To address this challenge, AIMPLAS is coordinating the SPARTA project, in which TEKNIKER is also participating. Both centers will develop a new recycling method for key waste treatment and reprocessing processes. Specifically, TEKNIKER will contribute its knowledge and experience in mechanical cutting and optimizing the scrapping phase, while AIMPLAS will focus on improving material reprocessing through automated deposition and compression molding. This methodology will allow for the recovery of up to 80% of current waste compared to other mechanical recycling methods, reduce processing time by up to 50% by minimizing the number of steps required for waste recovery and reprocessing through more efficient automated methods, and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% by utilizing waste and reducing the demand for virgin material production.
The result will be new, high-quality thermoplastic composite products made from recycled materials at a production cost 15% to 20% lower than current mechanical recycling and scrap reprocessing methods, thanks to the reduction in the number of operations and the automation of manufacturing processes. AIMPLAS will also be responsible for analyzing the properties of the final product and developing a guide of ecodesign recommendations that will enable the process to be scaled up to an industrial level.
The project, which began this month, will conclude in October 2022 and has received funding from the European research and innovation program Horizon 2020 under the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative, with funding agreement number 887073. It is a project aligned with SDG 12 related to responsible production and consumption, SDG 13 on climate action, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
