Researchers from UC and UPV/EHU Highlight the PLAST4H2 Project at the European Researchers’ Night

LUBEM-UBO

LUBEM-UBO

Partner information

LUBEM (Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et d’Écologie Microbienne – UR 3882) is a research unit of the University of Western Brittany (UBO) dedicated to the study of microbial biodiversity and ecology, mainly in agri-food and marine environments. Its work is structured around four key areas: (i) microbial ecology in agroecosystems, food matrices, and marine habitats, with a recent focus on the plastisphere; (ii) microbial physiology under biotic and abiotic constraints; (iii) microbial metabolism, including the role of microbes in ecosystems and the biosynthesis of metabolites and/or enzymes with beneficial or toxic effects; (iv) control of undesirable microorganisms using physico-chemical or biological methods. LUBEM develops both culture-based and molecular approaches, with strong expertise in extreme environments and pollutant-impacted coastal systems. The lab is involved in several national and international collaborations.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

LUBEM contributes to PLAST4H2 by providing expertise in marine microbial ecology and in the isolation and characterization of microorganisms associated with plastics (plastisphere). The laboratory focuses on the culturable fraction of microbial communities colonizing plastic waste. Through high-throughput isolation and functional screening, LUBEM aims to identify fungal strains capable of degrading or transforming plastic matrices. These activities will feed into the project’s objectives of assessing microbial degradation potential, developing eco-efficient valorization routes, and supporting biotechnological applications such as enzymatic degradation. LUBEM also contributes to the traceability and curation of microbial strains of interest, and to the integration of ecological insights into the PLAST4H2 strategy. The lab will coordinate with other partners to ensure complementarity and knowledge transfer.

Links

Web: https://www.univ-brest.fr/lubem/fr

UPV-EHU

Universidad del País Vasco

Partner information

The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) is a teaching and research institution officially founded in 1980. The university employs over 7.500 people in 31 faculties and schools distributed in three different campuses, with more than 57.000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The UPV/EHU offers the highest number of doctorate programmes of all Spanish universities, one third of which have received a mention of excellence from the Spanish Ministry of Education. The UPV/EHU has been recognised as an International Research Campus of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN), and in 2021 was awarded the HRS4R award by the European Commission for human resources excellence in research.

The CPWV research group works on the proposal, progress and innovation of processes of energy and environmental interest. The aim is to develop, at an international leading level, research lines in Chemical Reaction Engineering that are up-to-date and focused on sustainable development. The group has wide experience in the subject matter of the project, being internationally recognized in the fields of biomass, plastics or tires valorization through thermochemical processes to obtain fuels, chemicals, syngas or hydrogen.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

The CPWV research group will provide knowledge on the strategy for the valorization of plastics by means of an innovative two-step process. The pyrolysis-reforming process has been previously implemented by the CPWV research group, obtaining promising results for the valorization of plastics into hydrogen. Thus, the main activities seek to advance in the development of plastics fast pyrolysis in a conical spouted bed reactor and in line steam reforming process. Thus, the incorporation of CO2 adsorbents in the reforming stage is proposed with the aim of maximizing hydrogen production. It should be noted that this strategy allows to obtain a stream with a high hydrogen content and also contributes to mitigating CO2 emissions by capturing it in the reforming stage.

Links

Web: https://www.ehu.eus/en/web/cpwv/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpwv-ehugroup-76b5a8276/

Aliste Future Technologies

Partner information

Alister Future Technologies (AFT) is registered in the Republic of Ireland. It is part of Hydrogen Utopía International PLC, a UK registered company operating in the EU. HUI is deploying innovative, clean technology to recover energy from plastic waste, aiming to be a key player in the growing circular and net-zero economies. Under HUI’s auspices, AFT Will adhere to the parent company’s vision and activities.

AFT’s primary focus will be the transformation of non-recyclable and end-of-life plastics of all types and grades into valuable hydrogen of a suitable quality for transportation and stationary power generation. In addition, it will produce low-carbon synthesis gas – ‘syngas’ – a sought after commodity which can replace fossil fuels in a variety of settings. The reaction system is a multi-staged thermal process converting plastics at temperature, in a sealed, oxygen-free environment. Crucially, this means no noxious emissions, no smokestacks on the horizon, and a negligible CO2 burden.

