FENCEPLAST – Sustainable fencing for agriculture and livestock
FENCEPLAST is a prototype designed to convert waste from textile and polymer industries into long-lasting, maintenance-free fencing for the agricultural sector. This initiative aims to replace traditional fencing materials, like wood and metal, which are less durable and require regular maintenance. By using industrial waste, FENCEPLAST offers a sustainable alternative that also contributes to waste reduction.
The process involves recycling textile residues and other polymer waste into durable fence materials that withstand environmental factors, requiring no further maintenance once installed. This approach not only provides a new use for waste products but also aligns with circular economy principles by giving these materials a second functional life.
Targeting the livestock industry, FENCEPLAST anticipates reducing the ecological footprint by minimizing the reliance on less durable fencing options. It promises to deliver a product that requires minimal investment, supports local economies, and strengthens the eco-conscious image of participating companies and entities. Through its innovative use of recycled materials, FENCEPLAST represents a step towards more sustainable agricultural practices, offering a product that is both practical and environmentally responsible.
FUT ECO BALL – Sustainable infrastructure through recycled sports fields
FUT ECO BALL (FEB) is a construction sector project focusing on recovering rubber pellets from synthetic turf football fields for repurposing as an asphalt additive. The project involves collecting these pellets, thoroughly cleaning and drying them, and then supplying them for asphalt improvement, which is used in road maintenance and joint repair.
The initiative is a response to the pollution caused by macro and microplastics, particularly from sports facilities. FEB offers a low-investment, local service that enhances the environmental profiles of football clubs, construction companies, and municipal authorities. The project operates on the premise of converting waste to a valuable commodity, thereby embodying the circular economy and reducing environmental waste.
By reusing these rubber pellets, FEB aims to improve the quality of asphalt, which can lead to longer-lasting road surfaces and potentially lower maintenance costs. The concept is designed to be a win-win for the environment and the participating organizations, providing an innovative solution to an ongoing waste challenge. Revenue for the project is projected to come from the sale of the collected product and potential municipal grants, reinforcing the economic viability of recycling initiatives in public infrastructure.
ZeroPlastic Sandwich Vending – Transforming vending with innovation
ZeroPlastic Sandwich Vending is a dual-variant project designed for the packaging sector, focusing on waste reduction in sandwich vending machines. The first variant introduces reusable and returnable rigid packaging for sandwiches, which can be returned and collected directly at the vending machine in exchange for a packaging deposit refund. The second variant involves sandwiches sold without packaging, utilizing a system that ensures the sandwich is hygienically sealed within the machine to maintain sanitary and organoleptic conditions.
Targeting businesses, educational centers, and municipalities, ZeroPlastic Sandwich Vending aims to prevent plastic packaging waste commonly associated with vending machines. This initiative proposes to eliminate the use of disposable packaging, reducing waste and costs while introducing social and industrial innovation in education. The project utilizes polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as materials for the reusable packaging. By doing so, it contributes to the larger goal of waste reduction and promotes a transition towards a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious approach to vending machine operations.
ZeroPlastic Sandwich Vending represents a significant step forward in addressing environmental concerns, offering a practical and innovative solution to the prevalent issue of plastic waste in the food vending industry.
The Kinetic 3D-printed Facased
The Kinetic 3D-Printed Facades project is a groundbreaking initiative at the nexus of technology and sustainability, revolutionizing construction. Leveraging industrial plastic waste as the primary building material, the project pioneers eco-conscious architecture with dynamic facades responsive to environmental conditions.
Repurposing plastic waste minimizes ecological impact while providing structural integrity. Large-scale 3D printers transform recycled plastics into interconnecting building blocks using the Lego principle, ensuring efficient, customizable construction. Kinetic elements within the plastic components respond intelligently to environmental stimuli, optimizing energy efficiency and aesthetics.
The benefits include enhanced energy efficiency, dynamic aesthetics, reduced carbon footprint, design flexibility, and educational significance. The project represents a transformative blend of creativity and technology, addressing environmental concerns and shaping a future where buildings actively contribute to nature’s preservation.
