BIOPUCRAQ Recovery of polyurethane waste by biological cracking: research on specific enzymes and microorganisms
The footwear and accessories industry needs to integrate concepts of circularity and sustainability into its production model in order to meet the demands of environmental regulations and a society that is increasingly aware of the need to protect the planet. Therefore, implementing the recovery of any industrial waste, including footwear, is essential. However, companies in the sector lack methodologies for the recycling and recovery of common materials such as polymers. In this regard, INESCOP, with funding from IVACE, is researching in BIOPUCRAQ how to degrade polyurethane waste through biological cracking in order to implement a circular economy.
Finished footwear can be composed of up to forty different types of materials. It is necessary to adopt more sustainable practices to meet the challenges set by Europe for the industry, with the aim of reducing the waste generated and transforming it into new raw materials to be put back into circulation.
But to achieve this, manufacturing companies need to explore new technologies for recycling these materials that allow them to recover the waste they generate. Among these, some polymers stand out, such as polyurethane, which is widely used in the manufacture of soles, foams, and coatings for footwear.
In this regard, INESCOP, within the framework of the BIOPUCRAQ project, is researching how to implement a biological cracking technology to degrade polyurethane waste from footwear components, thereby transforming linear production into a circular economy within the sector and making it more sustainable and resource-efficient.
BIOPUCRAQ OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the BIOPUCRAQ project is to implement a biological cracking process to degrade polyurethane waste from footwear, by determining the capability of commercial enzymes (which have not been tested on these materials until now) and isolating microorganisms with greater potential for polymer degradation.
EXPECTED RESULTS
This research aims to test and validate two biological cracking methodologies: one using commercial enzymes and the other using selectively isolated microorganisms that could serve as a source of new enzymes for polyurethane degradation.
Start date: 01/01/2024
End date: 31/12/2024
Reference: IMDEEA/2024/41
Digital leaflet Results report and Dissemination report (deliverables)
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The BIOPUCRAQ project contributes to the following SDGs:
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