Michelin
(Source: imago)
A unique consortium has been formed rallying 16 public and private European organizations working together for more circular economy. The WhiteCycle project, coordinated by Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand/France, was launched on July 1, 2022. Its main goal is to develop a circular solution to convert composite industrial waste containing textile (PET) and other components from tires, hoses and multilayer clothes at the end of the product life cycle – which is currently difficult to recycle. Co-funded by Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and innovation program, this unprecedented public/private European partnership will run for 4 years.
WhiteCycle envisions that by 2030 the uptake and deployment of its circular solution will lead to the annual recycling of more than 2 million tons of the third most widely used plastic in the world, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This project should prevent landfilling or incineration of more than 1.8 million tons of that plastic each year. Also, it should enable reduction of CO2 emissions by around 2 million tons.
The consortium will develop new processes required throughout the industrial value chain.
WhiteCycle has a global budget of nearly €9.6 million and receives European funding in the amount of nearly €7.1 million. The consortium’s partners are based in 5 countries (France, Spain, Germany, Norway and Turkey). Coordinated by Michelin, it has an effective governance system involving a steering committee, an advisory board and a technical support committee.
