Systemic solutions to be demonstrated include:

1. A novel, dual-track multistakeholder governance model, supported by the recently developed Plastic Recycling Impact Scenario: PRISM model (TRL 6) and the CIMS digital twin.
2. The CCH circular governance model (TRL 6).
3. Community-based innovation schemes, including a Circular City Lab, citizen incentive schemes, an incubator, and novel skills development and innovation programmes with students (vocational, professional, and academic) in a Circular Learning Lab (CHILL).
4. New plastic waste collection and sorting standards/protocols, as well as technologies (e.g. prototype sorting line, TRL 6) for alignment of material flows within the value chain.
5. New design rules (TRL 5) for plastic packaging products favouring mechanical and chemical recycling. Given approximately 1.1 Mt of MPW in NL and 30 Mt in the EU, scenario calculations predict significant savings of 11.4 Mt CO₂ eq./a and 190 kt/a of virgin polyolefins.

A business modelling and upscaling study will prepare for investments in a 100–400 kt/a full-scale recycling facility. A structured twinning programme with at least five selected regions (including Flanders and Lombardy) will support replication, with the backing of EU platform organisations (ECRN, PRE) and in collaboration with the CCRI.

Brightlands Chemelos Campus 

Sitttard-Geleen 

Limburg 

• European chemical regions network
• Lombardy Eneregy cleantech cluster
• Provinciale ontwikkeling maatschappij Limburg (B)

SYSCHEMIQ will focus on a step-change by aligning product development with waste collection, sorting, and both mechanical and emerging chemical recycling.

Circular solutions can only be developed in partnership with value chain stakeholders, beginning at the regional level and focusing on impact for society and business.

The creation of circular systemic solutions

Developing a joint circular governance model and tools to support the governance of the regional circular plastics economy.

Replication strategies

Implementing cross-regional business models and business cases to support replication and scalability across other EU regions.

• D1.1 Methodology Report: Governance Support Systems – Design 1.0
• D1.2 Multi-Actor Governance Model, Features, and Proposed Actions: V1.0
• D1.2 Multi-Actor Governance Model, Features, and Proposed Actions: V2.0
• D1.2 Multi-Actor Governance Model, Features, and Proposed Actions: V3.0
• D1.5 External Engagement Report: Dual-Track Governance Support Systems for Circular Transitional Multi-Actor Ecosystems (input for WP8)
• D2.1 Assessment of the Recyclability of Technologies for Barrier Lidding and Coatings for PP Trays
• D2.2 Showcase Products Available Based on PCR PP
• D2.3 Samples Available from PCR PP
• D2.4 New Washable/Separable Inks for Market Introduction
• D2.5 Newly Developed Compounds and Related Consumer Products Based on PCR PP
• D2.6 Suggestions for New Design Guidelines
• D3.1 Report: ‘How to Enable More Recycling and Increase Recycled Materials Quality’
• D3.2 New Sorting Standards for Sorted Materials
• D3.3 RQ Chem Recycling Quality Model
• D3.4 Pilot with Implemented Improvement Recommendations
• D3.5 Design of Next-Generation Sorting Installation
• D3.6 Scale-Up and Implementation Plan
• D4.1 Report on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of In-Depth Interviews and Case Studies
• D4.2 Local Plastic Re-Use, Collection, and Separation Experiment and Awareness Programme (including Digital Coin Remuneration Programme)
• D4.3 Co-Creation of Appealing Designs for Consumer Products Made of Recyclable Plastics
• D4.4 Empirical Research Article Based on Field Experiments
• D4.5 Tool for Upscaling
• D4.6 Empirical Research Article on Tool-Based Experiences and Policy Recommendations for Citizen Involvement
• D5.1 Validation Report on Impact of New Sorting Concept and Potential for Higher Quality and Volumes of MPW Feedstock for Mechanical and Chemical Recycling
• D5.2 Validation Report on Impact of Design for Circularity on MPW Sorting Process, Yielding Added Value in Subsequent Mechanical Recycling Step
• D5.3 Demonstration Products Prepared from Mechanically Recycled MPW Fraction
• D6.1 Landscape Study for MPW Pyrolysis Technologies (Low and High Temperature) in the EU and Globally
• D6.2 Evaluation of Pyrolysis Alternatives – Critical Success Factors
• D6.3 Comparison and Ranking of Pyrolysis Technologies and Alternatives
• D6.4 Due Diligence Analysis of Selected Pyrolysis Processes
• D6.5 Conceptual Design, Investment Estimate, and Business Case for Selected Pyrolysis Process(es)
• D7.1 Report and PRISM GIS Tool: Scenarios and Forecasts
• D7.2 Quick Scan of Economic and Environmental Performance of Plastics Recycling Pathways
• D7.3 CIMS Model 2.0
• D7.4 Initial Business Case Outlook for Plastics Recycling
• D7.5 PRISM Model 2.0
• D7.6 Summary Economic and Environmental Scenario Assessment in the ARRRA Region
• D8.5 EU Regions Stakeholder Map and MoUs with Relevant Plastic Twinning Regions
• D8.6 Intermediate Report on TOK Activities (incl. Stakeholder Events with Twinning Regions)
• D8.7 SYSCHEMIQ DTG Knowledge Tools Framework for Replication
• D8.8 Report on DTG Scenario Building Workshops Using SYSCHEMIQ Knowledge Tools Framework (B/IT)
• D8.9 JOINT CCRI Deliverable – SYSCHEMIQ Policy Briefs and Guidelines on Circular Systemic Solutions
• D8.10 JOINT CCRI Deliverable – SYSCHEMIQ Policy Briefs and Guidelines on Adopted Circular Systemic Solutions (incl. strengths and weaknesses) Update
• D8.11 JOINT CCRI Deliverable – SYSCHEMIQ Policy Briefs and Guidelines on Adopted Circular Systemic Solutions (incl. strengths and weaknesses) Update V2

