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LINFA – VAIA PLAY

PROJECT

LINFA – VAIA PLAY

New lifeblood for design objects made with bioplastics from olive wood waste affected by Xylella
PROJECT LEAD

Federico Stefani

CONCEPT

VAIA PLAY aims to create a value chain that connects the primary sector with the world of design, by regenerating olive groves affected by Xylella and enhancing the value of the recovered wood. The project uses this material for technological products through 3D printing, supporting local communities with a virtuous circular model.
LINFA promotes the upcycling of wood waste, technological innovation through bioplastics derived from olive wood, the involvement of local SMEs, and support for the agricultural sector. The removal of olive tree residues also helps prevent biological risks, contributing to the National Agroforestry Strategy and integrating new high-value agro-industrial supply chains.

CONTEXT

Vaia’s ambition is to revolutionize hardware production by using biomaterials sourced from Puglian olive trees affected by Xylella, to create earphones, smartphone covers, and PC shells. This initiative supports the local agricultural fabric while promoting circularity and inclusivity. The project is built on four pillars:

  1. Recovery and support of the local territory
  2. Development of innovative materials in collaboration with the University of Trento
  3. Market analysis
  4. Industrialization of the product line
    Part of the revenues will be reinvested locally to regenerate the territory, making sustainability a core business value for Vaia.

Beneficiari

OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

The project aims to:

  • Develop innovative and sustainable bioplastics from olive wood to replace traditional polymers in the tech sector
  • Maintain a strong environmental focus through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • Prototype and industrialize technology accessories made from these materials
  • Create a short, local supply chain by working with SMEs and reducing logistics impact
  • Define a go-to-market strategy, address intellectual property protection, and ensure efficient project management

Expected results include:

  • Bioplastics ready for industrial production with optimized mechanical and thermal performance
  • Prototypes of technology accessories made from the new materials, tested and scalable
  • Full LCA-based environmental evaluation
  • A sustainable supply chain built on local partnerships
  • A clear commercialization strategy and patent filings for intellectual protection
  • Periodic reporting and monitoring to ensure alignment with project goals

KEY FIGURES

3

RESEARCHERS INVOLVED

3

NEW HIRES EXPECTED

12

PROJECT DURATION

6

NUMBER OF WORK PACKAGES (WPS)

4

STARTING TRL

7

FINAL TRL

Contact us

Project n.: PE_00000004
MADE IN ITALY CIRCOLARE E SOSTENIBILE
Tax Code. 97931690156

Contact

Registered headquarters Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milano
Operative headquarters Via Copernico, 38, 20125 Milano | Edificio C – Piano 1
Southern office Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 70, 80146 Napoli | Laboratorio Ricreami CESMA – Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II