Problem statement

Capturing CO2 from waste water treatment plants for conversion into bio-based plastics. HICCUPS - Highly-Innovative technology demonstration for bio-based CO2 Capture and Utilization for production of bulk Plastic applications. The HICCUPS project proposes a resource efficient solution to convert biogenic CO2 emissions from wastewater treatment plants into bio-based plastics for packaging

Executive summary

The CBE JU HICCUPS (Highly-Innovative technology demonstration for bio based CO2 Capture and Utilization for production of bulk Plastic application). project proposes a resource efficient solution to convert biogenic CO2 emissions from wastewater treatment plants into bio-based plastics for packaging. At the heart of the HICCUPS concept lie innovative technologies for the capture, conversion to monomers and polymerization of CO2 to produce Polylactic-co glycolic acid (PLGA). These polymers with excellent water & gas barrier properties are fully biodegradable and 100% made from renewable feedstock which makes them a promising candidate for the replacement of fossil polyethylene

Value chain description

To demonstrate the potential of PLGA, packaging materials will be produced from PLGA film coated paper and molded plastic. Examples of these types of packaging are paper cups, take out boxes and sealed plastic trays for perishable food from the supermarket. The HICCUPS technology results in a GHG reduction based on CO2 utilization, replacement of fossil feedstock and by industrial electrification. In the HICCUPS project, the complete value chain from biogenic CO2 to polymer end use will be demonstrated, including downstream processing and end of life studies. The main objective of HICCUPS is to demonstrate a complete value chain – from CO2 capture to production of polymers for end-use. To achieve this, the project will:

• optimize the capture and purification of CO2 from wastewater treatment plants;
• develop digital tools for the design and application of the polymers;
• produce the polymers from CO2;
• demonstrate the application of the polymers in food packaging and plastic products;
• confirm the carbon-removal potential, efficiency and environmental performance of the system;assess the financial performance of the system and its implications for commercial scale-up
• share knowledge on the biodegradability and recyclability of the polymers, the carbon-removal potential of the system and the products and production processes

Market deployment considerations

The global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bioplastic market was valued at approximately US$ 2.48 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach approximately US$ 5.46 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 15.25% during the forecast period of 2022-2029

Environmental considerations

GHG reduction based on CO2 utilization, replacement of fossil feedstock and by industrial electrification

Social Considerations

Creating awareness through interaction with policy makers and civil society and the creation of new jobs in innovative fields

Stakeholders Involved

Wastewater treatment plant, Technology provider, End users (poly lactic acid market)