Circular economy

Creation of a platform of competences for the transition of Walloon companies towards eco-friendly colorants for textile applications

How do the chemical and plastics sectors view circularity and what concrete steps are they taking to make the world of chemistry and plastics more sustainable? VLAIO business advisor Rik Candries had an instructive chat with Ann Verlinden, Karen Van Wesenbeeck and Wannes Libbrecht of Catalisti and Isabel De Schrijver of Centexbel. Two organisations that have a broad view on the sector, based on their connecting role between the business and knowledge worlds.

Development and dissemination of the necessary knowledge to effectively use agricultural residues from flax cultivation as reinforcement materials in polyolefin and PLA plastics.

In order to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, it is vital we speak with a common voice, using a common language and definitions that can be used by all.

PREFER aims to develop an all-encompassing plastics refinery concept that enables the recycling of plastics that, to this day, are unrecyclable.

This study reveals the leading role of European and US companies and research centres in the development of new plastics that are easier to recycle or compost and/or are made from non-fossil sources.

In the context of the circular economy, there is a growing demand to recycle waste products containing bituminous products, not only clean production waste, but also used roofing products containing contaminated and degraded, aged bitumen and reinforcement parts.

Systemic framework for circular and sustainable floor coverings

CISUFLO aims to set up a systemic framework for circular and sustainable ‘floor coverings’ (carpets, resilient floor coverings and laminates) and to minimize the total environmental impact of the sector.