Our Challenge

In this challenge student teams design a sustainable waste valorization process that converts industrial or other useful wastes into chemicals, fuels, or energy (Waste-to-X). Each team of four selects a waste feedstock and a target product, then develops a tailored process route using chemical or energy conversion pathways beyond ordinary combustion. Throughout the course, students evaluate resource choice, reaction and process pathways, and energy system integration, and construct a complete process design including component data, mass and energy balances, and simulation models. Core activities include flowsheet development, sustainability evaluation using KPIs and LCA, and integration of industrial insights. The course combines technical depth with creative problem-solving and encourages systems thinking and international collaboration. Feedback loops and structured consultations guide the iterative development of each project. As a final outcome, teams present their designs to a jury and receive detailed feedback. Participants also have the opportunity to submit their work to the EURECHA Process Design Contest 2027, gaining further visibility and recognition.