POLYMEER

The POLYMEER project aims to minimise waste through innovative processes, thereby expanding the range of materials that can replace traditional plastics, by:

• Optimising a safe-and-sustainable-by-design and reliable sequential process to fractionate wet BSG into fractions that serve as precursors for the synthesis of bio-based building blocks.
• Developing an initial portfolio of at least 20 circular-by-design bio-based building blocks that are suitable for the synthesis of polymers, copolymers, and the formulation of polymer blends.  
• Developing bio-based polymers and co-polymers with improved and unique properties, such as new thermoplastic polyesters and copolymers from bio-based lactone monomers, which can prioritise features like fertiliser ability, biodegradation, recyclability, or flame-retardancy.  
• Formulating, producing, and testing at least four bio-based material candidates to meet the requirements in terms of thermal, mechanical, and functional properties at lab scale of the selected applications: plastic films for agricultural use; tertiary packaging for brewery; and textiles for automotive applications.
• Considering in the recycling process the biodegradability potential from the initial step of the design phase and integrating it towards the full process.
• Piloting the upscaling of the whole production process for the three different applications, from the BSG isolation stage to final product prototypes.
• Optimising and demonstrating the life cycle sustainability and circularity of the new bio-based polymers, co-polymers, and blends developed in the project.
• Assessing the cost-effectiveness, social acceptance, and techno-economic feasibility of the project.
• Engaging with essential audiences and stakeholders as well as seeking input from policymakers and market participants in the relevant value chains to conduct a comprehensive market analysis. 

• Furthering innovation and advancement to develop new bio-based polymers with tailored properties and functionalities, contributing to the availability of a broader range of bio-based products that meet market requirements.
• Unlocking new applications not currently covered by bio-based polymers, within different sectors, including agriculture as well as the beer and automotive industries.
• Improving sustainability, safety, and circularity when compared to fossil-based (or bio-based) state-of-the-art benchmarks.
• Enhancing economic sustainability by reducing reliance on finite fossil resources, lowering production costs, and creating new markets.
• Demonstrating evidence of promising product and process performance for reference applications in view of subsequent upscaling.
• Significantly improving environmental performance across the value chain, against specified fossil and/or bio-based benchmarks (carbon footprint reduced by ≥30% compared to fossil-based counterparts).
• Improving circularity and resource efficiency via practical application of the circular (bio)economy concept.
• Enhancing competitiveness, attracting investments, and contributing to job creation in industries that adopt bio-based technologies.
• Raising public awareness and eco-conscious consumer choices.