The PRISMA project will have a total duration of 28 months; it has a funding from the POR FESR of about € 850,000 for about € 1,250,000 of total costs, co-financed through funds from research organizations and companies private resources.

Project funded by:

POR FESR Sardegna 2014-2020

Axis I – Scientific Research, Technological Development and Innovation

Action 1.2.2 – Support to the accomplishment of complex research projects and development activities on relevant thematic areas and to the application of technological solutions functional to the implementation of the S3 strategies