Author: PolyCE
PolyCE is a Horizon 2020 project funded by the European Commission, dedicated to revolutionizing plastic recycling from electronic waste for a sustainable future. The global economy urgently requires a transition to a circular model for plastic waste, necessitating a comprehensive transformation involving all stakeholders across the value chain.
Despite existing efforts to improve plastic collection and recycling from electronic waste (e-waste), the value chain remains fragmented, and recycled plastics continue to lack appeal to end-users. Notably, the European Commission forecasts e-waste to become one of the EU’s fastest-growing waste streams, exceeding 12 million tonnes by 2020.
PolyCE, comprising a consortium of 20 expert organizations, has committed to addressing this challenge over the next four years. Through initiatives like reducing virgin plastic usage and promoting recycled plastics in new electronics applications, PolyCE aims to:
- Demonstrate the viability of a circular model for the plastics supply chain.
- Develop a grading system for recycled plastics to guide the design of new electronic products.
- Engage in green public procurement initiatives and consumer awareness campaigns across the EU, with a focus on key countries.
- Establish a feedback loop from research activities to offer policy insights on technical feasibilities and conflicts.