Descrizione del progetto
Via gli additivi dannosi: eliminare le sostanze chimiche pericolose dal cloruro di polivinile per un riutilizzo sicuro
Il cloruro di polivinile, noto anche come PVC o chiamato semplicemente vinile, è uno dei polimeri più ampiamente utilizzati al mondo. Esso è presente in svariati prodotti, tra cui tubazioni, tende da doccia, telai per finestre, guaine per isolare cavi, soluzioni di pavimentazione e persino attrezzature mediche. Data la lunga vita utile di numerosi prodotti in PVC, alcuni tra quelli più vecchi possono contenere additivi pericolosi la cui presenza non è più consentita in quelli nuovi, il che comporta delle sfide di riciclaggio. Il progetto REMADYL, finanziato dall’UE, sta affrontando questo importante problema con un processo continuo in un’unica fase volto a rimuovere gli additivi e fornire PVC di alta qualità conforme al regolamento REACH. Il team produrrà nuovi prodotti a partire dal PVC riciclato smaltendo al contempo in modo sicuro i plastificanti pericolosi e riutilizzando il piombo delle batterie.
Obiettivo
REMADYL aims at recycling so-called ‘old PVC’, i.e. PVC additivated with hazardous legacy substances (LS) such as low molecular weight phthalate plasticisers (mainly DEHP) and heavy metal based stabilisers (mainly lead). This ‘old PVC’ constitutes most of current hard (e.g. window frames, tubes) and soft (e.g. flooring or cables) PVC post-consumer waste. The presence of LS is a persistent barrier for PVC recycling as there are currently no economically viable solutions for their removal.
To tackle this major challenge, REMADYL will develop a breakthrough single step continuous process based on extractive extrusion technology in combination with novel solvents and melt filtration, which has the potential of rejuvenating ‘old PVC’ into REACH compliant high purity PVC tuned towards the demands of various soft and hard PVC products at market competitive cost (ca €570/ton, CAPEX and OPEX included). The process also has potential for other plastics applications, e.g. removal of (halogenated) flame retardants.
Using this process, REMADYL will demonstrate the circular use of PVC for window profiles and waterproofing sheets, providing a flagship example for the circular economy. The extracted phthalate plasticizers will be safely disposed (with energy valorisation) and the lead will be re-used in batteries.
REMADYL will deliver a breakthrough support to the Circular Economy Package and resource efficiency targets for Europe as recovered PVC will reduce incineration and landfilling. Assuming we recycle 400kton/year of ‘old PVC’ waste within 5 years after REMADYL, this will result in a reduction of ca 800ktons CO2eq and 8ktons lead emissions. This also implies the creation of ca 800 new jobs and a turnover of ca €280million. Safety aspects will be studied, leading to best practices, standardisation input and policy recommendations.
REMADYL consortium consists of 15 multidisciplinary partners, including 9 companies, and covers all expertise to maximise project impact.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.5.4. - Enabling the transition towards a green economy and society through eco-innovation
- H2020-EU.3.5.3.2. - Promote the sustainable supply and use of raw materials, including mineral resources, from land and sea, covering exploration, extraction, processing, re-use, recycling and recovery
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinatore
1070 BRUXELLES
Belgio
L’organizzazione si è definita una PMI (piccola e media impresa) al momento della firma dell’accordo di sovvenzione.