Mon, 18 December, 2023
TWI Senior Project Leader, George Theodosopoulos presented findings from the SOL-REC 2 project at events in Thassaloniki, Greece, and Valencia, Spain.
The EU Horizon 2020-funded SOL-REC 2 project has been researching pioneering recycling technologies, with TWI working as part of a consortium of organisations to transform the recycling of flexible and multilayer packaging, which will contribute to the worldwide push towards a more sustainable, circular economy.
Firstly, George headed to Valencia for the ‘International Seminar on Plastics Recycling,’ from 15-16 November. During the event, he presented on the established collaborations with other organisations and relevant industries to achieve the goals of SOL-REC 2. This included a look at the project objectives and how it would contribute to EU plastics strategies while achieving innovative milestones.
George used case studies to demonstrate how TWI has applied developed technologies to manage different types of complex primary waste from the medical industry, showcasing how it promotes circularity and improved sustainability.
Next, George headed to Thessaloniki to present at the ‘14th Hellenic Polymer Society International Conference.’ Held from 22-25 November 2023, this event saw George present, ‘Physicochemical Recycling Techniques for EOL Plastics Upcycling and Laminate Package Recycling.’
George’s presentation spoke on the importance of meeting recycling targets as part of a wider European push to reduce emissions 55% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. He continued, revealing how TWI has been developing innovative physical recycling methods to allow for the removal of chemical history from end-of-life (EoL) plastics. Combining these methods with complementary plastics management platforms allow for the plastics to be segregated according to factors including material grade and age before recycling.
The presentation included information about how SOL-REC 2 has been using a minimally invasive physicochemical recycling approach to tackle the problem of reduced (non) recyclability of laminate packaging, using ‘green solvents’ to enable multi-material recycling of blister and laminate food packaging.
We are proud to be able to play a part in these important innovations for the benefit of the environment and improved sustainability, and you can find out more about the SOL-REC 2 project on the dedicated website, here.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101003532.