LIFE CEPLAFIB – Implementation of a new Circular Economy through the valorisation of postconsumer PLAstic waste and reclaimed pulp FIBer

CEPLAFIB project demonstrates the viability of an economy in which post-consumer plastic is revalued through low-consumption processing technologies. In addition, to obtain the improved products, CEPLAFIB allows sustainable and innovative mechanisms and solutions to be extended to all production processes and methodologies, facilitating thus its transformation into an industry of the future low in carbon, and sensitized with the reduction of the consumption of primary resources and the revaluation of waste in the production lines. The project also tries to appeal to companies, institutions, and society in general, raising awareness about the need to curb climate change and the real benefits that would accrue from adopting a sustainable socio-economic model. CEPLAFIB outcome products are produced from newly developed recycled based materials and can be completely mechanically recycled and reused. CEPLAFIB PP materials can be produced at 35% lower price than virgin PP and indicates by up to 102% lower production prices than competing composites. CEPLAFIB PE materials can be produced at 26% lower prices than virgin PE and hold 46% lower production prices than competing composites. The price of such composites is cost effective due to the low cost of included natural fibres (cca 70€ tn) and lower prices of recycled plastic matrices compared to the virgin ones. With the inclusion of fibres into composite, Ceplafib® rPP/NP Injection Moulding Grade composite has for up to 195% higher E-Modulus and for up to 40% higher Tensile Strength. On the other hand, Ceplafib® rPE (HD/LD*)/NP Thermoforming Grade has for up to 306% higher E-Modulus and for up to 14% higher Tensile Strength. We have developed a special construction elements for lifting the double floor decking in ADRIA Mobil’s motorhomes. These elements have an important load-bearing function and, although they are composed of post-consumer wastes, they show an exceptional structural strength and resistance to mechanical shocks, which are extremly important for the safe installation in recreational vehicles. The inserts for preventing the contamination of PVC or concrete pipes during the logistic transportation and the trays for enveloping the sensitive instruments are another types of CEPLAFIB demonstrators, made of post-consumer recycled reinforced composites, that represents a huge potential of their application use in protective packaging sector. Imagine your house decorated with colourful and shiny fascade elements. Now this is possible thanks to the innovative decoration plates developed through LIFE CEPLAFIB project. The plates are developed from post-consumer recycled plastics, reinforced with newsprint paper fibres, while the added value is given by selective colourful coatings which adds a modern and and attractive façade design.