Scientific Research

Main goals of subsidizing scientific research are: to provide a scientific and technological knowledge base for the programs, to train a new generation of highly qualified scientists and engineers, and to create new technology fields that create the Dutch industry of the future. The Incubator has room for research into new polymers and new recycling methods.

New polymers and additives

Target properties for new circular plastics include:

  • compatibility of their functional properties with existing plastics to allow easy market introduction,
  • high yields in subsequent recycling operations,
  • easy removal and reintroduction of e.g. pigments/dyes and plasticisers from a selection of high quality products,
  • compatibility with current down- and upstream plastic production processes.

New recycling methods

To optimise the targeted recycling routes for plastics, we need to combine different chemical recycling and upcycling technologies that are still at different TRL levels. Examples include thermal or thermocatalytic routes (e.g. (catalytic) pyrolysis), which are already at a higher TRL level, while biochemical, photochemical and electrochemical routes are still in their infancy.

Development of new technology capable of analysing in real time the different substances in a recyclate stream on the recyclers' or manufacturer's product belt to have a cost-effective and fast system that identifies the composition of the recyclate and confirms that the composition meets the required standards.

6 million euros for 10 projects through NWO call for proposals for CPNL incubator

Ten research projects have been allocated in the NWO call: 'Making Plastics Circular: Technical Innovations'. Among other things, this will allow research into developing materials and additives, more effective characterization, sorting and waste technologies and recycling techniques for plastics.

On July 2, following their independent application and review process, NWO announced the award of ten projects. Applications were submitted by universities, universities of applied sciences and TO2 institutions. Six million euros is available for ten projects. Companies will contribute a minimum of ten percent of the total project size per project as co-financing. All studies will last up to five years and fit within one of the following three themes:
- design of circular plastics;
- new characterization, sorting and waste techniques;
- new recycling techniques.