STOWARZYSZENIE ZACHODNIOPOMORSKI KLASTER CHEMICZNY ZIELONA CHEMIA

Their core work

The West Pomeranian Chemical Cluster "Green Chemistry" is a Polish industry association based in Szczecin that brings together chemical and biotech companies to work on sustainable bio-based solutions in food, feed, and agriculture. Their H2020 work focuses on alternative protein production from insects for animal feed, bio-based pesticide development, and green chemistry applications in the agri-food chain. As a cluster organization, they bridge the gap between regional SMEs and European innovation consortia, helping smaller companies access industrial-scale bioeconomy projects.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

With only three projects spanning 2017–2020, the evolution is modest but shows a clear sharpening of focus. The earliest project (BIOPEN, 2017) had a broad bioeconomy scope without specific keyword data, suggesting a general cluster support or networking role. By 2019–2020, the cluster moved into concrete industrial applications — insect-based protein production and biological pesticides — indicating a shift from general bioeconomy engagement toward applied bio-based product development.

Moving from broad bioeconomy coordination toward hands-on involvement in alternative protein and biological crop protection — two fast-growing markets in the EU Green Deal context.

How they like to work

Always a participant, never a coordinator — this is typical for a cluster association that facilitates member access to EU projects rather than leading research itself. With 40 unique partners across 12 countries from just 3 projects, they join large, diverse consortia (averaging 13+ partners per project). This makes them a good entry point into Polish bioeconomy networks and a reliable consortium partner for industry-facing work packages.

Despite only three projects, they have built a broad network of 40 partners across 12 countries, reflecting participation in large Innovation Action consortia. Their geographic spread is genuinely European, though their home base in West Pomerania gives them strong links to Polish and Baltic bioeconomy actors.

What sets them apart

As a regional chemical cluster with an explicit green chemistry mandate, they occupy a rare niche: an industry association that actively participates in technical EU projects rather than just networking events. Their combination of insect protein and biopesticide experience is unusual for a cluster organization and makes them a practical link between EU research consortia and Polish chemical/agri-food SMEs. For consortium builders, they offer a credible route into the West Pomeranian industrial base.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FARMYNG
  Flagship demonstration project for industrial-scale mealworm protein production — their largest grant (EUR 283,931) and longest-running project (2019–2025), indicating deep commitment to the insect protein sector.
• BIOBESTicide
  Addresses the growing EU demand for biological alternatives to chemical pesticides, with a specific focus on grapevine diseases using P. oligandrum — a niche but commercially relevant application.