PLASTIQ - photochemical depolimeryzation project

The PLASTIQ project is a research and development concept focused on the development of an innovative cascade recycling model for plastic waste, with photochemical depolymerisation as its core technological element, serving as a low-energy and highly selective method for polymer degradation. The concept integrates mechanical recycling, material recycling, and photochemical processes in order to maximise resource recovery from complex and contaminated waste streams, in particular multi-material plastics as well as waste originating from the construction and industrial sectors.

The main objective of the project is to develop technological solutions enabling the conversion of plastic waste into chemical intermediates and secondary raw materials using light-driven processes such as photocatalytic and photolytic reactions. The concept includes the design of reaction systems based on UV radiation and visible light sources, as well as the selection and development of active materials (photocatalysts) allowing for controlled depolymerisation of polymer structures into high-value fractions. The aim is to create energy-efficient plastic processing pathways that reduce emissions associated with conventional chemical recycling technologies.

The project assumes the development of a cascade waste valorisation model in which plastic materials with the highest functional value are directed to material recycling, while fractions unsuitable for mechanical processing are routed to photochemical depolymerisation. This approach creates multi-loop material circulation pathways, extending product life cycles and significantly reducing the amount of waste sent for disposal.

An important part of the concept is the inclusion of environmental and safety aspects at the material and technology design stage. The project foresees research into the biodegradability of materials produced through photodepolymerisation, as well as studies on degradation mechanisms leading to the formation of microplastics. The concept also includes the development of methods for assessing released polymer particles, including their size distribution, morphology and chemical composition, as well as analyses of chemical migration from materials into the environment. In addition, the chemical and biological stability of the newly developed materials will be evaluated in the context of their safety and environmental impact.

The concept also foresees the development of tools for preliminary environmental impact assessment of the proposed technologies and products, including the potential reduction of carbon footprint when compared to conventional materials. These analyses will support further process optimisation and technology development in subsequent project phases.

The Chemical-Biological Research Laboratory at Łukasiewicz IPO contributes expertise in polymer chemistry, photochemistry, chemical technology, industrial biotechnology and environmental analysis. The laboratory is equipped with research infrastructure enabling experimental work on photochemical processes, material characterisation and chemical and biological analyses. At the project concept stage, the laboratory provides the capacity to develop analytical methods, conduct comparative studies and validate technological concepts.

Within the planned consortium framework, the Chemical-Biological Research Laboratory at Łukasiewicz IPO declares readiness to undertake tasks related to the design of photochemical depolymerisation processes, testing the susceptibility of various plastics to light-driven degradation, developing biodegradability assessment methods, analysing microplastic formation and evaluating the chemical stability of new materials. The project assumes close cooperation with scientific and industrial partners in the joint development of technologies, validation of solutions and preparation of implementation pathways.

The PLASTIQ project concept addresses the challenges related to the growing volume of plastic waste, the need for industrial decarbonisation and the implementation of circular economy solutions.