Meet the VEG-i-TEC researcher - Heidi Vandenhaute

Heide Vandenhaute is a postdoctoral researcher at VEG-i-TEC, working on the BIOLOOP project. Her research focuses on mapping biomass potential across various sectors in Flanders. By analysing losses along the supply chain, she provides crucial data to support the design of more efficient and circular biomass supply chains.

To make this actionable, in-depth analyses are conducted for potatoes, apples & pears and milk. These high-potential biomasses are used to explore supply chain dynamics and serve as input for decision support models that simulate and optimize biomass logistics, while improving circularity, collaboration and sustainability.

Strengthening biomass supply chains in Flanders: the BIOLOOP project

Flanders is moving toward a sustainable, biobased economy, building on its expertise in biomass valorization, green chemistry and industrial biotechnology. Yet, many biomass flows remain underutilized due to logistical and seasonal challenges. BIOLOOP, an Inter-cluster Strategic Basic Research (SBO) project, develops a knowledge framework and and decision support models (DSMs) to better align biomass supply and demand. By integrating technical, economic, environmental and social factors, the project helps realize the full potential of biomass flows in Flanders.

This research is a collaboration between UGent (VEG-i-TEC and CMET), VITO and AMS, supported by VLAIO, and the Spearhead clusters VIL and Flanders’ Food.

• More information BIOLOOP