Overview
The OAKCHAIN project, as well as LandraTech’s overall business model, was grounded in the principles of zero waste and circular economy, promoting the efficient use of endemic and sustainable natural resources. The project addressed structural challenges within the Portuguese forest value chain, particularly the underutilisation of acorns as a food and industrial resource.
Context and Identified Problem
At the time of the project, the main commercial use of acorns in Portugal, more than 83,000 tonnes out of an average annual production of 400,000 tonnes, was largely limited to livestock feed.
Although the European Commission recognised holm oak acorns as a food product, the necessary conditions to foster engagement across the value chain had not yet been fully leveraged. As a result, acorns were widely wasted, with at least 55% of total production lost, and less than 1% used for processing into flour for human consumption.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the OAKCHAIN project was to establish the foundations of an effective and structured value chain for acorn commercialisation, enhancing its economic, environmental and social value. Specifically, the project aimed to:
- Enable the economic valorisation of Quercinean woodlands;
- Diversify income sources for forest owners;
- Reduce acorn waste;
- Integrate production, processing and market needs through digital solutions.
Developed Solution
Within OAKCHAIN, a digital marketplace platform was developed to facilitate commercial relationships among stakeholders in the acorn value chain. This solution improved commercial efficiency, strengthened connections between forest owners, processors and the market, and contributed to a significant reduction in acorn waste.
Circular Economy and Industrial Processes
OAKCHAIN’s contribution to the circular economy was also evident at the industrial process level. LandraTech acted as an intermediary between forest owners and industry whenever acorn processing was required. The project promoted the full valorisation of all acorn fractions (kernel, cupule and shell) for applications in:
- Human food
- Animal feed
- Chemical industry, with potential uses in the cosmetic, textile and pharmaceutical sectors
Technological Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
OAKCHAIN integrated artificial intelligence tools into the digital platform, enabling the development of predictive models for annual acorn production in specific regions. These models accounted for edaphoclimatic conditions, species and other relevant variables, allowing for more efficient planning, stock management and supply–demand balancing across the value chain.
Project Impact
Overall, the project contributed to:
- The reduction of waste of an underutilised endemic resource;
- Enhanced economic and environmental sustainability of Quercinean forests;
- The creation of structural conditions for rural revitalisation;
- Alignment of the acorn value chain with circular bioeconomy and digital transition principles.
Project Information
Funding: Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)
Type of Funding: Digital Transition of Companies - ‘VOUCHERS FOR STARTUPS - NEW GREEN AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS’
Application Code: TD-C16-i02-4005
Project Title: Development of a Digital Tool for Intelligent Management of the Carvalhal Value Chain (OakChain)
Duration: 12 months
Start: 01 April 2023
End: 31 March 2024
Coordination: LandraTech
Consortium: LandraTech and MORE Colab - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação
State: Completed
Marketplace: Armazém da Bolota