Periodic Reporting for period 1 - REDOL (Aragon's REgional Hub for circularity: Demonstration Of Local industrial-urban symbiosis initiatives)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-12-01 al 2024-05-31
The primary goal of REDOL is to advance the technological, managerial, economic, and social capabilities of EU Hubs for circularity. This will be achieved by demonstrating innovative and sustainable methods to valorise Solid Urban Waste (SUW) flows using Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) approaches. The ultimate aim is to produce recycled secondary materials that can be used to manufacture high-value circular products. Within these goals, they were defined 4 specific objectives which will facilitate the accomplishment of the primary goal:
Specific Objective 1: To develop and demonstrate novel management systems and processing technologies for the valorisation of SUW to be used as feedstock for other sectors and/or across value chains.
Specific Objective 2: To obtain recycled secondary materials from SUW ready to be fed in downstream processes for the further production of circular products, closing the production loop.
Specific Objective 3: To enable the achievement of a zero SUW landfilling approach in Zaragoza by accomplishing 55-100% recycling rates in REDOL value chains while creating new sustainable economic activity in the Aragon region.
Specific Objective 4: To establish a roadmap for the implementation of REDOL solutions in other urban environments and industrial areas, tackling technical and non-technical barriers.
Specific Objective 1: To develop and demonstrate novel management systems and processing technologies for the valorisation of SUW to be used as feedstock for other sectors and/or across value chains.
Specific Objective 2: To obtain recycled secondary materials from SUW ready to be fed in downstream processes for the further production of circular products, closing the production loop.
Specific Objective 3: To enable the achievement of a zero SUW landfilling approach in Zaragoza by accomplishing 55-100% recycling rates in REDOL value chains while creating new sustainable economic activity in the Aragon region.
Specific Objective 4: To establish a roadmap for the implementation of REDOL solutions in other urban environments and industrial areas, tackling technical and non-technical barriers.
In the first 18 months, the REDOL project has made significant strides toward achieving its technical and scientific objectives, contributing to advancements in waste management and circular economy practices. Here's a summary of the key activities and achievements across the core Work Packages (WPs):
WP1: Project Management
Efficient management ensured the smooth progression of REDOL. The consortium agreement was signed promptly, and the project management framework, including quality control and resource monitoring, was established. Regular meetings ensured transparency and alignment with goals, while a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach, with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), was integrated to measure success.
WP2: Development of the Symbiotic Framework
WP2 set the foundation by defining the circular hub and value chains in Zaragoza. Key achievements include establishing a governance structure for Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) and creating a social engagement strategy. Workshops identified non-technical barriers to waste valorization, and a waste resource map using GIS technology was developed. Economic, social, and environmental KPIs were defined for continuous monitoring in the REDOL platform.
WP3: Implementation of Technical Solutions
WP3 focused on improving sorting and classification processes within REDOL’s value chains. Key developments include the design of a smart bin prototype, an AI-based system for identifying multi-material packaging, and an integrated sorting system for construction and demolition waste (CDW). Additionally, textiles classification using advanced imaging technology was enhanced, and prototypes for various materials, including paper and electronic components, were defined and tested.
WP4: Valorization and Recycling Technologies
WP4 advanced innovative recycling methods. Green solvolysis methods were tested, yielding significant material separation, and selective delamination processes for multi-material packaging were successfully targeted. Industrial waste was analyzed for use in cement and concrete production, and recycling routes for textiles were developed. Precious metals recovery from printed circuit boards (PCBs) achieved high yields using deep eutectic solvents (DES), with plans for a pilot plant.
WP5: Development of the REDOL Platform
Beginning in month 13, WP5 focused on creating an ad-hoc platform for managing REDOL value chains. An initial Common Information Model (CIM) was developed, and algorithms for waste quantity prediction and optimized waste collection routes were designed. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) activities were initiated, laying the groundwork for environmental impact analysis.
WP7: Circular Economy Guidelines and Social Innovation
WP7 concentrated on establishing guidelines and strategies for circular economy hubs, analyzing regulatory frameworks, and promoting social innovation. A strategy for Zaragoza’s Circular Hub was developed, with guidelines for European Hubs for Circularity in preparation. Regulatory analysis identified potential bottlenecks, and social innovation activities, including workshops and educational events, were conducted to raise awareness and build human capital.
Conclusion
Overall, REDOL has successfully met its objectives, developing innovative solutions that enhance waste management and circular economy practices. The project's progress sets a strong foundation for further refinement and implementation in the upcoming phases, positioning REDOL for impactful contributions to sustainable development.
WP1: Project Management
Efficient management ensured the smooth progression of REDOL. The consortium agreement was signed promptly, and the project management framework, including quality control and resource monitoring, was established. Regular meetings ensured transparency and alignment with goals, while a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach, with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), was integrated to measure success.
WP2: Development of the Symbiotic Framework
WP2 set the foundation by defining the circular hub and value chains in Zaragoza. Key achievements include establishing a governance structure for Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) and creating a social engagement strategy. Workshops identified non-technical barriers to waste valorization, and a waste resource map using GIS technology was developed. Economic, social, and environmental KPIs were defined for continuous monitoring in the REDOL platform.
WP3: Implementation of Technical Solutions
WP3 focused on improving sorting and classification processes within REDOL’s value chains. Key developments include the design of a smart bin prototype, an AI-based system for identifying multi-material packaging, and an integrated sorting system for construction and demolition waste (CDW). Additionally, textiles classification using advanced imaging technology was enhanced, and prototypes for various materials, including paper and electronic components, were defined and tested.
WP4: Valorization and Recycling Technologies
WP4 advanced innovative recycling methods. Green solvolysis methods were tested, yielding significant material separation, and selective delamination processes for multi-material packaging were successfully targeted. Industrial waste was analyzed for use in cement and concrete production, and recycling routes for textiles were developed. Precious metals recovery from printed circuit boards (PCBs) achieved high yields using deep eutectic solvents (DES), with plans for a pilot plant.
WP5: Development of the REDOL Platform
Beginning in month 13, WP5 focused on creating an ad-hoc platform for managing REDOL value chains. An initial Common Information Model (CIM) was developed, and algorithms for waste quantity prediction and optimized waste collection routes were designed. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) activities were initiated, laying the groundwork for environmental impact analysis.
WP7: Circular Economy Guidelines and Social Innovation
WP7 concentrated on establishing guidelines and strategies for circular economy hubs, analyzing regulatory frameworks, and promoting social innovation. A strategy for Zaragoza’s Circular Hub was developed, with guidelines for European Hubs for Circularity in preparation. Regulatory analysis identified potential bottlenecks, and social innovation activities, including workshops and educational events, were conducted to raise awareness and build human capital.
Conclusion
Overall, REDOL has successfully met its objectives, developing innovative solutions that enhance waste management and circular economy practices. The project's progress sets a strong foundation for further refinement and implementation in the upcoming phases, positioning REDOL for impactful contributions to sustainable development.
At this moment, only an analysis of the Key Explotable Results (KERs) has been done and the priorization of them has been started. more results are expected in the following periods