In June 2026, with the conclusion of the project activities, Bio4HUMAN successfully reached its fifth and final project milestone by developing a Replication plan and a set of guidelines and recommendations for 4 group of stakeholders. This milestone marks an important step in translating the project’s evidence, field insights and sustainability assessments into practical resources that can support future uptake of bio-based solutions in humanitarian settings.

The milestone is centred on two key outputs: the Bio4HUMAN Replication Roadmap (D8.1, available to view here: https://zenodo.org/records/21096777) and the Guidelines and Recommendations for key groups of stakeholders (D8.2, available to view here: https://zenodo.org/records/21098296).

The Bio4HUMAN Replication Roadmap provides an operational framework for humanitarian actors, policymakers, bio-based and circular economy stakeholders, researchers and local communities interested in adopting or scaling bio-based solutions for solid waste management. Rather than presenting replication as a simple replacement of one material with another, the roadmap sets out a structured process for assessing whether a solution is relevant, feasible, accepted, affordable and supported by realistic end-of-life pathways.

The roadmap guides users through key decision points, including assessing local needs, engaging stakeholders, evaluating the enabling environment, adapting solutions to operational realities, piloting under field conditions, monitoring results and considering possible scale-up. It also includes practical tools such as a replication checklist, operational templates, stakeholder engagement guidance, monitoring indicators and a replication readiness table. These tools are designed to help organisations document assumptions, identify barriers early and make more informed decisions before piloting or scaling a solution.

The roadmap is built around a portfolio of ten bio-based solutions examined by Bio4HUMAN, including mycelium protective material, biogas digester technologies, bio-based self-adhesive tape, biodegradable laminating film, PLA bottles, compostable food-contact packaging, sanitary pads made from natural materials, biodegradable disposable bags, monofilament mosquito and fishing nets, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF). The annexes also present candidate case studies, including biogas and BSF models in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, illustrating different replication pathways such as institutional ownership, enterprise models, cooperative approaches and training-centred models.

Complementing the roadmap, the Guidelines and Recommendations translate Bio4HUMAN’s findings into stakeholder-specific guidance. They address humanitarian aid practitioners, policymakers, donors and bio-based sector actors, offering recommendations on how to integrate waste management considerations into programme design, prioritise low-risk entry points, adapt procurement systems, support local markets, assess end-of-life conditions and create enabling policy and financing environments.

The milestone also reflects Bio4HUMAN’s wider exploitation strategy. The roadmap, guidelines, policy recommendations and related tools form part of the project’s long-term legacy, supporting the continued use of Bio4HUMAN results beyond the end of the project. These outputs are being disseminated through the project website, Zenodo, newsletters, social media, partner networks, stakeholder events and relevant humanitarian, circular economy and bioeconomy channels.

An important message emerging from this milestone is that sustainable humanitarian innovation requires more than identifying promising materials or technologies. Successful replication depends on governance conditions, procurement pathways, local infrastructure, financing, social acceptance, transparency, operational ownership and continued learning. Bio4HUMAN’s final outputs therefore aim to help stakeholders move from isolated pilots and theoretical potential towards more structured, evidence-based, praxis-oriented and context-sensitive implementation.

As Bio4HUMAN reaches its final phase, this fifth milestone provides a practical legacy for the project. By making its roadmap, guidelines and recommendations available to stakeholders, Bio4HUMAN supports future efforts to reduce waste, strengthen circular approaches and accelerate the responsible adoption of bio-based solutions in humanitarian operations.