After four years of intense work and multidisciplinary collaboration, the RECOVER project has established itself as an agent of transformative change in the fight against plastic pollution. Composed of 17 partners from diverse sectors – academia, industry, technology and producers – this ambitious project has explored and developed biotechnological innovations that promise to revolutionize the treatment and recycling of plastic waste.
The problem of plastic is well known: its massive production, the excessive use of single-use materials and the inadequacy of waste management systems have culminated in a global environmental crisis. Faced with this challenge, the RECOVER project has worked not only to find solutions, but also to create viable paths towards tangible sustainability.
One of the project’s most outstanding achievements is the implementation of enzymatic methods for the degradation of plastics that, until now, were considered non-recyclable. This approach not only offers an alternative to conventional recycling, but also reduces reliance on aggressive chemical processes, promoting a greener and more circular economy.
The role of microorganisms and their enzymes has been crucial. At the final project event in Madrid, advances in enzymatic degradation of plastics captured global attention, highlighting the effectiveness of these solutions in various industrial contexts. Associated projects such as BIZENTE and ENZYCLE have demonstrated practical applications ranging from solving end-of-life problems of thermoset plastics to the treatment of previously discarded plastic fractions.
Another innovative facet of RECOVER, the conversion of chitin to chitosan by electron beam irradiation, will be presented at the upcoming conference in Valencia, Spain, at which Max Sturm will be speaking. This method, by eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, not only holds promise for food packaging, but highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
In addition, research conducted under RECOVER has addressed the degradation of plastics in the agricultural sector, where plastic waste is particularly problematic. The proposed treatment strategies, based on photo-oxidation and e-beam irradiation, have been shown to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional thermal-chemical treatments.
However, RECOVER is not only focused on degradation and recycling. The project has also advanced the development of new models of waste management and the production of biofertilizers and bioplastics, closing the life cycle of products and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.
RECOVER’s collaboration and achievements are a testament to what is possible when science meets the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This project is not only a celebration of scientific and technological achievements, but an open invitation to continue collaborating, innovating and moving towards a future where plastics are no longer seen only as a problem, but as an opportunity to redefine our relationship with materials and the environment.
As the RECOVER project nears its conclusion, it is not the end, but the beginning of new avenues and collaborations that will continue to emerge from this solid foundation. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and RECOVER has charted a promising map for the next explorers in this vital field.
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