CircSyst solutions for packaging waste
DEMO 7: Mechanical Recycling of mPET
Location: Valencian Community (Spain)
DEMO 7 in the Valencian Community tackles the challenging recycling of multi-layered PET (mPET) by developing a mechanical recycling strategy. This pilot aims to transform mPET waste into high-quality recycled plastic through processes like homogenisation, separation, and compounding with eco-efficient compatibilisers. Key components include optimising extrusion and injection moulding and assessing the economic feasibility of scaling up to 15 tons of recycled material. Led by ACTECO, CABKA, PLASTIMODUL, AIJU, and UPV, the project also explores replication opportunities and tests solutions with post-consumer waste.
DEMO 8: Circular Approaches to Sustainable Valorisation of Food Waste Plastics with Social Inclusion
Location: Thessaloniki (Greece)
DEMO 8 in Thessaloniki focuses on engaging citizens in plastic waste segregation at MASOYTIS supermarkets. By setting up pilot living labs in 15 stores, customers will sort their plastics—PET, PP, and LDPE—into designated containers. MASOYTIS, Greece’s largest food retailer, will leverage its logistics centre’s recycling capabilities and collaborate with CERTH to convert sorted plastics into 3D polymer filaments and printed parts. The initiative includes enhancing MASOYTIS’s loyalty program with a mobile app that tracks contributions and offers rewards, promoting active customer involvement and supporting sustainable plastic valorisation.
DEMO 9: Packaging for Food Value Chain Redesign Towards the Substitution of Plastics
Location: East and Central Hungary
Led by UGRINPACK and MGFU, DEMO 9 in East and Central Hungary focuses on transforming food packaging by replacing plastics with sustainable alternatives. This pilot integrates insights from previous European R&D projects and collaborates with packaging and plastics clusters to explore viable non-plastic materials like mono-material plastics, biodegradable mycelium, and paper-based options. The project involves farmer’s markets to test direct-to-customer solutions and aims to reduce material weight and improve recyclability. The pilot will analyse economic feasibility, test material durability, and implement new packaging in 2-3 food products, with results evaluated for customer and retail acceptance.