HICCUPS: Highly-Innovative technology demonstration for bio-based CO2 Capture and Utilization for production of bulk Plastic applications
Program: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022
Duration: 48 months, September 2023 – August 2027
Partners: Avantium Chemicals, Avantium Support, Fundacion Tecnologica Advantx, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture l’alimentation et l’environnement, Universite de Montpellier, Acciona Agua, Nova-institut für politische und ökologische innovation gmbh, Teknologian tutkimuskeskus vtt, Universita degli studi di Ferrara, Tecnopackaging, Aqualung Carbon Capture, Sintef, Walki
Objectives: The HICCUPS project proposes a resource efficient solution to convert biogenic CO₂ emissions from wastewater treatment plants into bio-based plastics for packaging. At the heart of the HICCUPS concept lie innovative technologies for the capture, conversion to monomers and polymerization of CO₂ to produce PLGA. These polymers with excellent water & gas barrier properties are fully biodegradable and 100% made from renewable feedstock which makes them a promising candidate for the replacement of fossil polyethylene.
To demonstrate the potential of PLGA, packaging materials will be produced from PLGA film coated paper and molded plastic. Examples of these types of packaging are paper cups, take out boxes and sealed plastic trays for perishable food from the supermarket.
The HICCUPS technology results in a GHG reduction based on CO₂ utilization, replacement of fossil feedstock and by industrial electrification.
In the HICCUPS project, the complete value chain from biogenic CO₂ to polymer end use will be demonstrated, including downstream processing and end of life studies. Recycling and marine biodegradability tests will show this sustainable plastic will not accumulate in nature.
By targeting an industry as essential as wastewater treatment, HICCUPS aims to create a concept that can impact society and contribute to climate change mitigation, assessed by an integrated monitoring system of the carbon removal potential, on a big scale and serves as a crucial first step in upscaling this new solution to a flagship-scale commercial plant.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
