RVO 2025 Call - Thermochemical recycling of (mixed) plastic waste

Thermochemical recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis, have the potential to convert these waste streams into valuable chemical feedstocks. However, their high energy demands have limited widespread adoption.

To address these limitations, we are developing an electrically-powered pyrolysis technology capable of continuously converting mixed plastic waste—including post-sorted consumer plastics, agricultural films, and construction waste—into hydrocarbons such as olefins and liquid chemical feedstocks. These products can serve as circular carbon feedstocks for producing new plastics and potentially other chemicals. Using a laboratory-scale reactor system, we have successfully demonstrated the conversion of agricultural films into high-value chemicals, with results currently under review.

Our goal is to expand these efforts and demonstrate the scalability of this approach for end-of-life plastics, particularly focusing on mixed polyolefins and other streams that cannot currently be recycled physically or mechanically. A key challenge is understanding how the physical and chemical quality of plastic waste influences process performance. Ultimately, we aim to develop a solution that closes the plastic value chain by achieving an optimal balance between feedstock pretreatment efforts (and costs), product quality, and environmental impact.

We are seeking partners committed to unlocking the potential of end-of-life plastics through thermochemical recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis, to address the following research goals: • RVO 4 (P2): Optimizing the collection, sorting, and preparation of mixed plastic waste for thermochemical recycling. • RVO 7 (P5): Recycling multilayer carpets into reusable feedstocks and exploring their potential applications. • RVO 8 (P6): Demonstrating scalable processes for high-yield recycling of industrial and consumer plastic waste.

We invite collaboration from the following stakeholders:

1. Waste Collectors and Processors Organizations managing mixed plastic waste, such as consumer plastics, agricultural films, and building materials, to provide suitable feedstocks for testing and development.
2. Recyclers Companies exploring thermochemical pathways to produce monomers or chemical feedstocks from plastic waste.
3. End-Users of Recycled Products Industries that require high-quality recyclates for applications such as food-contact packaging or other high-value products.

As part of our consortium, partners gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources, technology, and expertise to drive advancements in thermochemical recycling. Our state-of-the-art laboratory-scale reactor system enables the conversion of mixed plastics into high-value chemicals, complemented by our expertise in optimizing pyrolysis processes for diverse feedstocks. We provide access to advanced facilities for characterizing plastic samples and thermochemical products, alongside a collaborative environment for testing and scaling up recycling technologies. With extensive experience in sustainable process engineering and ongoing research focused on improving energy efficiency and scalability, our team brings proven expertise to every project. Partners also benefit from access to TU/e’s rich repository of research data and patented innovations, with opportunities for joint publications and presentations at leading conferences. We support our collaborators in securing funding, including participation in RVO initiatives, while offering guidance on regulatory and ethical considerations. Additionally, we facilitate talent development through collaboration with skilled researchers and students, fostering innovation and workforce growth. By joining forces with us, you will not only contribute to pioneering solutions for plastic waste management but also leverage cutting-edge research and infrastructure to make thermochemical recycling a transformative tool for a circular economy. Together, we can advance sustainable practices and create meaningful impacts in plastic recycling.

Please feel free to contact me should you wish to perform a quick sample test or to discuss on project idea.