Abstract
The ultimate research goal of the GREEN-MAP project is to enable a circular economy within the disposable medical device industry. We will develop novel bio-based, biodegradable polymers that can be used in medical device packaging, as well as for disposable medical devices/components. By combining renewable, bio-based monomers with biodegradability via industrial composting and/or anaerobic digestion and bioconversion, we will enable a sustainable path for the disposable medical device market—expected to double by 2023—ultimately leading to a circular economy. Key innovative elements include: 1) use of bio-based monomers (vegetable oil), representing value added to existing biodiesel refining, 2) green chemistry approach, using enzymes and alternative, low-impact catalysts, 3) polymer systems (copolymers and/or blends) with highly tunable properties (mechanical, optical, barrier, hemocompatibility). Accomplishing this ambitious goal will only be possible by forming a new collaborative intersectional and international research network. Participation within the project will directly lead to diversification of skills, both research-related and transferable ones, leading to improved employability and career prospects both in and outside academia. Thus, the consortium includes academic and non-academic partners involved in each aspect of the bio-based polymer value chain: substrates/monomers, synthesis, characterization, processing, product development, and life cycle sustainability assessment. While the focus is on material development for existing disposable medical devices and their packaging, the innovative and synergistic environment fostered by consortium, and especially the secondments can lead to the development of new devices, new procedures, etc., representing potential added value of the collaboration network. International and intersectoral mobility guarantees high level and effective sharing of new knowledge.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Maria Letizia Focarete
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician"
Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari"
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale
Coordinator:
Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technologiczny W Szczecinie(Poland)
Other Participants:
Croda Nederland Bv
(Netherlands)
Kb Folie Polska Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia
(Poland)
Budapest University Of Technology And Economics - Budapesti Műszaki És Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem
(Hungary)
Ecoinnovazione S.R.L.
(Italy)
Centre Of Polymer And Carbon Meterials
(Poland)
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna
(Italy)
Comprisetec Gmbh
(Germany)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 1.168.400,00
Project Duration in months: 48
Start Date:
01/01/2020
End Date:
31/12/2023
This project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 872152