In September, the LIFE PHIPP project was announced online on the Lithuanian LIFE information day and at the CEPLAFIB project closing conference. An information day is an important event for capacity building of the LIFE programme. 115 interested persons participated in the activity bringing together existing project implementers, provided practical information to project starters and inspired entrepreneurs to create new projects. Presently, the LIFE programme puts an emphasis on the so-called “close-to-market” projects, which result in a product, material or production process, which really gets to the market while at the same time solves an environmental problem. These projects are implemented by entrepreneurs by introducing environmentally friendly technologies into their operations, researching recyclable raw materials, materials or transforming from linear to circular economy. In the project, we are presenting what we have achieved so far with an emphasis on multiplication and transfer of the technology, as well as project objectives and outcomes. The event was organised by the Environmental Projects Management Agency (APVA) under the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania. The event was attended by the experts monitoring projects of the LIFE programme from NEEMO EIG – ELLE and a representative of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Another online event was the CEPLAFIB closing conference of the LIFE project organised by TECOS, a project coordination partner from Slovenia. 40 participants listened to the conference in total. The outcome of the LIFE CEPLAFIB project was to create and start production of a new composite material. This new material is intended for production of packaging, parts for a camper van and decorative elements for buildings. This 100% recyclable composite material is made of paper fibre, recycle polypropylene and high/low density polyethylene waste. The objective of the LIFE CEPLAFIB project was to prove that a new material can be produced for a competitive price and this can be done using different production methods. Six partners from four EU member states (Slovenia, Finland, Poland and Spain) participate in the project representing recyclers of plastic and paper, manufacturers, technology suppliers and researchers at the closing conference, each project partner shared its achievements in the project and presented results.
The LIFE PHIPP project was invited to participate in the networking section, where projects of the LIFE programme supporting circular economy by recycling of materials using an innovative approach were presented – LIFEPLASMIX, LIFE ABSolutely Circular and LIFE CIRC – ELV.
Thus, for instance, the main objective of the LIFEPLASMIX project was to prove how to restore and recycle different mixtures of plastic waste in domestic waste avoiding their incineration and landfilling. The demonstration was performed using innovative technologies in a pre-industrial recycling plant in Alhendín (Granada, Spain), which will produce 3.769 tons of recycled material per year. The solution, which will lead to 90% PP, PS & EPS waste deposit reduction, this is part of waste that is currently not being restored or recycled.
The LIFE ABSolutely Circular project recycles disposable plastic, demonstrates benefits for the environment and the economy caused by the use of progressive recycling technologies to close the plastic recycling cycle. The project also plans to demonstrate scaling of the solution from a laboratory scale to a demo unit and finally to commercialisation.
The ABS copolymer is used in many industries, including in automobiles, healthcare, electronics, household and toys/sports/recreation. The material considerably contributes to public welfare with its well-balanced combination of properties. It is durable, stable, light and looks aesthetic. It conforms to the conditions for contact with food and is easy to recycle.
The purpose of LIFE CIRC-ELV is to contribute to resource-efficient circular economy in the automobile industry to profitably increase recycling indicators of plastic parts of used cars and to create the possibility of recycling plastic of proper quality for a new use. The project will help to reach the recycling targets set in EU laws at the same time closing the loop for plastic and helping to reduce depletion of fossil resources and the impact caused by them.
Find out more about the LIFE project: LIFE CEPLAFIB