The innovative approach accepts mixed-grade plastics without prior sorting, processing them through heating stages to produce syngas, from which hydrogen is extracted at 99.999% purity. By powering reactors with green electricity, the process emits no CO2, aligning with goals for a circular and net-zero economy. This method not only addresses plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but also promises high efficiency, handling of unwashed plastics, and safe by-product management. AFT’s upcoming proof-of-concept plant in County Longford aims to rejuvenate the region with job creation and training in engineering disciplines, boosting Ireland’s hydrogen economy and setting a circular economy example for the Atlantic region.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

AFT’s activities in Ireland/ the Atlantic region will range across the full value chain, from the production of energy from non-recyclable mixed waste plastic for local communities to the sale of syngas, hydrogen, electricity, and heat to end customers.

AFT has a novel approach and unique system which draws on scientifically well-established technology and is backed-up by very strong partners.

Within the PLAST4H2 project, AFT is focused on piloting a pyrolysis-gasification system designed to extract hydrogen and syngas from non-recyclable mixed waste plastic. This innovative process aims to address the growing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, particularly its impact on landfills and incineration. By converting waste plastic into valuable gases like hydrogen and syngas, AFT seeks to create a sustainable solution that reduces pollution and contributes to a circular economy model.

The project involves extensive research and development efforts to optimize the pyrolysis-gasification system, ensuring efficient conversion of waste plastic into high-quality hydrogen and syngas. AFT is also working on developing advanced purification techniques to enhance the quality and usability of the extracted gases, particularly for applications in transportation fuels and clean energy generation.

Furthermore, AFT’s involvement in PLAST4H2 includes conducting comprehensive analyses of the environmental and economic feasibility of scaling up the technology. This includes assessing the potential for commercial deployment of the pyrolysis-gasification system and evaluating its long-term sustainability impact, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resource efficiency. Through these activities, AFT aims to demonstrate the viability and benefits of its innovative approach to waste plastic management and energy production.

Links

Web: https://alisterenergyfuturetechnologies.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hydrogenutopia

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/hydrogenutopia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hydrogenutopiainternationa5034

Otros links: https://www.Facebook.com/hydrogenutopia

https://x.com/hydrogentuopia

Innoceana

Partner information

Innoceana’s mission is to effectively protect areas of the ocean critical to the future of humanity and planet Earth’s ecosystems.

Our vision is to empower and educate coastal communities, leading collaborative research projects and harnessing cutting-edge technologies in order to preserve the ocean for future generations.

Engaging in beach cleanups, studying marine fauna, restoring damaged habitats, and conducting scientific research are among our key activities. Additionally, we promote environmental education and awareness, advocate for sustainable practices and protection policies, rescue marine wildlife, manage waste, and safeguard marine protected areas. Our commitment encompasses oceanographic data collection, ecosystem restoration, community workshops, and field trips, with a focus on the long-term preservation of underwater ecosystems.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

Innoceana’s primary responsibility within the project is to execute a comprehensive waste sampling and characterization plan, aimed at acquiring essential data regarding the various types of marine debris present in the Atlantic region. This involves orchestrating clean-up campaigns specifically targeting floating plastics offshore, conducting underwater clean-ups to enhance seabed conditions, and coordinating beach clean-ups across the Canary Islands. Subsequently, the collected plastics will be transferred to other project stakeholders for processing and conversion into high-value-added products. Additionally, Innoceana is committed to raising awareness through different, workshops and initiatives. By empowering both individuals and communities to take proactive measures and advocating for marine protection, Innoceana plays a significant role in the restoration of ocean ecosystems and the preservation of marine life.

Links

Web: www.innoceana.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innoceana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innoceanaespana

https://www.instagram.com/innoceana

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innoceana

Otros links: https://www.facebook.com/innoceana

https://www.facebook.com/innoceanaespana

TUS

Partner information

TUS is a university with campuses in six locations across the Midwest and Midlands regions of Ireland. We understand the importance of connecting with key partners in industry and society, and we achieve this through collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. At TUS, we prioritize our students and combine their needs with innovative thinking to drive progress in our region through education, research, and commercial partnerships.

