R3PACK
"Non-household plastic packaging: Rethink, Reuse, Recycle"
EFRO - GTI
01/02/2024 - 31/01/2027
At present, various new European regulations are impacting our companies, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which sets strict targets for reuse, recycling rates, and the incorporation of recycled content in packaging. This project aims to support companies in West Flanders in implementing these targets.
The focus is on non-household packaging, which often goes unnoticed but is crucial for meeting the European recycling targets due to its significant volume.
In the R3Pack project, we are exploring how we can build an ecosystem in West Flanders tot demonstrate solutions for the design and recycling of non-household packaging.
Concrete actions include:
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Developing design infrastructure within the Circular Solution Lab at Howest, Industrial Design Center
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Establishing a pilot line for advanced washing processes aimed at high-quality recycling at UGent
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Expanding the characterization and processing infrastructure for new product designs at Centexbel and Howest
Moreover, in R3Pack, we are working on at least 4 to 5 case studies where we aim to explore and demonstrate solutions to companies in West Flanders, showing that the Packaging & Packaging waste Regulation can be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. These case studies cover the entire cycle of design for reuse and recycling, with associated new business models. For instance, we will develop personalized sustainable packaging that is more valuable and reusable, as well as the development of better recycling techniques that allow implementation of recycled content into high-quality non-household packaging applications.
# prototyping & technology materialisation
partners:
DESIGN RESEARCHER
Bart Grimonprez