Project INCIRCULAR

INtegrating Cybernated Innovation to Raise the scale of Circular Units Looping Allied Regions

The INCIRCULAR project addresses a critical environmental challenge: the production and disposal of plastics, which are major contributors to pollution and resource depletion. With increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to reduce plastic waste and adopt sustainable practices, INCIRCULAR aims to transform the plastics industry through a pioneering circular economy approach. By developing innovative bioplastic solutions from 100% recycled materials, the project seeks to match or even exceed the performance of traditional petrochemical plastics.

This interregional initiative leverages advanced technologies, such as digital twinning, to integrate sustainable materials directly into existing manufacturing processes. INCIRCULAR will connect expertise from regions across Europe—including Slovenia, Andalusia (Spain), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France)—to develop and demonstrate scalable, eco-friendly production methods. As well as addressing environmental concerns, the project will support regional economies by fostering collaboration between SMEs, research institutions and industrial partners, creating a model that can be replicated across the EU.

Our role in the project

PM & development

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Project objectives

1

Create environmentally friendly and cost-effective recycled materials from plastic waste and use them in strong biocomposites for everyday products.

2

Innovate new bio-based composites that can be easily used in plastics manufacturing processes, through innovative digital twinning injection moulding methods.

3

Encourage cross-sectoral collaboration between biorefineries, waste management and recycling and biopolymers industries for a more sustainable bio-based economy.

4

Share knowledge within the interregional hub to transform recovered waste materials into different bio-composite formulations with specific properties.

5

Design environmentally friendly bio-based products suitable for everyday use.

6

Demonstrate the circular economy and sustainability of the INCIRCULAR value chain by creating eco-designed products from these materials and addressing their circular ‘End of Life’ through recycling assessments and remanufacturing scenarios.

7

Raise consumer awareness of new bioplastics products and guide them on responsible use and disposal to minimise the environmental impact of plastics.

Main results

INCIRCULAR Open Call

Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP) to help local SMEs develop innovative solutions to overcome technological barriers to scale up.

Pilot production

Pilot production lines for the reuse of plastic waste.

Scalable model

Replication of the pilot across relevant EU industrial sites.

Expected impact

INCIRCULAR is set to reshape the plastics recycling landscape by advancing environmentally sustainable production technologies, promoting economic and social benefits. The project will contribute to a greener industry by developing a circular economy model that promotes regional growth and supports SMEs. Expected outcomes include significant reductions in CO2 emissions and increased employment opportunities in the recycling and bioplastics manufacturing sectors, aligning with Europe’s green transition goals and fostering a sustainable, resilient economy for future generations.