Circular economy and sustainability
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNIQUES FOR THE RECYCLING OF HIGH-VALUE TOURISM WASTE IN THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY.
HOR-ECO
Motivation
With the aim of continuing to work towards a Circular Economy and providing a solution for managing the waste generated in the activities corresponding to the HORECA sector (Hotels, Restaurants and Cafeterias) the HOR-Eco initiative is proposed.
A distinctive line of research in the HOR-Eco project is the definition of a protocol for the disinfection of waste prior to recycling, using innovative and sustainable technologies regardless of the chosen method of recovery, whether mechanical, chemical or other.
Objectives
- Identify and adapt efficient recycling technologies to transform waste into materials in polymeric, foam, textile, leather and metal formats for mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling processes.
- Develop circular economy proposals that allow the reintroduction of recycled materials into the supply chain and optimize processes to achieve maximum efficiency and sustainability in waste management.
- Assist companies in the HORECA sector in incorporating environmental considerations into their purchasing and waste management policies by developing and eco-design guide for the sector.
- Promote collaboration and partnerships between companies and entities to implement sustainable solutions and promote circular economy practices throughout the value chain
Value and competitive advantage
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Greater sustainability and efficiency in the recycling of complex waste.
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Cost savings and reduced use of virgin raw materials.
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Practical tools to adopt sustainable practices without affecting operations.
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New business opportunities through intersectoral synergies.
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Improved image and positioning as a benchmark in circular economy.
Obtained results
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Characterization of complex waste (textiles, foams, multilayer packaging) and adaptation of innovative pretreatment technologies to optimize recycling and recovery.
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Development of functional prototypes for the HORECA sector (furniture, textiles, single-use items) made from recovered waste.
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Preparation of a guide with eco-design criteria, sustainable purchasing, and waste management practices tailored to the operations of hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
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Connection of the HORECA sector with industries such as footwear, textiles, and toys to create new recovery routes and promote industrial symbiosis.
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Organization of technical workshops, preparation of outreach materials, and use of digital resources to increase visibility and facilitate the adoption of results.
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Active promotion of solutions and technologies to key companies and entities, encouraging their validation and practical application.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2024/104
Programme: Grants to CV technology centres for R&D projects in cooperation with the private sector
Period of execution: January 2024 – June 2025
Status: Finished
More information: Amount – 193.257,36 €
Entity: IVACE
This project is supported by the Valencian Regional Government’s Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.