GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Plastic (and other) waste, such as packaging, textiles, etc., could potentially represent a sustainable alternative to imported fossil feedstock (e.g. oil, gas). It contains high amounts of carbon, it is widely available and its valorisation could also provide environmental and societal benefits avoiding the disposal in landfill.

• The technologies proposed should be able to valorise a wide variety of unsorted waste, plastic could be a major source, other waste sources can be considered, providing the supply is secure and the business case is feasible.
• The processes addressed can be single or multi-step and should yield material streams which are of high industrial interest and can be readily integrated in downstream industrial processes for the production of a wide range of products (e.g. plastics, chemicals, hydrogen, fuels, fibres, materials, fertilisers, etc.).
• Industrial specifications should be considered, and proof that these secondary raw material streams can be used in downstream industries should be provided.
• Demonstration of the improved environmental footprint of the proposed products and processes, as well as their positive impact should be provided using relevant methodologies (e.g. LCA, LCSA, etc.). The prevention of upcycling of hazardous substances and their separation and disposal should be considered.
• Elements related to the replicability and scalability of the technology should be provided.
• Demonstration of the proposed concepts in an industrially relevant environment and at an appropriate scale are expected.
• Proposals should consider the co-design of learning resources together with local and regional educational organisations for current and future generations of employees, with the possibility of integrating them in existing curricula and modules for undergraduate level and lifelong learning programmes.
• Learning resources should integrate the identification of new skills and should propose innovative learning-teaching methods that meet regional social needs and have a high potential for replication.

International Cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Japan, Korea, India or ASEAN countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European partnership Processes4Planet.