“The aim is to build scientific knowledge in order to implement optimised, efficient, economically viable processes”
TECNALIA researches chemical recycling technologies to convert plastic waste that is difficult to recycle into useful resources
CHEMCYCLE was created in response to the growing environmental challenges in Europe and the Basque Country, arising from inefficient waste management and restrictions on landfill,. This initiative develops chemical recycling technologies to turn complex plastic waste into resources. This helps us to reduce our dependence on virgin raw materials and promote the circular economy.
- The aim is to build solid scientific knowledge in order to implement optimised, efficient, economically viable processes at industrial plants.
- TECNALIA works with waste from the treatment of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), textiles, paper waste, rubber and urban and industrial plastics that currently end up in landfills or are recovered for energy.
- The initiative builds on the Plastic2Plastic and Plastic2Chemicals concepts to drive the recovery of materials.
TECNALIA researches advanced pyrolysis processes
TECNALIA leads research into the chemical recycling of rubber and textiles by means of pyrolysis in fixed and fluidised bed reactors that reach up to 900ºC. The study analyses the effect of temperature and residence time in order to optimise the conversion into valuable products such as char and oils. Parameters such as specific area, and ash, metal and halogen content are characterised and the oils are analysed by GC/MS.
We also explore the use of pyrolysis oils as wood preservatives, providing innovative solutions for industry.
A strategic consortium for the Basque Country
CHEMCYCLE is a collaborative project in line with the Circular Economy Cross-Cutting Driving Initiative of the Basque Science, Technology, and Innovation Plan 2030. It involves key Basque companies in the eco-industry that cover the entire value chain: FRAGNOR, ZORROZA GESTION, KOOPERA, TAMOIN, GLOBAL FACTOR, LUCART, EIFORSA, VIMANSA, NYPSA, ASFALTIA, and TECNALIA and GAIKER as technology partners.