<p id="isPasted">Faced with the pressing problem of climate change coupled with the impact of finite resources, the circular economy (CE) is a potential solution to many of the environmental, business and production issues in the world today.&nbsp;</p><p>A CE is a business model of production and consumption which veers away from the traditional linear method of making something - consuming it - and throwing it away. Instead, it harnesses practices which are all about keeping materials in the economy, be it by repairing, reusing, sharing or recycling products to extend their lifespan.&nbsp;</p><p>A CE can encompass many differing types of industries and resources, but all are based on the same principles<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[1]</sup></a>. Firstly, the desire to eliminate pollution and waste. The second is to protect and regenerate nature, and the third is to enable the circulation of products and materials at their highest value while reducing waste.</p><p>Global and national policies are evolving to enable the implementation of the &nbsp;CE, helping to make it one of the tools of tackling climate change. This was illustrated in 2020<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[2]</sup></a>, when the European Commission announced its European Green Deal. The European Green Deal includes the new Circular Economy Action Plan which features proposals on more sustainable product design, reducing waste, and empowering consumers - such as with the right to repair<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[3]</sup></a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>An environmental benefit and a business model</h2><p>A CE has many benefits, with the primary positive impact on the environment.<a href="#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1" target="_blank"></a></p><p>By using waste as a feedstock for the production of new materials, fewer materials have to be consumed to produce new products, meaning energy use and extraction of raw materials are reduced and fewer products end up in incineration plants or landfill at the end of their life.&nbsp;</p><p>Another, sometimes overlooked benefit, is to operational effectiveness and financial resilience. Companies which have established a CE model are able to reduce their dependence on raw material suppliers, especially during a time when supply chains are under increasing pressure<a href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[4]</sup></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>It also helps answer the problem of fossil resources being finite. Using waste as a resource will help mitigate against resource scarcity in the future.&nbsp;</p><p>While a CE can be adopted for many different materials, it has huge potential for the plastics sector and its resulting impact on the environment. In this article, we will look at how the plastics industry is being impacted by the growth of the CE.</p><h2>The global impact of plastics&nbsp;</h2><p>Plastics are a vital product used for many different applications and their use has only been accelerated by the pandemic, with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facemasks being produced in huge quantities. But this has also led to more waste, with an estimated 129 billion face masks and 65 billion plastic gloves needing to be disposed of each month<a href="#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[5]</sup></a>.</p><p>The wider impact of plastic on the world&rsquo;s oceans has also gained worldwide attention in recent years, and for good reason. Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced every year<a href="#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[6]</sup></a>, at least 14 million tonnes end up in the ocean every year, with plastic making up 80% of all debris in oceans and waterways. This waste can harm sea creatures and also find its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;</p><p>But there is also the underlying effect of plastic production on the environment too. Most plastics are made from fossil raw materials and are produced in plants which use fossil fuels to power them<a href="#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[7]</sup></a>. Fossil fuel used for transport further contributes to the industry&rsquo;s carbon footprint. A report<a href="#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" target="_blank" title=""><sup>[8]</sup></a> released by the environment group Beyond Plastics suggests that the production of plastics will release more greenhouse gas emissions than coal plants in the US by 2030. While not strictly part of the CE, the chemical industry is already working on solutions for this. Companies are shifting their energy supply more and more towards renewable energy and are using bio-based and recycled feedstocks for the production of plastics.</p><h2>Plastics and the circular economy&nbsp;</h2><p>It is generally accepted that a CE for plastics should be built around the following principles:</p><ul><li><span lang="EN-GB">Plastic can be reused, recycled, or composted in practice.</span></li><li>The use of plastic is fully decoupled from the consumption of finite resources.</li><li>Plastic is free of hazardous chemicals, and the health, safety, and rights of all people involved are respected.</li></ul><h2>Practical techniques</h2><p>But with those guiding principles in mind, what does that actually look like in practice?&nbsp;</p><p>There are a few methods already being used which contribute to a CE for plastics and they centre around recycling and reuse.&nbsp;</p><p>Reusable consumer products is one method that has gained popularity in recent years. From coffee shops to grocery bags, plastic products are no longer being thrown away after one single use but being reused on each occasion. Not only is this beneficial for the environment, it reduces production costs and raw material use for the company and increases brand loyalty.&nbsp;</p><p>Recycling is another vital pillar of a CE for plastics - and one that can be extended to engineering-grade plastics that cannot be simply resued in the same manner as consumer plastic products.&nbsp;</p><p>Plastic recycling falls into four main categories.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Mechanical recycling is used for the physical recycling of plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene, which are typically used to make soft drinks bottles or containers. The process uses grinding, washing, sorting and reprocessing to repurpose plastic material for use as new products.</li><li>Chemical recycling is a process by which the material is broken down to its original chemical building blocks, so that they can be built back up again into new products.&nbsp;</li><li>Dissolution recycling is a recycling process where one polymer type in mixed plastics waste is dissolved in a solvent so it can be separated from the other polymer types and recovered with high purity.&nbsp;</li><li>Organic recycling uses the controlled microbiological treatment of biodegradable plastics waste under aerobic conditions (composting) or anaerobic conditions (biogasification).&nbsp;</li></ul><p>While the technology to enable the recycling and reusability of plastics exists and is effective, there are other factors that need to be introduced to really make CE as productive as it can possibly be: mainly product design and the introduction of recycling/reuse infrastructure.&nbsp;</p><p>Product design is a big factor in producing items that can be reused and recycled. Along with the &lsquo;right to repair&rsquo; introduced by the European Union, it&rsquo;s essential that more products are designed with things like reusability and recycling in mind.</p><p>It is also important for there to be a clear plan and system for the life cycle of plastics to be in place to enable recycling to happen, where used plastic is collected from consumers and sent to recycling facilities so the plastic can then be kept inside the economy.