Competence Center for Chemical Recycling of Polymers

Purpose and goal:

This project was created to prepare the establishment of a competence center that will facilitate the development of chemical recycling of polymers and promote the circular use of polymers in non-toxic and resource-efficient cycles. The consortium and detailed concept of the center created during the project will allow achieving these objectives, conducting excellent research, creating an arena for collaboration between stakeholders and with the international research community, and functioning as a channel for disseminating results and knowledge about chemical recycling.

Expected results and effects:

The basis has been created for the establishment of a Competence Center for Chemical Recycling of Polymers, which will become the focal point for knowledge management and coordination of innovations that promote development of chemical recycling and enable circular flows of polymeric materials. A consortium was assembled gathering representatives from different stakeholder groups, and the scope, vision, mission and structure of the Center have been defined.

Priority research topics were listed and the availability of relevant expertise for their implementation was confirmed. Approach and implementation:

The project has been successfully conducted according to the time plan but required more work effort than planned. This is due to the large number of stakeholders, which required extensive communication from coordinator. However, it is considered that the scope and quality of communication is critical to the success of the project and therefore should not have been compromised through cost savings.

Over 80 potential partners and tens of international experts have been contacted, two workshops with participation of various stakeholder groups were held. Proposal is being prepared.