Addressing global challenges for a circular future

In a landscape where global plastic production exceeded 400 million tons in 2021, with a projected fourfold increase in the next 30 years, there is an urgent need for more recyclable and renewable materials.

In fact, with plastic already consuming 8% of the world's oil resources, a trajectory set to escalate to 20%, and only a meager 10% of post-consumer plastics being recycled globally, urgent action is imperative.

To address these challenges, our research investigates the integration of enzyme technology for biochemical recycling routes together with microbial conversion processes. Advanced enzyme technology allows to operate at mild temperatures and without harmful chemicals. The integration with bioconversion processes allows to upcycle the plastic waste into new materials with improved properties. This approach represents a vital cornerstone for a more circular use of plastic, targeting currently non-recycled fractions.

Our research transforms post-consumer plastic waste into a sustainable feedstock by addressing the following 3 steps:

By integrating biologically depolymerized plastic monomers with bio-based (fermented) building blocks, we aim to produce new and more carbon-neutral polymers. We call this a Plastic Biorefinery concept. This innovative approach contributes to both increased recycling rates and the promotion of bioplastics and renewable materials, reducing dependence on fossil resources.

The enzymatic/microbial depolymerization of mixed plastic waste offers distinct advantages, eliminating the need for prior sorting, a requirement in conventional mechanical recycling. Additionally, contamination from food residues, typically hindering mechanical recycling, serves as a valuable source for cell growth in our process.

The Plastic Biorefinery approach together with the eco-design (design for improved recyclability) is at the very basis of the European H2020 UPLIFT project, which we are currently coordinating.

Through the collaboration with the UPLIFT partners, our research holds promise for cost reduction in expensive bioplastics, enhancing market competitiveness. Preliminary results indicate that coupling the plastic biorefinery with increased recycling rates positively impacts the economic viability of upcycled plastics. This innovative concept serves as a driver for higher recycling rates, emphasizing its potential role in fostering a more bio-based and circular plastics sector.

We are coordinating the EU-supported UPLIFT project, where we collaborate with 15 international partners, collectively possessing cross-disciplinary expertise spanning the entire plastic value chain.

Read more about our involvement in the UPLIFT project.