As part of the objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the development of innovative solutions promoting the circular economy is a strategic priority. In this context, recycled and bio-based materials play an essential role in the transition toward more sustainable industrial systems.
The Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project Elast2Sustain is fully aligned with this approach by developing new recovery pathways for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Within this framework, Certech contributes to the project through the development of innovative chemical recycling processes based on pyrolysis. This work aims to convert TPE streams into recoverable hydrocarbon oils that can be reintegrated into industrial value chains as secondary raw materials.
Certech’s activities within the framework of this project rely on several advanced areas of expertise:
- Chemical recycling
- Factory of the future
- Intensified/continuous processes
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Characterization of oils derived from pyrolysis
Experimental trials carried out at laboratory scale and on a continuous pilot unit have demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, achieving high liquid product yields and competitive performances compared with those obtained through the pyrolysis of commodity polyolefins. The work carried out has enabled optimization of both the pyrolysis process and pilot unit performance, helping to improve the recycling potential of TPOs.
Future work will focus on further intensifying the reaction conditions in the pilot reactor and extending the process to more complex streams, particularly post-consumer TPO waste.
♻️ Moving toward sustainable, high-quality TPE applications!
