Northwest Europe is a highly urbanised, industrially productive region, generating large volumes of waste each year. The ReNEW network of organisations, led by Queen's University Belfast, is investigating how both the economy and the environment can benefit from resources generated using waste. For example, the bark from felled trees currently has low economic value and is often burned or left to rot in the forest. However, it can be used to make flavouring agents and small carbohydrates. ReNEW members are working to make this a more viable solution.