Our Polymer, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability, and Manufacturing Research Institute builds on TUS Athlone’s more than 50 years of involvement in the Irish polymer sector. Our research covers all stages from initial concept to implementation (TRL levels 1-9), focusing on Polymer Science and Engineering. We are dedicated to finding industry-relevant solutions to research questions across all aspects of polymer science and engineering. PRISM also encompasses the Technology Gateway Centre Applied Polymer Technologies, funded by Enterprise Ireland.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

TUS is set to play a crucial role in converting ocean plastic waste into eco-friendly solutions, known as eco-plastics. Our focus will be on exploring various chemical depolymerization methods to transform sea plastics into these eco-plastics. The upcoming report will delve into the different approaches for producing eco-plastics from sea waste, highlighting key aspects of the process such as yield.

The primary aim of this initiative is to merge the collection and breakdown of ocean plastics from WP1 with the extraction of valuable components, which will then be regenerated as eco-plastics. These eco-plastics will be meticulously designed to uphold high sustainability standards while meeting the functional requirements of the plastics industry. TUS will leverage its advanced technologies to develop, implement, refine, and tailor solutions for this purpose.

Links

Web: https://tus.ie/campuses/athlone/

Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/school/tus-ie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tus_ire/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_JmKG2Ghn9ZIMcb6xqAWg

Otros links: https://twitter.com/TUS_ie

Mare

Partner information

Medio Ambiente, Agua, Residuos y Energía de Cantabria, S.A.,M.P., attached to the Cantabrian Ministry of Development, Spatial Planning and Environment, is responsable of the environmental duties entrusted by the Government of Cantabria.

Our two main lines of action are:

Water: Management of sanitation networks and wastewater treatment.

Mare is responsable of the operation, conservation and maintenance services of the sanitation Networks and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) of the Community of Cantabria.

Waste: Collection, transport and treatment of household waste.

Mare is in charge of the management of household waste, including the collection of the rest fraction, light packaging and paper/cardboard, its transport and treatment, and of the management of the network of Households Recycling Centres.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

The role of the company in the project is the execution of the following actions:

1.- Waste sampling and characterization plan in beaches from the Autonomous Community of Cantabria.

The purpose of this action is to obtain information on the type of waste that reaches the Cantabrian coast, coming from the sea, estimating the percentage, in weight, of the plastic fraction present.

2.- Information on the treatment of plastic waste.

Collect and analyze information on the typology, quantities, and management of the plastic fraction of the waste generated in Cantabria and managed by MARE will be conducted. This action aims to establishing a baseline to be compared to other plastic waste management alternatives, such as the one proposed by PLAST4H2.

3.- Environmental education to rise awareness about plastic polution in the ocean.

The actions are aimed at raising awareness about the environmental impacts of marine plastic waste to promote household waste separation and disposal in the corresponding recycling bins, therefore avoiding plastic ending up in the ocean.

Links

Web: https://www.mare.es/

I clean my sea

Partner information

I Clean My Sea provides floating plastic management services for coastal decisión makers.

Through the use of our I CleanMy Sea Sentinel free mobile application, citizens join forces with coastal decisión makers to enhance the efficiency of the floating debris collection process.

The communication plan of I Clean My Sea fosters the participation of citizens to use the application and emphasizes the environmental comitment of our clients.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

Develop and deploy the participatory detection tools.

Develop enhanced drift forecast of detected floating debris.

Design specialized boats for plastic debris collection

Build specialized boats for plastic debris collection

Test specialized boats for plastic debris collection

Deploy specialized boats for plastic debris collection

Transfer collected marine sourced plastics to other memebers of the Plast4H2 Consortium.

Links

Web: http://www.icleanmysea.com

Linkedin: https://fr.linkedin.com/company/i-clean-my-sea

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icleanmysea/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0MzWeZrxm1UyqokC1uHAw

Otros links: https://www.facebook.com/icleanmysea/

Tecnico Lisboa

Partner information

Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) is the Engineering School of Lisbon University. Research activities are organized into Research Centres and Institutes. MARETEC is a multidisciplinary Research Centre with strong tradition on environmental modelling.

