The role of the Advisory Board of INCREACE

In the dynamic landscape of research and innovation, projects under Horizon Europe often benefit from the strategic guidance and external perspectives offered by Advisory Boards. These boards play a pivotal role in steering projects towards success by providing independent feedback, sharing external experiences, and facilitating connections with diverse stakeholders. In this article we explain
the significance of the INCREACE Advisory Board and its role in our project.

INCREACE Advisory Board: A Brief Overview

The Advisory Board of INCREACE serves as a vital component in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the initiative. Its primary roles include providing independent feedback and recommendations to the project team, incorporating external experiences, examples, and best practices, and convening annually in conjunction with the General Assembly meetings of the INCREACE team.

Members of the Advisory Board

The composition of the INCREACE Advisory Board reflects a diverse range of expertise and interests, essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the project.

Key ares of interest and collaboration

The interests and expertise of the Advisory Board members cover a wide spectrum, ranging from understanding the existing gaps between OEMs and plastics recyclers to exploring avenues for improving the sustainability of polymeric materials. Several key themes emerge from the input provided by board members:

1. Closing the Gap Between OEMs and Recyclers:

• • Addressing the missing link between OEMs and plastics recyclers.
  • Exploring ways to enhance collaboration, considering existing contracts, capacities, and logistics capabilities.

2. Circular Initiatives Implementation Challenges:

• • Identifying and addressing practical challenges in implementing circular initiatives.
  • Exploring technological, cost-related, and regulatory obstacles.

3. Solving the Plastics WASTE Issue:

• • Investigating strategies to bridge the gap between manufacturers and recyclers.
  • Enhancing understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and reverse logistics.

4. Mechanical Recycling Process Improvement:

• • Collaborating on improving mechanical recycling processes for plastics from WEEE.
  • Conducting batch tests and providing plastic feedstock for research purposes.

5. Traceability and Transparency:

• • Focusing on traceability, transparency, and reliable proof of sustainability in the solutions developed.

Potential collaborative efforts

Beyond the annual meetings, the INCREACE Advisory Board envisions ongoing collaboration, such as creating connections, providing regular insights and news updates, and organizing visits to e-waste plastic end-processors by OEMs. Workshops on a systemic level regarding design, especially design FROM recycling, are also on the agenda.