The Valplast research project aims to implement an alternative to the current management of plastic packaging waste, in line with the principles of the circular economy. The initiative involves Aimplas, a technology and consultancy centre for the plastics industry based in Spain, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
The key innovation of the project is the understanding that bioplastics are a resource that can be recovered and converted into sustainable energy.
Therefore, the aim is to study the degradation of different plastics by biological treatment with sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants under anaerobic conditions. The possible effects of additives used in the synthesis of plastics (conventional and bioplastics) in the anaerobic treatment process and the resulting sludge quality will also be evaluated.
Work will also include the development and optimisation of the pilot plant's instrumentation and control systems, as well as cost and life cycle analysis.
After the recovery process, analyses are carried out to measure the presence of microplastics in the sludge, using a methodology developed by Aimplas in previous projects (Microplast and Prevenplast). This method makes it possible to measure these emerging pollutants both in the effluent and in the sludge produced in the treatment plants.
This process will be used to develop a methodology for energy recovery from bioplastics in STP digesters, for better management of this waste and increased energy recovery.
