Departments

POLYNSPIRE – innovative technologies for plastic recycling

The main objective of POLYNSPIRE is to demonstrate a set of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, aiming at improving the energy and resource efficiency of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic recycling processes. The following innovation pillars are addresses in POLYNSPIRE:

1) Chemical recycling assisted by microwaves and smart magnetic catalysts as a path to recover monomers and valuable fillers (carbon or glass fibers),

2) Advanced additivation for mechanical recycling processes to enhance the recycled plastic quality by using vitrimers, high-energy radiation, and compatibilizing additives,

3) Valorisation of plastic waste as a carbon source in steel industry.

The first two innovations can lead up to 34% of fossil fuel reduction for polyamide and 32% for polyurethane, while the last approach promises the reduction of ~80% of fossil carbon sources in electric arc furnaces. The project concept will address 100% waste containing streams, ensuring the recycling of at least 50% of total plastics containing polyamide and polyurethane that can lead to a reduction of CO₂ emissions between 30% and 40%. Furthermore, non-technological barriers such as legislative or standardization barriers are also addressed at the EU level. Business models to integrate the aforementioned solutions in the overall plastic waste management system will be set up.

POLYNSPIRE also implies the development of a comprehensive business plan, gathering 7 business models and establishing a cross-linked relation between plastic, chemical and steel manufacturing industries. Its consortium, coordinated by CIRCE, ensures POLYNSPIRE success through the involvement of 4 Research Technology Organizations, 1 University, 9 Large Companies, 6 Small-Medium Enterprises and 2 Multiplier Associations. To that end, chemical companies (REPSOL, ARKEMA, NOVAMONT, ANA and KOR), plastic compounders (BADA) and converters (MAIER), waste managers (IDS), technology developers (CIRCE, NIC, ION, AITIIP, TUe, CSM), equipment and steel manufacturers (FM, CPPE, HTT, FENO), exploitation (VTG), standardization (DS) and dissemination (EUPC and IKMIB) entities are involved in the consortium.