Launched on 1st October this year, the MMAtwo consortium aims to develop a new and innovative recycling process by depolymerization of PMMA waste, and to allow the creation of a first commercial unit soon after the end of the project (2022).
The challenge
The challenge of this project consists in converting PMMA post-industrial scraps and end-of-life waste into high quality raw material and therefore contribute to the circular economy.
Only 10% of European PMMA production is currently recycled, and the existing recycling processes tend to focus on post-industrial scraps. However, the main share of PMMA waste stream concerns end-of-life products that are either exported, landfilled, or incinerated.
Altuglas® PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or acrylic glass, typically is a material that is an ideal fit for the recycling and circularity principle, as its unique feature allows it to be regenerated into its original monomer that can then be reintroduced into the production process for new resins.
The project
This four-year European project comprises 13 partners from six different countries representing all the stages of the PMMA value chain. It is supported by a €6.6 M funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program centered on three priorities: scientific excellence, industrial primacy, and societal issues.
MMAtwo is being coordinated by HEATHLAND, a Dutch collector and recycler of PMMA waste, and its executive committee chaired by Arkema (represented by Jean-Luc Dubois, Scientific Director). The kick-off meeting for this project is being held in Brussels on Thursday 25 October in the presence of all partners .
Arkema’s position in this consortium translates the Group’s commitment and strong desire to develop the use of renewable resources and promote the circular economy.
In a world faced with economic and environmental challenges, Arkema aims to provide sustainable and innovative solutions that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations and, and in particular with this project, SDG12 “Sustainable consumption and production” and SDG17 “Partnerships for achieving the goals”.
Quelle: Arkema
