| Project Detail |
A greener future for plastic waste management
Plastic pollution remains a pressing global issue, exacerbated by the widespread use of non-biodegradable plastics. Bioplastics, touted as an eco-friendly alternative, pose a unique challenge due to their complex composition and limited recycling infrastructure. Current recycling methods often fail to efficiently handle diverse bioplastic types like PLA, PHA, and Mater-Bi, leading to environmental impact and economic loss. In response, the EU-funded ReBioCycle project aims to improve bioplastic recycling through innovative technologies and partnerships. Spanning across three strategic hubs in Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, the project pioneers advanced recycling technologies. By verifying industrial specifications and real-world applications, such as durable packaging, ReBioCycle charts a sustainable path forward.
ReBioCycle proves a portfolio of bioplastic sorting and recycling technologies within 3 complementary waste-processor-centric HUB at DEMO scale and in the real operational environment the effective and efficient recycling of 3x types of bioplastics (PLA, PHA, Mater-Bi) to demonstrate higher impact of obtaining the same or superior grade recycled polymers and other higher value applications.
- NL HUB chemical technology upscaling to TRL 6. Using TORWASH technology to recycle PLA & PHA polymers (500 kg each. KPI: at least 1 m3 solution of monomers from each of PLA/PHA free of solids. The NCTP Group waste sorting site of Heerenveen (Friesland, NL) and TEC, PBM, Corbion will be involved.
- IT HUB chemical technology upscaling to TRL 7. NOVAMONT technology will be used to recycle 600 kg of mixed composites including Mater-Bi. Also PHA from the NL and ES Hub will be tested in the IT HUB to blend into further Mater-Bi bioplastic formulations. IREN Group waste sorting site of Borgaro Torinese (Piedmont, Italy) and NOVAMONT’s new dedicated bioplastics recycling section within its Terni (IT) plant will be involved.
- ES HUB Enzymatic recycling technology brought to TRL 6 , producing 50 kg within reactors of 200 litre s (CSIC (supported by AIMPLAS pre-treatment). Microbial recycling technology (by the AD “short-circuited” technology of GPB and UCD via pure culture fermentation ) brought to TRL 7 resulting outcomes 100kg rPHA (PHBV & PHBHx) and 20 kg rPHBV. Mechanical Technology upscaling to TRL 7 with the KPI level to be achieved 250 kg bioplastic recycle (TCD, AIMPLAS involved). HUB activities in SAV waste sorting site of Manises (Valencia, Spain).
ReBioCycle will verify the industrial grade specifications by biopolymer brand owners and via demonstration of real-world products: durable (ARAPAHA: PLA) and multi-use packaging (SULAPAC: PHA and Mater-Bi). The LCA analysis by ARCHA and tailored D&E plan by partners EUBP and MAGFI will facilitate KER uptake. |
