Welcome to the 2nd edition of the LIFE ECO-PULPLAST Newsletter!
We are really glad to update you about the project progress and, if you are around Lucca at the end of September, do not miss the opportunity to attend the project Annual Workshop (more details below)

Life Eco-pulplast

Local circolar economy by an innovative approach for recycling paper industry pulper waste into new plastic pallets.

ECO-PULPLAST PROJECT NEWS

Project activities continue according to plan. Most importantly, the prototype line was recently ordered and is currently under construction.

The prototype line consists of an automatic machine to produce euro-pallets by injection moulding of thermoplastics materials, and includes a number of innovative solutions to process mixed plastics waste in presence of impurities, such as those composing paper mills’ pulper waste. The line is composed of an injection unit, a vertical press, a mould-holder, an upper extraction system and a PLC control unit.

Experimental activities and tests will be conducted on the prototype line and will allow to demonstrate at industrial scale the identified recycling technology in terms of pulper waste process workability, development of new plastic compounds and production of euro-pallets from waste mixed plastics.

LIFE ECO-PULPLAST annual workshop 2016

We are glad to invite you to the LIFE ECO-PULPLAST Annual Workshop on 30th of September 2016 in Capannori (Lucca), at Polo Tecnologico di Capannori. Attendance at the conference is free – to participate please fill in the registration form.
For further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following address info@life-ecopulplast.euDownload the "SAVE THE DATE" and follow us on facebook (@ecopulplast) for updates about our event!

NEWS

On May 22, the Second Edition of the “Italian companies towards Zero Waste” Prize took place in Capannori, Tuscany. This special recognition, given by the Zero Waste Research Centre and Zero Waste Italy, means to reward companies which have distinguished themselves for the implementation of best practices for reducing, recycling and reusing waste in the different production phases. In this year edition, the awarded twelve companies range their activities from manufacturing to agriculture, from the ICT to the food industry. The event, organized by Zero Waste Italy, the Zero Waste Research Center of Capannori and Ambiente e Futuro association, was also supported by the Municipality of Capannori.

Among the awarded companies we can find also Lucense and Selene, with the following motivations:

LUCENSE

This Research Center based in Lucca […] stand out not only for its capacity to promote innovation […], but also for the ability to relate with both local and national industries and stakeholders. In particular, with the project LIFE Eco-Pulplast, Lucense contributes to transform the costly problem of pulper waste into an opportunity, by applying a local circular economy and the creation of an innovative market related to sustainable materials and connecting ecological sustainability with the economic demands of today’s society.

SELENE
A solid industry in the field of plastics manufacturing, with the desire to address its work towards sustainable plastics-related production through the LIFE Eco-Puplast project, which is leading as Coordinator. This company received the “Italian companies towards Zero Waste” prize for […] its will to focus on the exploration of new production methods based on second-life plastics, such as those found in pulper waste, this enterprise deserves a prominent place on the list of companies that pay attention to the application of circular economy.

On the left: Matteo Francesconi, councillor for the Environment of Capannori Municipality and Enrico Fontana, director of Lucense; on the right: Marco Severini president of Selene and Joan Marc Simon, executive director of Zero Waste Europe.

NEXT EVENTS

RWM 2016

September 13 - September 15 

The most anticipated RWM event for years is here. 
Dynamic approaches to resource and waste management for a broad range of industry sectors will be presented at the international showcase event, RWM 2016 in partnership with CIWM, from 13 to 15 September at the Birmingham NEC.
Whether it’s sorting and shredding, trucks and sweepers, or recycling services and technology, there will be plenty to inspire and stimulate circular economy innovation across the show’s five specialist zones. With many exhibitors launching new products and services at the show – the event provides a complete industry overview and excellent insight into global resource management developments.

POLICY NEWS

The European Commission is working to keep the EU competitive as the global social economic model changes following the impetus to move towards a modern and low-carbon economy set by the Paris Agreement on climate change. Today's proposals set clear and fair guiding principles to Member States to prepare for the future and keep Europe competitive. This is part and parcel of the Energy Union and a forward-looking Climate Change policy.

Press release

OTHER NEWS

Friends of the Earth Europe released a report analysing the EU’s land footprint, showing that Europe’s consumption is substantially based on the use of land for crops or other uses outside of Europe. Again, a proof that our unsustainable economy and lifestyle has an impact well beyond ourselves, our neighbourhood or our country.

The global campaign #pledgefortheplanet calls all of us to act on climate change.
Press release

That’s all for now, until next newsletter you can find further news and updates on the project website www.life-ecopulplast.eu and facebook page www.facebook.com/ecopulplast
You can also get in touch with us by writing to info@life-ecopulplast.eu