System integration and design

The goal of this programme is to develop a multi-criteria decision-support tool that identifies various environmental factors such as environmental impact, behaviour, business models, legislation. In this way, guidance can be given to stakeholders and to the material and process technology developments of the other circular plastics programs. There is also a specific focus on design and mitigation of the risks of nano- and microplastics.

System Integration

The goal of the System Integration programme is to develop a national transition platform for circular plastics, consisting of a virtual system integration knowledge centre, a stakeholder community and a multi-criteria decision-support tool, with the following modules:

  • R strategies
  • Policies and legislation
  • Design for circular economy
  • Technology
  • Behaviour
  • Business models
  • Recyclate quality

Design

The extent to which materials and (end) products are reused or recycled depends largely on the design. For example, design impacts the ease with which materials can be collected, characterized, sorted and recycled. The design also has implications for the production process.

Micro- and nanoplastics

This project envisions the establishment of flexible lab-scale infrastructure with a focus on mitigating micro and nanoplastics throughout the value chain. Furthermore, research will be conducted on the formation, distribution and exposure to microplastics.