ReBioCycle initiative launches bioplastic recycling hubs across Europe – World Bio Market Insights

ReBioCycle, a consortium of 20 partners, has embarked on an ambitious project aimed at advancing the recycling of bioplastics across Europe. Funded by the Circular Bio-based Joint Undertaking (JU) under the EU’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme with a budget of €7.5 million, the initiative will establish three dedicated hubs in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and partially in Ireland to pilot advanced bioplastic sorting and recycling technologies.

The project, which kicked off at University College Dublin last week, will explore various recycling methods, including mechanical, chemical, enzymatic, and microbial recycling. By testing these diverse approaches, ReBioCycle aims to demonstrate their scalability and pave the way for effective bioplastic waste management.

Leading the Dutch hub, Jan Pels, chief technology officer and managing director of TORWASH, emphasized the project’s goal to enhance the availability of recycling technologies specifically designed for biodegradable plastics. “The current recycling technologies available for recycling biodegradable plastics are limited,” he stated. “With this project, we aim to make them broadly accessible, addressing common concerns about the recyclability of biodegradable materials.”

The initiative will focus on showcasing the operational potential of three main types of bioplastics: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and various composite materials. By establishing a comprehensive blueprint for bioplastics recycling, ReBioCycle seeks to align with several critical European policies, including the Bioeconomy Strategy and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Hasso von Pogrell, managing director of European Bioplastics, highlighted the significance of an actionable EU bioeconomy strategy. He noted the need for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, more robust policy support, and advancements in technology, stating, “This project is an outstanding example of this collaboration and will bring significant progress to the recycling of bioplastics.”

As environmental concerns regarding plastic waste continue to grow, initiatives like ReBioCycle represent vital efforts toward establishing sustainable practices and promoting the circular economy within the bioplastics sector.