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. To maximize impact of the HICCUPS technology, digital modelling, life-cycle assessments and a full business case analysis are initiated in the early stage of the project to provide targets for technology development. Besides the reduction of GHG emissions, HICCUPS will have societal impact by creating awareness through interaction with policy makers and civil society and the creation of new jobs in innovative fields. 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.

INN-PRESSME aims at developing and implementing a sustainable OITB to support European companies to scale up their nano-enabled biomaterials and processes from TRL 4-5 to 7. We will focus on (nano)cellulose, bioplastics and natural fibres, combined with nanotechnology approaches to tailor biobased materials with properties and functionalities (barrier, antibacterial properties, improved corrosion or chemical resistance, etc.) that equal or outperform their fossil counterparts at competitive prices. INNPRESSME gathers 16 pilot lines, organized in routes and processes for feedstock conversion (PLA, PHA, fibre-based, cellulose-based), formulation and transformation and processing of bio-based material to high added value products. INN-PRESSME is a joint collaborative net of 27 partners from 10 EU countries from North (Fi, Nor, Swe, UK, Be), South (Sp, It, Fr) and central Europe (Ge, Po). All technical and market oriented services are provided by specific partners, include equipment and methods for processing, fast and accurate/reliable characterization, scaling up, nanosafety, eco-design and circular economy assessment (recyclability and biodegradability), product certification, digitization of the OITB, sustainable OITB´ business plan, technology transfer, support for funding, networking activities. The value proposition will be validated for 3 targeted mass markets (packaging, energy/transport, and consumer goods sectors) with 9 test cases co-developed with Early Adopters (7 IND, 1 SME) and with additional test cases through open calls. All this will secure the smooth transition of the new material concepts to the market, for a cumulated turnover of about 56M€ by 2029. Additionally, for maximizing the impacts on SMEs, the OITB will rely on a strong network of European clusters and initiatives and on an efficient promotional campaigns including towards the ECCP members or regional initiatives funded by ERDF. These services will be available through single entry point.