&nbsp;</p><p>Designing the systems for parts and products to be returned to recycling facilities is core to achieving the CE. The loop of the systems should drive design decisions of the part, rather than being an add-on or bonus.&nbsp;</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 768px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ5MjQxNjU5MjI3LVAyODdfQkFTRl9OZXcgRW5lcmd5X09wb255XzJfMTZ4OS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Chemical recycling focuses on plastic waste that is not recycled mechanically for technological, economic, or ecological reasons. Image credit.:BASF.</span></span></span></p><h2>Changing mindset&nbsp;</h2><p>But there also needs to be a change in mindset both for companies and consumers. For decades, consumers have been used to the idea of using something and throwing it away, this has had a negative impact on the environment, but has also meant companies had an equally wasteful mindset. They were creating new, disposable products from scratch rather than using recycled materials. This not only had an impact on the environment but could prove more costly for firms too.&nbsp;</p><p>As well as developing the infrastructure and technology to build an effective plastics CE, education has to be a factor, with consumers and wider society realising the benefits of a plastics CE, but companies also understanding the clear business case for it too.</p><p>For companies, this means they have to re-evaluate how they think about their product lifecycle. Developing and implementing the technology &ndash; such as recycling technology &ndash; is not enough, they have to think more about the products they develop, their reusability, how easy or difficult they are to repair, and what happens to them at their end of life.&nbsp;</p><p>A long-term view is also vital because initial investment is needed to implement recycling systems and technologies. But with the increasing importance of the green agenda across all aspects of society, investment now will produce dividends in the future.</p><hr><h2>The Circular Economy Challenge</h2><p>Wevolver, in partnership with Growth Garage, the business accelerator from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, and &nbsp;Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates, invites engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, startups, companies, and students to submit their ideas, technologies, and products as part of the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-circular-economy-challenge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2022 Circular Economy Challenge.</a></p><p>The challenge is looking for innovators throughout the&nbsp;plastics circular economy&nbsp;who want to make use of advanced low carbon footprint engineering plastics&nbsp;or have developed innovative recycling technologies for advanced engineering plastics.</p><p>The winners of the challenge are invited to participate in a pilot program with Growth Garage, the business accelerator from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to further develop their idea. The total value of this program is $25,000.&nbsp;</p><p>The challenge is looking for participants in two key areas:&nbsp;</p><p>1. Recycling Technology</p><p>2. Products &amp; Parts&nbsp;</p><p>For more information and how to submit to the challenge,<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-circular-economy-challenge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> head to the challenge page. </a></p><h3><em>About the sponsors:&nbsp;</em></h3><p><em>The Circular Economy Challenge is sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical&rsquo;s group companies Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, and Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Growth Garage is a business accelerator program from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials that supports and helps to grow new ideas to tackle some of today&#39;s biggest engineering challenges.&nbsp;</em></p><h3><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation&nbsp;</em></h3><p><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has the global organization and infrastructure to leverage local and global synergies through the vast network of affiliated companies. With over 40,000 employees at 351 affiliates in more than 30 different countries, Mitsubishi Chemical provides a comprehensive range of solutions based on chemistry that contribute to solve social and environmental issues. Our vision is to realize the sustainable well-being of people, society, and our planet Earth &ndash; we call it KAITEKI.</em></p><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Europe</em></h3><p dir="ltr"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Europe is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. The company, with headquarters in D&uuml;sseldorf, offers and sells highly developed chemical-based products. The portfolio includes performance polymers, carbon fiber &amp; composites, polyester films, aluminum, and metal composite sheets as well as semiconductor solutions for a wide range of industries. In an additional role as regional headquarters for Europe, located in Frankfurt, it promotes the exchange between group companies in Europe and management in Japan. The stem of all activities is to contribute to the KAITEKI corporate philosophy, which strives for sustainability for people, society, and the earth.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ5MjQzNzM3NjMyLU1DQU0gQ0UgYmFubmVyIGRlc2t0b3AgKDEyODAgw5cgMzAwcHgpICgyKS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></em><br></p><h2><em>&nbsp;References and further reading&nbsp;</em></h2><div id="ftn1"><p>1. <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/01/a-new-barometer-of-global-supply-chain-pressures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview</a></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p>2. <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/01/a-new-barometer-of-global-supply-chain-pressures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en</a></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p>3. <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/01/a-new-barometer-of-global-supply-chain-pressures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://repair.eu/</a></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p>4. <a href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/01/a-new-barometer-of-global-supply-chain-pressures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2022/01/a-new-barometer-of-global-supply-chain-pressures/</a></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p>5. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-021-00824-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-021-00824-1</a></p></div><div id="ftn6"><p>6. <a href="https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-plastic-pollution#:~:text=The%20most%20visible%20impacts%20of,stomachs%20become%20filled%20with%20plastic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-plastic-pollution#:~:text=The%20most%20visible%20impacts%20of,stomachs%20become%20filled%20with%20plastic</a><a href="#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title="" target="_blank"></a></p><p>7. <a href="https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics#:~:text=How%20does%20plastic%20harm%20the,%2C%20oil%20and%20even%20coal" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://friendsoftheearth.uk/plastics#:~:text=How%20does%20plastic%20harm%20the,%2C%20oil%20and%20even%20coal</a></p></div><div id="ftn8"><p>8. <a href="https://www.beyondplastics.org/plastics-and-climate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.beyondplastics.org/plastics-and-climate</a></p></div>

