The activities within the INCREACE project

Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges the world is facing today. According to the European Commission, only 8.4 million tonnes of plastics were recycled in 2016/less than 4 million tonnes of recycled plastics were applied in new products with only 2% used in electrical and electronic applications, while more than 25 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated. To address this challenge, the INCREACE project was launched in June 2022. This interdisciplinary project aims to develop innovative solutions to improve the plastic recycling value chain. INCREACE involves multiple activities across different work packages that address various aspects of the plastic recycling process. Here are some of the key activities of INCREACE:

Optimization and analysis of different recycling technologies

INCREACE is optimizing and analyzing three main recycling technologies: mechanical, chemical, and solvent-based. The project is working to find the best combinations of secondary raw materials, technologies, and product specifications to increase the recycling yield. By improving the efficiency of the recycling process, more plastic waste can be diverted from landfills and incinerators, reducing the impact on the environment and closing the loop.

Innovative sorting solutions

INCREACE is developing new data-driven sorting solutions to improve the quality of recycled materials. This involves the use of advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to sort plastic waste based on its material properties. This will improve the accuracy and speed of the sorting process, leading to higher-quality recycled materials that can be used in a wider range of products.

Digital verification methods

The project is introducing new digital verification methods, such as blockchain, to enable transparency, traceability and identification of the origin of recycled materials. This will help to create the required trust in the industry and increase the demand for recycled plastics. By estabilishing reliability of recyclate quality and ensuring transparency of the origin of recycled materials, the project promotes the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable waste management.

Standardization and policy making

INCREACE is providing targeted inputs into standardization and policy making to promote the circular plastic transition. The project consists of stakeholders across different sectors which joined forces to develop specific business cases and explore what an enabling environment could look like to increase the uptake of recycled plastics in added value products. By collaborating with policymakers and industry leaders, the project aims to pave the way for a circular plastics economy, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices and reducing waste.

Stakeholder engagement

The project is fostering active and inclusive engagement of all relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers and the general public. This involves raising awareness about the benefits of a circular plastics industry and addressing any concerns or misconceptions about recycled plastics.

Business model development

INCREACE is working to develop new business models that support the circular economy. This involves identifying new markets for recycled plastics, developing new products and services, and exploring new ways of working across the plastic recycling value chain. By developing new business models, the project aims to create new opportunities for the circular economy, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices and reducing waste.

Overall, the activities of INCREACE are focused on creating a more sustainable and circular plastic economy by improving the plastic recycling value chain. The project is addressing various challenges and opportunities across the different sectors, from waste collection to product design, and aims to engage all relevant stakeholders to promote the transition towards a circular economy. With its innovative solutions and interdisciplinary approach, INCREACE is helping to address one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.