Project

Promoting innovation for sustainable sorting and recycling of dedicated bio-based plastics

Acronym
PROSPER
Code
41Y09124
Duration
01 September 2024 → 31 August 2028
Funding
European funding: various
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Modelling, simulation and optimisation
 
Project description

Bio-based plastics are now seen as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional fossil-based plastics. Interestingly, aside from their
environmentally friendly origins and in some cases, their biodegradability, bio-based plastics present a promising market potential for
recycling, particularly through chemical depolymerisation. Nevertheless, before recycling, bio-based plastics must first be separated
and isolated from other packaging materials. Achieving effective sorting of bio-based plastics presents a challenge in the market, as
bio-based plastics require scale to be sorted and to form a circular economy. Yet, they also need circularity as a sustainability selling
point to boost their sales.
The PROSPER project brings together three bio-based plastic producers (including PLA and AAPE-blend producers), a major brand
owner, an EPR scheme/PRO participant, a supplier of AI-sorting technology, a sorting testing center, four waste management
companies, a municipality and a specialised consultant. It is supported by the scientific expertise of three research institutions and
universities, as well as a policy-oriented non-profit organisation. The project offers a comprehensive approach by developing policy
interventions, EPR fee scenarios and quantifying recycling rates and cost benefits associated with these scenarios. It also focuses on
demonstrating technical advancements in sorting and recycling at industrial scale inside four real waste management companies.
PROSPER will also evaluate the market potential for recycled bio-based plastic products through consumer studies, engagement with
companies and PROs, while also assessing the Life Cycle, Social Life Cycle, material circularity indicators and economic business
models.
The institutionalisation of a system change by the different stakeholders in the bio-based plastics value chain will be crucial in
achieving circularity, improving environmental performance and fostering positive impacts in the bio-based economy.

 
 
 
Disclaimer
The project is supported by the Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking and its members. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.