SYSCHEMIQ aims to accelerate the circular economy by making a significant step forward on the roadmap toward a circular urban-industrial plastics district. Preventing waste and replacing virgin plastics with recycled materials form the foundation for developing the circular economy as set out in the EU Green Deal 2050. To succeed in this transition, all stakeholders in the value chain must align their actions toward a circular economy: from plastic product design and production to smart waste separation by citizens, collection by cities, and sorting and pre-treatment.

In SYSCHEMIQ, the Trilateral Rhine-Meuse Euregion will demonstrate, through a systemic approach, how to align regional stakeholders to advance plastic recycling, overcoming the primary technical and non-technical barriers to establishing a regional circular plastics economy. This type of value chain alignment must start at the regional level to validate a ‘regional plastic recycling business case’, enabling industry to invest in large-scale recycling capabilities, including systemic circular solutions, circular governance models, and effective methods to replicate and disseminate the learnings throughout Europe, e.g. under the CCRI umbrella.

• SYSCHEMIQ will actively share insights, research outcomes, and project learnings with the CCRI-CSO, fostering a dynamic exchange of information with other circular hubs and regions to promote the development of the circular economy.
• SYSCHEMIQ will participate in CCRI support activities for Pilot and Fellow cities and regions, e.g., by organising workshops and training sessions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills available within the SYSCHEMIQ consortium.
• SYSCHEMIQ is enthusiastic about participating in CCRI events. By joining these gatherings, we aim to further enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of the CCRI’s efforts.

SYSCHEMIQ deliverables D8.9, D8.10, and D8.11 focus on collaboration with the CCRI to identify opportunities for strengthening the circular economy.

Regulatory framework bottlenecks are being identified as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.

Regulatory framework drivers are being identified as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.

Financial schemes for financing circular economy solutions are being identified as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.

Environmental outcomes and outputs are being generated as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.

Social outcomes and outputs are being generated as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.

Economic outcomes and outputs are being generated as part of ongoing research in SYSCHEMIQ.
 

The information provided above is current as of September 2023, in Month 25 of the execution of the SYSCHEMIQ project. Updates will follow.

Industry, knowledge institutes, cities, regional governments, educational institutions, waste management companies, regional development agencies, plastics development companies, territorial clusters.

• SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV, Netherlands
• SABIC PETROCHEMICALS BV, Netherlands
• SOURCE ONE GMBH, Germany
• NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO, Netherlands
• PLASTICS RECYCLERS EUROPE, Belgium
• EUROPEAN CHEMICAL REGIONS NETWORK, Belgium
• Provincie Limburg, Netherlands
• UNIVERSITEIT GENT, Belgium
• GEMEENTE SITTARD-GELEEN, Netherlands
• UNIVERSITEIT MAASTRICHT, Netherlands
• STICHTING ZUYD HOGESCHOOL, Netherlands
• CHEMELOT INNOVATION AND LEARNING LABS BV, Netherlands
• FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV, Germany
• STICHTING KENNISINSTITUUT DUURZAAM VERPAKKEN, Netherlands
• SIEGWERK DRUCKFARBEN AG & CO KGAA, Germany
• LOMBARDY ENERGY CLEANTECH CLUSTER, Italy
• PROVINCIALE ONTWIKKELINGSMAATSCHAPPIJ LIMBURG, Belgium
• PLASTIQ VZW, Belgium
• MORSSINKHOF PLASTICS ZEEWOLDE BV, Netherlands
• VERENIGING AFVALSAMENWERKING LIMBURG, Netherlands