RESULTS

As part of the biochemical recycling strategy developed within the UPLIFT project, significant progress has been made in implementing efficient downstream separation processes. These processes enable the recovery and purification of monomers, oligomers, and polymers obtained at the end of depolymerization reactions, separating the desired fractions from the remaining residues.

Value Proposition: The platform offers an efficient downstream separation process, optimizing the recovery of purified monomers, improving cost-efficiency and performance, and demonstrating scalability for future applications.

As part of the UPLIFT project, efforts have focused on developing and optimizing plastic-depolymerizing enzymes and microbes, alongside the associated processes. Enzymatic and microbial depolymerization of plastic waste enables innovative recycling and upcycling technologies, including the processing of mixed polyester wastes.

Value Proposition: This approach provides a transformative solution for depolymerizing mixed plastics, and advancing sustainable recycling technologies. Furthermore, direct microbial plastic utilization (consolidated bioprocessing) offers significant advantages by efficiently leveraging plastic waste as a carbon source for biotechnological applications.

Suitable fermentation protocols and downstream procedures will be developed to allow to produce of these aromatic compounds from bio-based or plastic-bases substrates at larger scale.

Value Proposition: Develop a consolidated bioprocess for upcycling plastic waste into valuable building blocks. Upscaling aromatics within food and drink packaging is a significant stride. It bridges the gap between lab research and real-world application. This transition is pivotal in evaluating practical potential. By ramping up production of these bio-based aromatics, researchers assess their viability on a larger scale, potentially transforming the packaging industry.

Suitable fermentation protocols and downstream procedures will be developed to allow to produce of these aromatic compounds from bio-based or plastic-bases substrates at larger scale.

Value Proposition: Develop a consolidated bioprocess for upcycling plastic waste into valuable building blocks. Upscaling aromatics within food and drink packaging is a significant stride. It bridges the gap between lab research and real-world application. This transition is pivotal in evaluating practical potential. By ramping up production of these bio-based aromatics, researchers assess their viability on a larger scale, potentially transforming the packaging industry.

The project explores microbial processes to convert terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG)—key components of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic—into high-value bioproducts: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).

Value Proposition:

TA and EG to PHB: Using Pseudomonas umsongensis GO16, a strain capable of growing on TA and EG, advancements are focused on optimizing the production of PHB, including modifications to enhance its suitability for packaging applications by incorporating (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate monomers.

TA and EG to FDCA: A synthetic pathway is being developed to enable Pseudomonas umsongensis to produce FDCA from hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a two-step process. This involves using hydrolyzed PET as the substrate, aiming to innovate fermentation processes for efficient FDCA production.

The project is developing an innovative biotechnology-based process to recycle multilayer materials composed of cellulose (including cardboard), aluminium, and plastics. This process relies entirely on microbial and enzymatic methods, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals. Current efforts focus on optimizing a two-step approach: cellulose hydrolysis and gluconic acid production to facilitate indirect aluminium bioleaching.

Value Proposition: This solution aims to recover plastics from multilayer packaging for recycling, offering an alternative to incineration and contributing to more sustainable waste management practices.

The project focuses on developing 5-8 innovative eco-designed polymers with tailored degradation profiles. These materials are designed for chemical and biological degradation without requiring depolymerization to monomers, offering a more efficient and market-attractive recycling solution. This approach supports European policy goals to reduce single-use plastics and promote circular economy principles.

Value Proposition: Introduces renewable, degradable polymers with enhanced end-of-life characteristics, providing sustainable alternatives that align with circularity and market demands.

The project focuses on creating innovative biocompatible catalysts to replace the toxic tin (II) ethylhexanoate currently used in bioplastic production. These catalysts facilitate the synthesis of advanced polymers and copolymers while also enabling efficient depolymerization and chemical recycling of polyesters, such as polylactide.

Value Proposition: Offers non-toxic, robust catalysts with enhanced polymerization activity, enabling the production of novel polymers and copolymers. Additionally, they provide an efficient solution for polyester depolymerization, contributing to sustainable bioplastic production and recycling.

The project investigates societal perceptions and potential barriers to adopting innovative technologies and recycled plastic products. These insights aim to support the development of effective marketing strategies for the UPLIFT biorefinery and its related products. The findings also serve as valuable guidance for investors, aiding in informed decision-making processes.

Value Proposition: Delivers essential insights into societal acceptance and perception, facilitating the creation of targeted marketing strategies and supporting investment decisions.

The project focuses on developing biodegradable and recyclable thermoplastic compounds based on eco-polymers such as PBAF, PHAs, PCL, PEF, PLA, and PE. These materials are optimized for cast and blow extrusion processes to produce flexible films and packaging solutions. Additionally, the scaling-up of these formulations, derived from enzymatic degradation and recycling, will provide end users with advanced materials, including barrier and flexible lid films for food packaging.

Value Proposition: Introduces innovative biodegradable and recyclable compounds for flexible packaging, offering sustainable alternatives that reduce reliance on fossil-based resources.