PolynSPIRE project is a research project funded by Horizon2020 EU’s research and innovation programme, with the aim to demonstrate a set of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, aiming at improving the energy and resource efficiency of plastic recycling processes for post-consumer and post-industrial waste streams containing at least 80% of plastic materials.

The project concept will address plastic containing waste streams ensuring the recycling of at least a 50% of total plastics containing PA (Polyamide) and PU (Polyurethane) leading to a reduction of 30 to 40% CO2 equivalent emissions. To this end, three innovation pillars are addressed at TRL7:

• Chemical recycling assisted by microwaves and smart magnetic catalysts as a path to recover plastic monomers and valuable fillers (carbon or glass fibres)
• Advanced additivation and high energy irradiation to enhance recycled plastics quality
• Valorisation of plastic waste as carbon source in steel industry

The demonstration is completed by the performance of a rigorous holistic environmental and economic analysis (LCA and LCC) to ensure the industrial feasibility and the accomplishment of environmental restrictions.

Furthermore, non-technological barriers such as legislative or standardization ones are also addressed at EU level and business models to integrate the aforementioned solutions in the overall plastic waste management system will be set up. polynSPIRE 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.

The project brings together 22 leading European research/academic institutions, governmental organisations, and industries and SMEs. polynSPIRE has a duration of 48 months and a total budget of 9.95 Million Euros.