The Uplift Project Comes to an End

The UPLIFT project has developed innovative biochemical recycling processes to convert plastic waste into renewable materials, driving sustainable packaging solutions.

The initiative’s eco-design approach has led to the creation of more recyclable polymers and non-toxic catalysts, supporting the circular economy and reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics.

Aalborg (Denmark), February 4, 2025 – UPLIFT (Upcycling Bio Plastics of food and drinks packaging) has concluded with significant breakthroughs in transforming plastic waste into renewable and recyclable materials, setting a milestone for the circular economy. This ambitious initiative has laid the foundation for a circular approach by employing chemo-enzymatic depolymerisation of bio-based and fossil-based plastics and upcycling of the obtained monomers into easy recyclable ecopolymers, covering the entire plastic packaging value chain.

UPLIFT has implemented a dual strategy focusing on biochemical recycling and the eco-design of new materials, delivering sustainable solutions aimed at reducing dependence on fossil-based resources and promoting the valorisation of plastic at the end of its lifecycle.

Biochemical Recycling: From Waste to New Building Blocks

The biochemical recycling coupled with the biorefinery component of UPLIFT has developed pioneering methods to convert plastic waste into key aromatic compounds, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and pcoumaric acid, through microbial fermentation processes. These building blocks enable the creation of novel polymers and formulations, paving the way for more sustainable plastic production.

The project has also advanced the conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) components, such as terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG), into high-value This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 953073 products like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), using innovative engineered microbial pathways. These achievements mark a milestone in process scalability and industrial applicability, supporting the development of advanced bioplastics.

Additionally, UPLIFT has optimised downstream separation and purification processes for monomers and oligomers, improving efficiency and reducing the costs associated with depolymerisation procedures. The production of specialised enzymes and microorganisms for plastic degradation and upcycling has facilitated the implementation of a more efficient recycling process, even for mixed plastic waste.

Eco-Design of Packaging: Innovation and Sustainability

The project’s eco-design approach has resulted in the development of up to eight new biodegradable polymer blends with tailored degradation/recyclability profiles. These materials are designed to facilitate the chemo-enzymatic depolymerisation without compromising the mechanical properties, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional recycling methods.

UPLIFT has also introduced innovative non-toxic catalysts for the polymerisation and depolymerisation of polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and PET, replacing traditional compounds and enhancing the sustainability of bioplastic production.

In terms of multilayer packaging recycling, the project has developed a biotechnological process to separate and recover components of multilayer materials, such as cellulose, aluminium, and plastics, without the use of toxic chemicals. This method improves recycling efficiency and prevents waste incineration.

The results achieved by UPLIFT reaffirm the feasibility of an innovation-driven circular model, demonstrating how the development of advanced recycling and eco-design technologies can transform plastic waste management and contribute to a more sustainable future.

More information about the results can be found here:

ABOUT UPLIFT

Led by Aalborg University, UPLIFT is formed by Forschungszentrum Julich, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Lunds Universitet, TECNARO, Bio-M, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Leibniz-Institut fuer Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie – Hans Knoell Institut, Plastics Technology Centre AIMPLAS, University College Dublin, Bioplastech, Sustainable Innovations, RWTH Aachen and I/S Vestforbrænding.

The project has received €7,5 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No. 953073.

Contact

Cristiano Varrone, Project Coordinator, Aalborg University
Pablo Morales Moya, Communications Manager, Sustainable Innovations

info@upliftproject.eu

More Information https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/953073

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The Uplift Project Comes to an End: Solutions for Plastic Waste Transformation and Circular Innovation

Biochemical Recycling: From Waste to New Building Blocks

Eco-Design of Packaging: Innovation and Sustainability

ABOUT UPLIFT

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