LIFE PROGRAM
The Environment and Climate Action Program (LIFE) is the financial instrument of the European Union dedicated to the environment for the period 2014-2020. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed more than 4.500 projects. For the 2014-2020 financing period, LIFE will contribute approximately 3.4 billion euros to the protection of the environment and the climate.
A total of 823 projects have been funded in Spain, in all periods, with a total investment of the European Union of 663M €. These projects represent a total investment of 1.412 million euros, of which 663 million come from the European Union.
Its overall objective is based on catalyzing changes in the development and application of policies by providing solutions and best practices to achieve environmental and climate objectives, as well as by promoting innovative technologies in the field of environment and climate change . It must also support the implementation of the General Environment Program of the Union until 2020 “Living well, respecting the limits of our planet.”
The LIFE Program is divided into two subprograms with three priority areas each. In the 2017 call for proposals, Spain has 35 approved projects with 114 proposals submitted.
THE PROJECT
LIFE4FILM main objective is to demonstrate how to avoid the incineration and landfilling of POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) FILM waste contained in municipal solid waste (MSW) through innovative recycling technologies in a pre-industrial recycling plant of 1,40ton/h (10,000 ton/year).
The new technology will increase resource efficiency, valorising LDPE from MSW into usable industrial feedstock while ensuring its market acceptance. The pilot-plant located in Alhendín (Granada – Spain) will produce 0,55 ton/h of recycled material – 4,000 ton/year.
LIFE4FILM consortium brings together their expertise of key European actors to design and develop a new Film waste recovery and recycling integrated solution based on a low carbon economy and a more sustainable waste treatment.
LIFE4FILM implements a first pre-industrial pilot demonstration of a new cost-effective solution based on optical separation, hot washing with squeeze dryers and closed circuit water treatment; and extrusion with double degassing. LIFE4FILM will lead to 80% LDPE WASTE deposit reduction, MSW containing 5.34% of LDPE FILM WASTE.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Waste reduction
To reduce by 11.000 tons per year (23% of all plastics in MSW) the plastic waste landfilled and incinerated by recovering and recycling LDPE.
Increase rates
To increase the recycling rate of plastic Film waste by 80% in MSW, through innovative cost-effective technologies spanning the value chain of recycling.
Revalue the waste
To revalorize urban plastic waste, incorporating 70% r-PE in new products, supporting a circular understanding of the manufacturing-recycling economy (bag-to bag concept).
Pollution reduction
To reduce the plastic industry’s carbon footprint and CO2 emissions by 65% when comparing the use of recycled Film to virgin materials. Reducing 0.963 tons of CO2, per ton of r-LDPE used by the plastic industry.
Jobs creation
To create full-time and part-time jobs during demonstration.