A closed-loop system for engineering quality plastics provides dividends to products, economy and people.  

The circular economy for low carbon footprint plastics

<p>In this episode, we talk about how a radical change in plastic composition can significantly minimize waste when recycling plastics without compromising material properties and a first of its kind smart fabric with customizable properties which serves as the first step towards a whole new market. As always, you can find these and other interesting &amp; impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.</p><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/e67f6081-3650-42ad-847d-ccb27822c445?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span>&nbsp;</p><hr><p>This podcast is sponsored by <a href="https://www2.mouser.com/" id="isPasted" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ5MTUyMjkzNTUxLU1vdXNlci1zcG9uc29yLTEtYS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><hr><h3 id="isPasted">EPISODE NOTES</h3><p>(1:45) - Tackling Plastic Problem</p><p>(16:10) -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/a-flexible-foldable-highly-integrated-smart-fabric-could-herald-the-future-of-the-cuddlier-internet-of-things" target="_blank">Smart Fabrics</a></p><p>Episode 64 was brought to you by Mouser Electronics, Farbod &amp; Daniel’s favorite electronics distributor. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mouser.com/applications/touch_dispersive_signal/" target="_blank">here</a> to read the article explaining dispersive signal touch technology.</p><p>Here’s the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/podcast-why-plastic-eating-enzymes-will-save-our-oceans" target="_blank">link&nbsp;</a>to the episode mentioned that discussed plastic eating enzymes.</p><hr><p id="isPasted">About the podcast:</p><p>Every day, some of the most innovative universities, companies, and individual technology developers share their knowledge on Wevolver. To ensure we can also provide this knowledge for the growing group of podcast listeners, we started a collaboration with two young engineers, Daniel Scott Mitchell &amp; Farbod Moghaddam who discuss the most interesting content in this podcast series.&nbsp;</p><p>To learn more about this show, please visit the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" target="_blank">shows page</a>. By following the page, you will get automatic updates by email when a new show is published.</p><p>Be sure to give us a follow and review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/the-next-byte/id1548255861?l=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a> podcasts, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6lPPsRtegnivsRUEsQ09R7?si=IPMiah7xT_apJtPjqvXMlA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and most of your favorite podcast platforms!</p>

