Implementation of a new Circular Economy through the valorisation of postconsumer PLAstic waste and reclaimed pulp FIBer

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Plastics are key materials in the global economy, but they are associated with significant environmental, health, social and economic impacts. In 2014 Europe generated about 25 million tonnes of post-consumer plastic waste, only 39.5% of which was recovered and 29.7% recycled, while 30.8% went to landfill. More than 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the world's seas and oceans, with harmful effects on the marine environment.

To create an effective after-use economy, recycled plastics must satisfy market needs, particularly for added value applications, and there must be sufficient flows of high-quality recyclates.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE CEPLAFIB project aims to produce a new material called CEPLAFIB for the packaging, automotive and construction industries. This will be made from deinked pulp (from recycled newspapers), recycled polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. The goal of LIFE CEPLAFIB is to demonstrate that the new material can be produced at a competitive price and that it is suitable for extended manufacturing techniques such as thermoforming and injection moulding. The project will involve partners from four countries (Slovenia, Finland, Poland and Spain), representing plastics and paper recyclers, manufacturers, technology suppliers and researchers.

LIFE CEPLAFIB supports EU policies on recycling and zero waste, including the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste. By improving product durability and recyclability it will also be in line with the goals of the Ecodesign Directive. Closing the loop for the plastic and paper value chains will contribute to the implementation of the circular economy action plan.

Expected results:

Integration of the reclaimed fibres in recycled plastic with improved properties: a 300% increase in tensile module and yield stress;

Software and hardware (rheological nozzle and sensors) to adapt current manufacturing processes to produce CEPLAFIB materials;

A 40% (8 000 tonne) increase in associated beneficiary Omaplast's capacity to produce high-quality recyled plastic for industrial applications;

A 25% increase in associated beneficiary Ecopulp's capacity to recover fibre from recycled paper (from 0.45 to 0.55 tonnes/batch);

Demonstration of the industrial feasibility of the CEPLAFIB materials in rigid industrial packaging applications;

Demonstration of the industrial feasibility of the CEPLAFIB materials in two large-scale applications within the automotive sector;

Transfer of the project results to to the construction sector in Poland, by means of guidelines and recommendations;

A 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional materials;

An increase in the recycling capacity of participating regions from 400 000 to 560 000.