WMG SMI An integrated biomass logistics center model (IBLC-MILP model) for joint optimization of the food and biobased supply chains (KB-33-003-021)

In this project, we will further develop the IBLC MIP model from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR). This model was developed to optimize the food and biobased supply chains with an integrated biomass logistics center (IBLC).

The new developments on the model in this project are regarding five aspects: better model documentation, further functionality extension, user interface improvement, new data collection, and model communication improvement. Better model documentation includes a document to describe how the model was built, a user manual on how to use the user interface, and uploading the model related materials to Git WUR in a structured way. The model extension aims to overcome the function limitation of the current model and enable the modeling of a more realistic food and biobased supply chain. User interface improvement concerns making model reparameterization more user-friendly by automating the input and output procedures as much as possible. Also, new data will be collected in this project to create a more realistic baseline model scenario. Finally, we will improve the model visibility by conducting better communications. This will be including making a flyer, presenting the model in the internal meetings and workshops.

The updated model in this project will be used to apply for more fundings in the future for example the EU grants and private-public partnership (PPS) projects. This project will also strengthen the collaborations between the groups from two WFBR business units: Fresh Food Chains (FFC) and Biobased Products (BBP).