In cooperation with AVG Group
Reimagining Elegance – 3D-Printed Futuristic Collar from Reused Recycled PLA Filament
Embarking on the intersection of fashion and sustainability, our 3D-Printed Futuristic Collar project redefines modern jewelry with a circular design approach. Using reused recycled PLA filament, a biodegradable thermoplastic, we minimize waste and contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
Employing advanced 3D printing and scanning, each collar is intricately designed and fully customizable, reflecting our commitment to circularity. The collar’s end-of-life feeds back into recycling, promoting a waste-free fashion ecosystem. Circular design principles ensure recyclability, customization, modularity, and biodegradability.
Environmental benefits include substantial waste reduction, energy efficiency through precise 3D printing, reduced carbon footprint, and advocacy for circular fashion practices. The collar’s avant-garde design challenges conventional jewelry notions, serving as an educational beacon inspiring sustainable fashion choices. In the realm of fashion, our project stands as a transformative testament to the coexistence of elegance and sustainability.
In cooperation with František Tóth, industrial designer
Harmonizing Productivity – Recycled Plastic Soundproof Insulation for CNC Machines
Our Recycled Plastic Soundproof Insulation for CNC Machines project redefines manufacturing with a sustainable approach. Focused on environmental concerns and industrial needs, it employs recycled plastics for soundproofing CNC machinery. Repurposing industrial-grade plastics not only minimizes waste but optimizes acoustic properties in CNC machine environments.
Custom-designed insulation panels, guided by circular design principles, create a quieter and eco-friendly working space. Environmental benefits include substantial waste reduction, reduced energy consumption, and noise reduction for a socially responsible workplace. These panels introduce a new standard of acoustic comfort, showcasing the compatibility of sustainable practices with industrial functionality.
The project serves as an educational model, inspiring the integration of recycled plastics into industrial applications for tangible environmental and operational benefits, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future in industrial manufacturing.
In cooperation with Colab a.s
EcoBuildLite Cementitious Composites
EcoBuildLite is a research aimed at revaluation of plastic waste in the construction sector. It is designed as a sustainable solution with a weight-reduced alternative to mortars and plasters. Incorporating plastic waste as a replacement for sand will provide an energy-effective construction material with improved thermal insulation characteristics. EcoBuiltLite promotes plastic revaluation for the construction industry and reduces its environmental impact. Initial tests reveal a 25% decrease in compressive strength of the standard mixture without plastic waste, however, the product has acceptable flowability characteristics and the decrease in strength can be compensated by using superplasticisers and reducing the amount of water necessary for the same workability.
As a result, by using polystyrene instead of sand, 75-90 kg of plastic waste for each cubic meter of mortar can be prevented from reaching nature, while the mortar is lightened by using polystyrene waste, improving the thermal insulation properties as well as reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the weight effect on other building elements with its use as a building material.
GripSafe EcoCovering
GripSafe EcoCovering is research that aims at the revaluation of plastic waste for aesthetic and non-slip surface coverings made from cementitious binders. It offers the use of plastic waste to create a non-slip surface that can be used as a plaster in wall surfaces or for flooring. It is a durable and eco-friendly solution for the construction industry. The initial tests revealed that the plastic waste can be easily bonded to the surface of the cementitious mortar samples providing a nice aesthetic appearance.
As a result, by using polystyrene to cover the surface of the cementitious plasters plastic waste can be prevented from reaching nature, carbon emissions are reduced, and aesthetic, non-slip and durable surfaces can be achieved. The mortar can act as a non-slip floor on wet surfaces as well as in the construction of floors that do not need high compressive strength, such as walkways.
Re-Insulating Paste
The Re-Insulating Paste is an idea of an insulation paste that can be produced using butyl acetate and polystyrene was utilized to create a sustainable product which has reusable properties. It is an innovative solution for the construction industry to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution that can be used for water insulation. Re-Insulating paste can be recycled at the end of its service life and helps to reduce plastic pollution.
The main objective is to produce a water-insulating paste with recyclable properties by evaluating polystyrene wastes in an environmentally friendly way, thus creating a sustainable recycling model. Overall, showcases indicated that plastic waste can be successfully revalued, produced and re-used as a value-added product as reflected in the PlasticValue Learning Content.
