Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate to obtain terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol (WP2). Three effective pre-treatments have been developed to enhance the enzymes PET degradation efficiency. A novel enzyme was obtained able to degrade PET with a conversion of more than 99%. The PET enzymatic degradation was scaled up to 800 g.
Enzymatic biodegradation of PE (polyethylene) to obtain low molecular weight subproducts (WP3). Three effective pre-treatments have been developed in order to facilitate the enzymatic attack of the plastic. PE could be degraded up to 27% thanks to a cocktail of enzymes in cascade oxidative reactions.
PHBV range production (WP4). A novel mutant of extremophilic microorganisms (haloarchaea) was obtained with better performance in the production of PHBV (polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) than the wild strain. The capability of certain types of bacteria to grow with TPA as a sole carbon source has been demonstrated and subsequently the capability of the haloarchaea producing PHBV to grow with this biomass as a sole nitrogen source. PHBV production has been scaled up to 300 litre bioreator, obtaining PHBV with high cintent of 3-HV (up to 68%) and using induatrua high sugary waste as the sole carbon source.
Development of PHBV based compounds (WP5). Two formulations have been optimised for rigid and flexible packaging
Project sustainability assurance, standardization activities & certification schemes (WP7). Deep study research on Finland’s, Italy's and Serbia's legislative and institutional settings, econometric analysis and market research, that affect recycling rates and waste management. LCA, s-LCA & LCC of upPE-T products and processes, a strategy for by-products valorisation , a new standard (CWA) and a new certification scheme have been delivered.
Exploitation, dissemination, business plan & IPR management (WP8), elaboration of the Plan of Dissemination and Exploitation of Results (PEDR) and dissemination and clustering activities (oral presentations, posters and scientific papers).
Project Communication and European Citizens Awareness (WP9), the communication plan and materials were developed . Several communication activities have been carried out. Citizens’ awareness digital tools have been developed, a European citizens' awareness platform, a cloud-based MOOC and a virtual reality app . Two policy review are available and will serve as an imput for the preparation of the policy brief.
