About

The Challenge

The integration of biobased biodegradable plastics into the circular economy requires the establishment of collection and sorting strategies for biobased biodegradable plastics that are compatible with current waste management practices and their subsequent recycling through novel technologies. The recycling of biobased plastics into recycled high-performing materials is a key challenge. Biobased plastic waste does not yet constitute a relevant amount of the total plastic waste (being only 1% in weight). Still, due to their high weight in the political agenda, it is easy to foresee that biobased plastics will gain a relevant market share in the near future.

ReBioCycle

Provides a portfolio of bioplastic sorting and recycling technologies within three complementary waste-processor-centric hubs at a demonstration scale and in the real operational environment the effective and efficient recycling of three types of bioplastics (e.g., PLA, PHA, composites) to demonstrate a higher impact of obtaining the same or superior grade recycled polymers and other higher–value applications.

Key Information about ReBioCycle

Type of project	Innovation Action - Demonstration
Project lifetime	From 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028
Coordination	University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin
Grant Agreement nr	101156032
Total granted amount	7 497 001 Euro for a total budget of 10 416 832 Euro
Project focus	Bio-based polymers and plastics
Feedstock origin	Other and new
Feedstock type	Bioplastics
Granting authority	Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking
Call identifier	HORIZON-JU-CBE2023

The Consortium

A leading European Bioeconomy scientist, innovator and thought leader, Professor Kevin O’Connor, University College Dublin, has brought together leading bioplastics brand owners (NOVAMONT, TotalEnergies Corbion, Corbion), to scout and nurture innovative bioplastics recycling technologies developed by TORWASH, Corbion, GlasPort Bio, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, AIMPLAS, Spanish National Research Council CIB Biological Research Center, and NOVAMONT which will be demonstrated across three European hubs located in the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

The consortium includes solid waste sorting and processing companies (e.g., NTCP, S.A. Agricultores de la Vega de Valencia, IREN Group with AMIAT and I.BLU).

The project’s sustainability and replication will be guaranteed through LCA analysis by ARCHA and SSbD by Trinity College Dublin and ARCHA.

Industrial-grade specifications will be verified by biopolymer brand owners and by demonstrating real-world products for durable (ARAPAHA: PLA) and multi-use packaging (SULAPAC: PHA and composites).

Partners European Bioplastics, the European Association of Bioplastics, and Magfi, a sustainability-focused boutique advisory firm, will develop tailored dissemination and exploitation plans.