The new fake plant
In many office settings, there’s a growing trend towards sustainability, with a focus on using recycled materials whenever possible. This is often evident in the choice of plant pots, which are commonly made from recycled materials such as plastic, glass, or even repurposed wood.
Interestingly, while the pots themselves may be environmentally friendly, the plants they contain are typically not. In many offices due to issues with light and the maintenance of plants, which makes them choose fake plants.
This is where the idea of using fake plants made from recycled plastic presents an opportunity to align with the sustainability ethos already present in many office environments. By complementing recycled plant pots with fake plants crafted from recycled materials, offices can further reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining a green aesthetic.
Sustainable Plastic Water Toys: Recycling for Fun and Eco-Friendliness
Crafting plastic water toys like pools and water pistols from recycled materials is a sustainable approach that reduces environmental impact while providing enjoyable products for consumers. Efforts are made to minimize packaging waste and promote recyclability.
By choosing these toys, consumers contribute to resource conservation and waste reduction. They offer both enjoyment and a reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, producing plastic water toys from recycled materials combines sustainability with fun, offering eco-friendly options for consumers and promoting a greener future.
Recycle hotel
The Recycled Hotel concept epitomizes a transformative approach to sustainability in the tourism sector. By prioritizing the use of recycled materials, particularly evident in hotel cards, it symbolizes a commitment to environmental responsibility. Beyond symbolism, the hotel is dedicated to sourcing all plastic from recycled materials and implementing robust waste management practices. This includes establishing partnerships with suppliers specializing in recycled materials and implementing effective waste sorting and recycling infrastructure within the hotel premises.
Furthermore, educational initiatives are integral to the hotel’s sustainability efforts, engaging both guests and staff in environmental stewardship. Through these initiatives, the hotel fosters a culture of sustainability that extends throughout guests’ stays.
Continuous improvement is central to the evolution of the Recycled Hotel concept, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of eco-conscious hospitality. Through feedback mechanisms and ongoing monitoring of environmental impact, the hotel continuously refines its practices to achieve greater sustainability.
Sheep pens from recycled plastic
Extremadura is an agricultural region, with wide extensions of agricultural and livestock terrains. The sector generates a huge amount of plastic, e.g. the covering of the crop or the temporary “greenhouse” type constructions, only a very small part of this plastic is properly reused and/or recycled.
The idea developed is based upon finding a destination for the revalued plastic within the sector itself and create a circular and proximity product which serves in this case the livestock sector. It was developed by a working group on rural development which is solidly rooted in one of the rural areas of the region.
Sheep pens are traditionally made of wood and nowadays mostly out of metal. The plastic stemming from agricultural can be used to create plastic sheep pens. The plastic could be moulded into plastic sheets which could make up individual pens for a sheep.
Fruit & vegetable storage crates
Extremadura is an agricultural region, with wide extensions of agricultural and livestock terrains. The sector generates a huge amount of plastic, e.g. the covering of the crop or the temporary “greenhouse” type constructions, only a very small part of this plastic is properly reused and/or recycled.
This idea came up during the direct interactions of innovation professionals from EOLAS and its collaborator INNSAMBLE with fruit producers and wholesalers in the Montijo area. Fruit is recollected in the field and then transported to cooperatives where the product is classified, selected and packaged or transformed. While there is increasing attention to the reduction of plastic packaging in the product that reached the consumer (or the use of recycled materials as much as possible, this is less so in the part of the recollection, transport and storage in from field to warehouse before the selection process or the product transformation starts.
The plastic used in the fruit and vegetable production can be transformed into crates which can be used in the recollection, transport and storage. This allows the fruit and vegetable producers to reduce the costs of these crates as instead of buying them in they can use their own plastic waste to create them.
Moveable cover
Extremadura is an agricultural region, with wide extensions of agricultural and livestock terrains. The sector generates a huge amount of plastic, e.g. the covering of the crop or the temporary “greenhouse” type constructions, only a very small part of this plastic is properly reused and/or recycled.
This idea was developed by one of EOLAS trainees, who as part of the traineeship has gone through the PLasticValue course and was invited to participate in the development of ideas based upon the knowledge acquired. With good knowledge of the agricultural world and the reality of livestock business, she developed the idea of a move-able cover, which can used for livestock, either to give them coverage from weather conditions, or to use when humans need to interact with livestock in the field and need shelter from sun or rain, e.g. when shearing sheep or for veterinary treatment.