Like the pearls of a pearl necklace, molecular building blocks of polymer chains can be recovered and fully reused. (Symbol image: Adobe Stock)

In this episode, we talk about how a radical change in plastic composition can significantly minimize waste when recycling plastics without compromising material properties and a first of its kind smart fabric with customizable properties which serves as the first step towards a whole new market

Podcast: Solution To The Plastic Problem & Smart Fabrics

<p>The Challenge is now closed. Read about the winners <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/recycling-wind-turbines-and-modular-robots-the-winners-of-the-circular-economy-challenge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><hr><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>Wevolver, in partnership with Growth Garage, the business accelerator from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, and &nbsp;Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates, invites engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, startups, companies, and students to <a href="https://growthgarage.mcam.com/apply-now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">submit</a> their ideas, technologies, and products as part of the 2022 Circular Economy Challenge.&nbsp;</em></p><blockquote><p dir="ltr">The circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient closed-loop system that leverages innovation to eliminate waste and circulate materials. It is a new way of doing business that proposes innovative thinking about economic activity. This has a positive impact on the well-being of people, society, and planet Earth by enabling sustainable growth and securing resources for the future. &nbsp;</p></blockquote><p dir="ltr">We are looking for innovators throughout the&nbsp;plastics circular economy&nbsp;who want to make use of advanced low carbon footprint engineering plastics&nbsp;or have developed innovative recycling technologies for advanced engineering plastics.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>The winners of the challenge are invited to participate in a pilot program with Growth Garage, the business accelerator from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to take their idea to the next level.&nbsp;</strong><strong>The total value of this program is $25,000.&nbsp;</strong></p><p dir="ltr">The challenge is looking for participants in two key areas:&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">1. Recycling Technology</p><p dir="ltr">2. Products &amp; Parts.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Recycling Technology</h2><p dir="ltr">Mechanical and/or chemical recycling is key to produce sustainable thermoplastic polymers, minimize landfill, close-the-loop, and facilitate the implementation of the Circular Economy.</p><p dir="ltr">Are you an innovator that has developed technology that enables the recycling of engineering plastics or improves their recycling process? &nbsp;Does your technology improve the efficiency of mechanical recycling (collecting, identification, sorting, cleaning, grinding, regranulation, etc), or is a novel chemical or physical recycling technology?</p><h3 dir="ltr">Submission requirements:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr">Are you able to test materials provided by Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials?</li><li dir="ltr">Have you previously tested customer materials?</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 766px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ3MjQ0MDMzMDU5LVJlY3ljbGluZyBTb2x1dGlvbnMgNTkxeDM4NC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Recycling innovators can get access to materials to test their technology. &nbsp;Image credit: POM</span></span></span></h3><h2>Parts or products</h2><p dir="ltr">Are you a product designer that works within or wants to join the circular economy? Have you designed, developed, or manufactured products or parts with low carbon footprint engineering plastics for the circular economy?</p><h3 dir="ltr">Submission requirements:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr">Do you have parts or applications that are manufactured from thermoplastic polymers via CNC machining, injection molding, or 3D Printing (FFF) and have the intention to reduce the carbon footprint of the products/parts?</li><li dir="ltr">Secondly, you have (or intend to) implement a circular business model and are looking for a partner that supports the recycling of the thermoplastic polymer waste from production (cut-offs, swarfs, runners, etc.) or even after recollecting your products/parts end-of-life.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 766px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ3MjQ0NzI4Njc1LW1jYW0gcGFydHMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Parts manufacturers can gain access to manufacturing and design support to produce a prototype.&nbsp;</span></span></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Submit to The Circular Economy Challenge</h2><p dir="ltr">To enter the Challenge please complete the entry form before Wednesday 18 May. You are asked to provide personal details, a text description of your entry, and supporting images.</p><p><a class="button-main-action" href="https://bit.ly/3wGi6OC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>SUBMIT TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CHALLENGE HERE</strong></a></p><h3 dir="ltr">Early-Bird Submissions</h3><p dir="ltr">Submit to the challenge <strong>before Monday 22nd April 2022</strong>, and Growth Garage engineers will review your entry for feedback and direction. You can then adjust your design and re-enter your submission.