Blue Synergy leads Social Impact Assessment of the New Wave Project

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Blue Synergy recently conducted the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of the New Wave Project, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative that is shaping the future of sustainable and circular bio-based manufacturing in the wood and plastic industries.

What is a Social Impact Assessment?

A SIA is a structured process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate the risks and benefits of a project for society. It ensures that technological and industrial innovations not only drive economic progress but also bring meaningful improvements to communities and people’s lives. Social impacts include changes which affect individuals, institutions, communities and larger social systems and the interactions between them.

The NewWave SIA: scope and methodology

The SIA assessed the potential social impacts of introducing sustainable, bio-based materials in the four manufacturing lines of the project, with a particular focus on communities in Spain and the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the study seeks to evaluate the consequences of the project’s outcomes on European Society.

To achieve a holistic evaluation, Blue Synergy designed a tailored qualitative methodology that combined expert interviews, data analysis, and stakeholder insights. The assessment explored a wide range of social dimensions, including:

  • Employment and job opportunities

  • Community well-being

  • Health and safety

Key insights and findings

The SIA concluded with confidence that NewWave is well-positioned to deliver positive social change. Three main outcomes were highlighted:

  • New employment opportunities in both forestry and emerging bioeconomy industries.

  • Enhanced community well-being through pollution reduction, stronger local economies, and green innovation.

  • Environmentally friendly and socially responsible products, increasingly recognized by European communities.

Importantly, the report found no significant adverse social impacts, reinforcing NewWave’s role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial transformation.

Looking ahead

As a purpose-driven innovation, the NewWave project exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy. By fostering new opportunities and strengthening community resilience, NewWave is setting a new standard for responsible bio-based manufacturing in the wood and plastic industries in Europe.

🔗 Learn more about the project and its mission here: www.newwave-horizon.eu

Blue Synergy & the New Wave Project

Blue Synergy is a proud partner of the New Wave Project. We are committed to deliver sustainable profitability through efficient innovation.