IST is highly dedicated to the analysis and development of solutions for environmental and sustainability problems, in a strongly interdisciplinary approach, based on fundamental physical principles and intensive use of modeling and computational tools. This group is internationally recognized for the development of the physical and ecological modeling systems MOHID Water (for aquatic ecosystems) and MOHID Land (for terrestrial ecosystems), for the use of thermodynamic principles in understanding the growth of organisms and economies, and for the practical application of these tools in topics such as estuarine management, oil spills, precision agriculture, or biodiversity and ecosystem services. , As short, IST’s main responsibilities are focused on advancing knowledge and technology related to marine and environmental sciences, as well as promoting sustainable use and management of marine resources. Through research, education, innovation, consultancy, and collaboration, the centre aims to contribute to the development of a more sustainable future for the marine environment and its resources.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

In the project PLAST4H2, IST will provide the computational models for the ocean, that will be used for the simulations of plastic dispersion and accumulation. This will lead to the identification of the dispersion patterns and accumulation areas (hotspots), narrowing the areas where of the collection efforts. For this, IST will also collaborate in the exploration of models results, and on the link of model results with the mobile application developed by another partner.

Links

Web: www.tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Linkedin:

Instagram:

YouTube:

Otros links:

Universidad Cantabria

Partner information

The University of Cantabria (UC), is a leading public institution in Santander, Spain, offering diverse undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. With a focus on academic excellence and innovation, UC conducts cutting-edge research across various fields, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and actively participates in national and international projects. Committed to providing quality education, UC prepares students for the modern world through dynamic teaching methods and practical experiences. Engaging in community outreach and social responsibility initiatives, UC strives to make a positive impact on society and promote sustainable development.

The UC team, which belongs to the advanced separation processes group (ASP) within the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, possesses significant expertise in the activities necessary for the successful completion of the project. This group is renowned worldwide for its research in hydrogen production and purification, life cycle assessment, and its ability to communicate its research findings to civil society, stakeholders, and policymakers. As experts in H2 production and purification, the ASP group has been involved in several projects focused on advancing sustainable energy supplies. These projects have included developing new catalysts for hydrogen generation from waste streams, membranes for hydrogen purification, and integrating renewable sources of H2 through the use of PEMFC technology. They have also worked on finding efficient solutions for the generation and utilization of hydrogen in maritime transport and designing energy self-supply housing using green fuel based on hydrogen generated by electrolysis, assisted by photovoltaic energy.

In addition to their background in sustainable energy, the ASP group is also focused on developing environmental decision-making tools, sustainability tools and metrics, bioeconomy, circularity aspects of products, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Role of the Partner in the PLAST4H2 Project

The UC team, as the Lead Partner, is extensively involved in the PLAST4H2 project. Specifically, the ASP group within UC will undertake the following main tasks:

i) As the Lead Partner, UC coordinates the project implementation and ensures the establishment of sound financial and project management practices. ii) Joint implementation: The UC group collaborates with other partners to ensure that project activities are carried out cooperatively with a clear focus on content-based links.

iii) Joint financing: UC is responsible for administering and reporting to the Programme bodies.

iv) Development of a prototype for the production and purification of hydrogen.
v) Life cycle assessment: The ASP group provides a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of plastic conversion into value-added products.
vi) Dissemination activities: UC promotes the project to stakeholders, technology developers, policymakers, and society at large.

vii) Publication and defense of project results: UC enhances technical impact through participation in technical events, congresses, conferences, and high-impact journal publications.

Overall, the UC team, particularly the ASP group, plays a critical role in the PLAST4H2 project, contributing to its success in numerous ways.

Links

Web: https://grupos.unican.es/pasep/

https://web.unican.es/en/Pages/default.aspx

https://web.unican.es/

Linkedin:https://es.linkedin.com/company/departamento-de-ingenier%C3%ADas-qu%C3%ADmica-y-biomolecular-universidad-de-cantabria

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grupopasuc/

https://www.instagram.com/iqb_uc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UNIversidadCANtabria

Otros links: https://twitter.com/unican