GRECO- Green Earth, Clean Oceans

Purpose and goal:

Rethink the concept of recycling post-consumer plastic. Novel functionalized graphene called ‘nano-glue’ will be used to bind virgin PET with post-consumer PET sourced from ocean plastic. This novel graphene functionalization technique can produce high strength-high toughness recycled PET with minimal dependence on virgin PET. The scope of GRECO can exceed tennis strings into PET filament and textiles.

Expected results and effects:

The graphene-based technology developed by Glenntex and used in Greco was identified to have potential on products spanning across running shoes, football boots, racket sports, formula 1 cars, performance apparel, and o-road motorcycles, improving performance for the athlete was the primary goal overarching their developments. Thus, pilot studies could be explored, and the technology could take its first steps out of the lab.

Approach and implementation:

To further pursue commercial implementation, the technology must demonstrate in post-consumer plastics in higher TRL. This would include working with recycling companies and commercial partners.