UP_PLASTICS: Eco‑design of plastics for the construction sector

Driven by a Walloon academic & technology consortium (ULiège, UMONS, Materia Nova, Celabor, CTP, Centexbel, Certech, UCL, CSTC …), UP_PLASTICS is a FEDER portfolio aimed at closing the loop for construction plastics.

• WP1 – Feedstock & (bio)refining: sourcing synthons from natural polymers, agro/forest by‑products or construction waste (PU foams, cables, PVC, paints) and tailoring extraction routes.

• WP2 – Formulation & processing: semi‑industrial conversion into functional materials (recyclable foams, composites, profiles).

• WP3 – Design for re‑circularity: embedding recyclability enablers (layer separation, bio‑based compatibilisers, traceable additives).

• WP4 – Benchmarking & applications: techno‑economic comparison with conventional plastics and demonstration in façade, insulation and interior elements.
  Leveraging AI, data‑mining and machine learning, the portfolio targets a first‑in‑Europe extraction demonstrator for bio‑based additives, bridging research and industry. Total budget: ≈ €2.24 M for the nine Walloon beneficiaries.