ECO Imagination participated in the launch of the UPCYCLE project in Ghent

ECO Imagination participated in the UPCYCLE Kick-Off Meeting, held on 8–9 October 2025 in Ghent, Belgium, at the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP). This event marked the official launch of the four-year Horizon Europe project, bringing together partners from academia, industry, and innovation centres.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the consortium to align on project objectives, priorities, and the first steps of implementation. Building on the achievements of the H2020 UPLIFT project, UPCYCLE aims to transform the most challenging plastic waste streams into highly recyclable and/or biodegradable packaging materials.

At the core of the project is an integrated plastic biorefinery approach, combining depolymerisation technologies, fermentation processes, advanced polymerisation strategies, and AI-based innovation tools, while applying Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles across the value chain.

During the Kick-Off Meeting, each partner presented their respective Work Package, clarifying roles, synergies, and timelines for the first year. ECO Imagination leads Work Package 8, dedicated to communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities.

A key highlight of the meeting was the guided visit to the BBEPP pilot facilities, where UPCYCLE’s innovative processes will be demonstrated. This visit provided valuable insights into the infrastructure supporting depolymerisation, fermentation, and ecopolymer production.

The Kick-Off Meeting established a strong foundation for future collaboration, combining scientific excellence, industrial expertise, and a shared vision for circular plastics. ECO Imagination will play a key role in ensuring the visibility and impact of the project’s results across relevant stakeholders.