HICCUPS

The main objective of HICCUPS is to demonstrate a complete value chain – from CO2 capture to production of polymers for end-use. To achieve this, the project will: 

• optimise the capture and purification of CO2 from wastewater treatment plants; 

• develop digital tools for the design and application of the polymers; 

• produce the polymers from CO2; 

• demonstrate the application of the polymers in food packaging and plastic products; 

• confirm the carbon-removal potential, efficiency and environmental performance of the system; 

• assess the financial performance of the system and its implications for commercial scale-up; 

• share knowledge on the biodegradability and recyclability of the polymers, the carbon-removal potential of the system and the products and production processes. 

HICCUPS is expected to: 

• increase the carbon-removal potential of bio-based systems – by 2038, the technology could be installed at 310 wastewater treatment plants, allowing the capture of 22 500 kilotonnes of CO2 a year; 

• improve the environmental performance of bio-based processes – the concept is expected to be almost climate neutral and the polymers and products will be fully recyclable; 

• raise public awareness of bio-based solutions; 

• support market uptake of bio-based solutions – HICCUPS will demonstrate three unique selling points for its plastics: 

1. low production cost 

2. sustainability 

3. excellent barrier properties.