A platform for tracking and reducing persistent and emerging pollutants towards zero pollution in food and drink systems

EmerGO will deliver the first integrated European platform to identify, monitor, prevent, and reduce persistent and emerging pollutants (PEPs) in the food and drink (F&D) sector. Its objectives are: (1) map pollutant emissions across meat, juice, and confectionery subsectors; (2) develop cost-effective, real-time monitoring tools including multimodal sensors and AI models; (3) demonstrate advanced, circular treatment solutions—oxidation, membranes, adsorption, recovery—under industrial conditions; and (4) embed validated solutions into BAT 2.0, EU policies, and consumer transparency tools.These objectives will be achieved through three demo sites covering over 60% of Europe’s processed food market, plus replicators in other subsectors. The project advances TRL 4–5 technologies to TRL 6–7 through validation. A multi-actor approach (MAA) engages industry, regulators, SMEs, and consumers, ensuring co-creation and policy relevance. Results will be shared via open data platforms, practice abstracts, publications, policy briefs, and training modules.EmerGO aligns with the Zero Pollution and Food 2030 priorities. It fills BAT gaps by delivering validated methods for microplastics, PFAS, antibiotic residues, endocrine disruptors, and cleaning chemicals. It supports the Green Deal, Farm to Fork, and Zero Pollution Action Plan, and strengthens competitiveness via cost-effective compliance and consumer trust. International cooperation through Eurecat LATAM and Asia–Pacific networks will enable replication and scaling beyond Europe.By project end, pilots will achieve 40–80% pollutant reductions. Within three years post-project, 25–30% of large producers are expected to adopt EmerGO methods, with results embedded in updated BATs and EU policies, ensuring systemic, lasting impact.