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Circular Economy Challenge Prizes</h2><p dir="ltr">There will be an overall winner awarded in each category of the Circular Economy Challenge as well as a student prize and a Wevolver community vote winner.<br><br>As an overall category winner, you will enter the Growth Garage acceleration program and get access to the following support valued at $25,000.&nbsp;</p><ul><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Joint test of your technology or service to assess the technical and commercial feasibility to create a proofpoint.</li><li dir="ltr">Access to sustainable advanced materials (low carbon footprint thermoplastic polymers).</li><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Access to Industry experts and Circular Economy experts (regulatory, PCF, LCA,&hellip;)</li><li dir="ltr">Manufacturing and design support to produce a prototype.</li><li dir="ltr">Scale-up plan manufacturing and support.</li><li dir="ltr">Business Intelligence.</li><li dir="ltr">Reflection on your Value Proposition &amp; Business Model.</li><li dir="ltr">Joint Marketing.</li></ul><p>The student prize winner will receive $5,000 in support and the community vote winner will receive $10,000 in support.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Key dates:</h2><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Event</strong></td><td><strong>Date</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Challenge Opens</td><td>Tuesday 22 March 2022</td></tr><tr><td>CE Challenge Introduction Webinar</td><td>Thursday 31 March 2022</td></tr><tr><td>A Deeper Look at The Circular Economy Webinar</td><td>Tuesday 19 April 2022. Updated!</td></tr><tr><td>Early Bird Submissions Close</td><td>Sunday 22 April 2022</td></tr><tr><td>Challenge Closes</td><td>Sunday 22 May 2022. 12 Midnight CET</td></tr><tr><td>Finalists Announced</td><td>Tuesday 31 May 2022</td></tr><tr><td>Winner Announcement Event</td><td>Tuesday 14 June 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>More information</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Webinars</h3><p dir="ltr">Wevolver and Chemical Advanced Materials are hosting two webinars prior to the Challenge deadline.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Webinar 1: <em>Introduction to the&nbsp;</em><em>Circular Economy Challenge.&nbsp;</em></strong></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>Thursday 31 March | 16.30 CET</em></p><p dir="ltr">This webinar will provide a deeper overview of the challenge including details on the role of Growth Garage, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, and Wevolver. It will also include an introduction to Circular Economy as well as hints and tips on putting together a strong submission. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2216473431113/WN_ZZMI5N-QQoiK7jxTaOKneA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><br>Watch the first webinar here:</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-lKxYX8GH7c?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-1_19="true" id="501140473" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></span><br></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Webinar 2: <em>A Deeper Look at The Circular Economy</em></strong></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>Tuesday 19 April | 16.30 CET &nbsp;<strong>NEW DATE</strong><strong>!</strong></em></p><p dir="ltr">In this webinar, Dr. Lisa Weigand from Mitsubishi Chemical Europe outlined what the circular economy is and how the company is working to accelerate its implementation. <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1516473439938/WN_iMkUAWbDS_iFo8MIp1HIEQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register for the webinar here.</a></p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WgFuX_VyUEY?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-1_19="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" id="673747121" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></span><br></p><p dir="ltr"><a class="button-main-action" href="https://bit.ly/3wGi6OC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Submit to the Circular Economy Challenge now</strong></a></p><h2 dir="ltr">The Circular Economy Challenge Entry Pack</h2><p id="isPasted">The Entry Pack ensures that you have at your fingertips all the information you&rsquo;ll need to submit a successful entry that grabs the judges&rsquo; attention and includes:</p><ul><li>Comprehensive information about the challenge, which materials and technologies are in scope, and the two different categories you can enter.</li><li>A detailed checklist and guide to what needs to be included in your submission, and the benefits of being an early-bird entrant.</li><li>Plus, valuable context will help you develop your pitch, including tips from previous winners on how to produce a successful entry.</li></ul><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3iLzI3o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Download the Circular Economy Challenge Entry Pack here</strong></a></p><h2 dir="ltr">The Judging Criteria</h2><p dir="ltr">The &nbsp;Growth Garage Circular Economy Challenge will reward projects that demonstrate an ability to accelerate the implementation of the circular economy. Successful designs will meet submission requirements based on the <a href="https://www.mcam.com/en/sustainability" target="_blank">KAITEKI principles</a> of Feasibility and Scalability, Sustainability, and Circularity.