SciTransfer
PRIMUS · Project

Upgrading Waste Plastics into High-Value Raw Materials for Automotive and Consumer Goods

manufacturingPilotedTRL 6

Imagine trying to reuse old plastic parts, but they are contaminated with invisible chemicals that make them unsafe. This work creates a way to 'deep clean' these plastics, removing harmful flame retardants so they can be used again. It's like turning low-grade scrap into premium material that meets strict safety standards.

By the numbers
95%
debromination efficiency
85%
maximum recycled content in technical applications
0.2 Mtonnes
supported additional production of rHIPS, rPC/ABS, rEPDM and rTPE
30%
current EU plastic recycling rate
The business problem

What needed solving

European manufacturers lose billions in value because plastic waste is contaminated with hazardous substances and lacks quality standards, making it unsuitable for high-value products.

The solution

What was built

Three scalable debromination methods, a blockchain-based traceability system, and an open-source LCSA tool for plastic recyclates.

Audience

Who needs this

Automotive interior component manufacturersWEEE (electronic waste) processing plantsHigh-performance polymer compoundersCircular economy compliance officers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Automotive
enterprise
Target: Car parts manufacturer

If you are a car parts manufacturer dealing with strict safety standards and low-quality recyclates — this project developed debromination methods and quality controls that allow up to 85% recycled content in technical materials.

Electronics
mid-size
Target: WEEE plastic recycler

If you are a WEEE plastic recycler dealing with hazardous brominated flame retardants — this project developed three debromination methods achieving up to 95% efficiency to turn waste into primary raw materials.

Packaging
any
Target: Food-grade plastic producer

If you are a food-grade plastic producer dealing with inconsistent material quality — this project developed the PRE1000 method and sampling protocols to ensure recyclates are safe for food contact.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of implementing these technologies?

Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project focused on creating cost-efficient and feasible technological pathways to lower investment risks.

Can these debromination methods be used at an industrial scale?

Yes, the project developed three debromination methods that were scaled for future application, achieving up to 95% efficiency.

How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, the project provides an open-source tool for developing Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments (LCSA) for plastic recyclates.

Does this help with EU plastic regulations?

Yes, it specifically addresses legislative barriers regarding hazardous flame retardants and worked to establish the PRE1000 method as an EN-standard.

How do we track the origin and quality of the recycled plastic?

The project developed digital transparency tools, including blockchain-based tracking systems for material traceability.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is highly industry-oriented, with 50% of the 12 partners being industrial entities, including 4 SMEs. This balance between 6 countries (BE, DE, EE, ES, FI, NL) and a mix of research centers and companies suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and practical application rather than pure theory.

How to reach the team

Contact TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY in Finland

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore the debromination technology licenses and LCSA tools.

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