Plastic Vector Company (PVC)
Plastic Vector Company (PVC) is an innovative enterprise committed to transforming plastic waste from sectors such as electricity, construction, and plumbing into new and useful products. This project has a dual purpose: to manage and recycle plastic waste efficiently and to manufacture valuable products for these sectors. Among the items PVC plans to produce are electrical components such as junction boxes and electrical panels, as well as construction and plumbing elements like gutters and windows, all made from recycled plastics.
PVC’s approach is straightforward yet impactful: collect plastic waste, classify it by type, and process it to create new products. The types of plastic recycled include PVC, cross-linked polyethylene, ethylene propylene, and polyolefin. This process not only helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans but also provides a sustainable and cost-reducing solution for companies in the electrical, construction, and plumbing sectors.
PVC stands out for its commitment to the circular economy and sustainability, proving that it is possible to turn environmental problems into innovative and eco-friendly business opportunities. This project promises both economic and environmental benefits, reducing the plastic waste footprint and generating valuable products for various industries.
School Plastic
School Plastic is a project aimed at breathing new life into plastic waste by transforming it into school furniture. Focusing on the use of PET bottles and other plastics like snack bags, the project proposes an integrated solution for updating classroom furniture, including tables, chairs, hooks, and cabinets, while avoiding materials that are difficult to recycle, such as tetrabrick.
The project unfolds in two main areas. Firstly, the identification and evaluation of sources of plastic waste within school centers, using tools like Recyclass to assess potential savings and benefits. This phase involves the entire educational community, from the management to the school council, including students, parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, and the city council, to carry out awareness campaigns that can be extended to other institutes and educational centers.
On the other hand, the process includes the selective collection of waste, its subsequent melting using either proprietary machinery or in collaboration with external companies, and the furniture manufacturing, starting with 3D-printed prototypes to then move on to larger-scale production.
School Plastic not only reduces pollution from plastics but also promotes environmental awareness from a young age and supports self-sufficiency in educational resources, offering an economic and ecological solution for educational centers and potentially for public and private entities interested in the surplus production.
EcoPalet 4 Planet
EcoPalet 4 Planet is a pioneering initiative that turns the problem of plastic waste into a practical and sustainable solution for the industry. The project involves collecting discarded plastics, such as wrappers, big bags, and used plastic pallets, to then classify and process them into new eco-friendly pallets. These recycled pallets are set to revolutionize the logistics and packaging sector, offering a green alternative to industrial companies.
The process begins with close collaboration between EcoPalet 4 Planet and the companies generating waste, creating an efficient collection system that not only cleans the environment of debris but also converts it into a valuable resource. Once collected, these plastics are taken to a transformation plant where, through a prior agreement, they are melted and molded to create new pallets.
This circular model addresses the environmental challenge of plastic waste and drives the circular economy, offering companies a way to reduce their operational costs by saving on the purchase of new pallets and waste management. By using materials like polypropylene and polyethylene, EcoPalet 4 Planet ensures the durability of these recycled pallets while also promoting a shift towards more sustainable practices at the heart of industrial operations.
Circular furniture for sustainable living
This innovative idea proposes a sustainable solution to the issue of plastic waste in the construction sector by transforming it into furniture for homes and offices. The core idea is to revalue plastic waste generated during building works, conducting a selective collection of these materials by the construction companies themselves. Subsequently, these wastes are transformed into recycled raw material, from which furniture to equip both new homes and freshly constructed offices is made.
This cycle closes when the furniture, produced through a collaborating company specialized in recycling and furniture design, is supplied back to the construction site, thus promoting a circular economy model. The plastic materials used include plastic film, strapping, pipes, remains of insulating material like XPS and EPS, and remains of ductwork.
This approach not only helps reduce the amount of waste generated on construction sites, contributing to the protection of the planet and the reduction of tree felling, but also enhances the sustainable image of construction companies. By adopting this initiative, a philosophy of sustainability and environmental responsibility is promoted, offering home and property builders a tangible way to contribute to environmental conservation.
