UPCYCLE
BIO-MI is a partner in the European UPCYCLE project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement No. 101178389), which focuses on developing innovative circular value chains for the plastics of the future.
UPCYCLE aims to transform today’s difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into high-value, sustainable materials for packaging applications. The project develops advanced solutions capable of replacing conventional plastics such as PET, PE, and PP with materials that are highly recyclable, biodegradable where appropriate, and designed not to persist in the environment for centuries after use.
The project combines the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework with artificial intelligence-powered process optimisation and advanced plastic biorefinery technologies. Through the use of Digital Twins, modelling tools, and data-driven optimisation approaches, UPCYCLE supports the scale-up of innovative technologies from pilot demonstration towards pre-industrial deployment (TRL7).
Key project objectives include demonstrating the feasibility of circular and renewable plastic value chains, developing polymer systems with tailored recyclability and biodegradability properties, ensuring safety and sustainability throughout the product life cycle, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and use.
UPCYCLE brings together leading European research organisations, universities, technology centres, and industrial partners working collaboratively to create sustainable solutions for plastic waste management and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
The project is expected to deliver a new generation of packaging materials that combine high performance, safety, sustainability, and efficient end-of-life management, contributing to reduced plastic pollution and more responsible use of natural resources.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No. 101178389. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2029
More information: www.upcycle-plastics.eu
Funded by the European Union under grant agreement number 101178389. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.