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">The jury will look at the feasibility of your idea from technical and commercial standpoints. We&rsquo;ll then examine its scalability from the perspective of both your manufacturing methodology and the attributes of your team. And finally, we&rsquo;ll consider its impact on the Circular Economy. The full judging criteria can be viewed <a href="https://growthgarage.mcam.com/our-challenges" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>Meet the Jury</h2><p>The jury is made up of a team of engineers, materials experts, and business development leaders. Together they form several decades of experience.&nbsp;</p><h3>Dr. Lisa Weigand</h3><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ3MzU3MDYxMjY0LUp1cnkgcGhvdG8gKDE5MjAgw5cgMzYwcHgpLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Advisor Circular Economy at Mitsubishi Chemical Europe</p><h3>Henning Bloech&nbsp;</h3><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ3NTA4MTg5NDg5LUhlbm5pbmcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Global Director Sustainable SolutionsMitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials</p><h3>Andy Rudd&nbsp;</h3><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjQ3NTA4MjM0MzcwLUFuZHkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Global New Business Development ManagerMitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates</p><h3>Dr. Peter Walde<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzcyODk4NDk2LTEwLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>Founder &amp; CEO at MAPEGY.</p><h3>Jules Harings<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzcyOTY5MTIxLTA2LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>Associate Professor &amp; Group leader Macromolecular Physics &amp; Technology at AMIBM / Maastricht University.</p><h3>Tim Vorage<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzA5NDE4MTc5LVRJbSBJSS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>Global Growth Manager at Growth Garage/Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials.</p><h3>Patrick Suel<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzA5MjY4MjU1LXBhdHJpY2suanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>Funding President at Diamond Edge Ventures. &nbsp;</p><h3>Mark Geljon<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzczMTU4NTk3LTA3LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>Customer Experience leader, change-maker, and social entrepreneur.</p><h3>Randy White<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzA5MjA2MTkwLXJhbmR5LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>President -Engineered Solutions at Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials.</p><h3>Simon McEvoy<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzczMTg1MzgxLTA4LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>UK Head of Strategy &amp; UX at Omobono.</p><h3>Bram Geenen<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjMxNzA5MjQ4MjE5LUJyYW0uanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h3><p>CEO and co-founder of Wevolver.</p><p><a class="button-main-action" href="https://bit.ly/3wGi6OC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Submit to the circular economy challenge here</strong></a></p><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsors:</em></h2><h3 dir="ltr"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials &amp; Growth Garage</em></h3><p dir="ltr"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance materials in the form of semi-finished products and finished parts. The company has locations in 20 countries and more than 2,800 employees. Its specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites are superior in performance to metals and other materials and are used in a wide range of applications, primarily in the capital goods industry. The company is continuously developing new areas of applications in close cooperation with industry leaders in a wide variety of customer markets. The Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Group is well prepared to further expand its market leadership position.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Growth Garage is a business accelerator program from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials. Our mission is to support and grow new ideas using our technologies and advanced engineering materials to help tackle some of today&#39;s biggest engineering challenges. We are offering the opportunity for engineers and innovators to pitch us their ideas and receive manufacturing support and services.&nbsp;</em></p><h3 dir="ltr"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Europe</em></h3><p dir="ltr"><em>Mitsubishi Chemical Europe is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. The company, with headquarters in D&uuml;sseldorf, offers and sells highly developed chemical-based products. The portfolio includes performance polymers, carbon fiber &amp; composites, polyester films, aluminum and metal composite sheets as well as semiconductor solutions for a wide range of industries. In an additional role as regional headquarters for Europe, located in Frankfurt, it promotes the exchange between group companies in Europe and management in Japan. The stem of all activities is to contribute to the KAITEKI corporate philosophy, which strives for sustainability for people, society and the earth.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p><br></p>

We are looking for innovators developing recycling technology or circular products from engineering plastics.


The Circular Economy Challenge

PLA is an affordable and reliable workhorse filament for FDM 3D printing. But some material developers claim to have made PLA filament better by mixing it with additives, creating an enhanced variant of the material called PLA+.

recycling

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