GCR supports PROSPER in advancing circular routes for bio-based plastics
A key milestone for technically viable circular routes for bio-based plastics
20 MAY 2026 – After 18 months, the EU-funded PROSPER project reports major advances in bioplastic sorting and recycling. These results mark an important step towards technically viable circular routes for bio-based plastics.
The results show progress in identifying, sorting, pre-treating and recycling selected bio-based plastic fractions from actual household waste streams. This is a key step to help bioplastics move from material innovation towards effective circularity.
Advancing bioplastic sorting with NIR and AI
As part of the project, NIR-based sorting algorithms were successfully trained at the NTCP centre in the Netherlands, Europe’s first independent test centre featuring industrial-scale sorting and washing. Further performance improvements are expected through the integration of artificial intelligence with NIR technology.
The press release also highlights a techno-economic analysis of PLA sorting, which indicates that PLA does not significantly disrupt existing sorting and recycling processes and can be sorted cost-effectively once its market share exceeds approximately 2.5%, depending on local conditions and scale.
Moving from sorting to recycling validation
Beyond sorting, PROSPER is also advancing in pre-treatment and recycling. The project is now optimizing washing processes for bioplastics to remove contaminants such as dirt and labels while protecting material quality.
As part of the PROSPER consortium, we contribute our expertise in mechanical recycling and material validation. At GCR, we have successfully completed laboratory-scale trials on the mechanical recycling of rigid PLA and biopolyester blend fractions.
Our team applied pre-processing and purification protocols before extrusion under controlled conditions. This made it possible to obtain high-quality recycled pellets.
We validated these materials using injection-molded test specimens. The results showed mechanical resistance comparable to virgin products.
These results represent an important step towards technically viable recycling routes for bio-based plastics. In the coming months, our R&D efforts will also focus on flexible biopolymer waste fractions.
We will apply the same rigorous standards of quality and performance used for rigid materials.
A collaborative European project for bio-based plastics circularity
PROSPER brings together partners across Europe to support the development of more effective sorting, recycling and circularity routes for bio-based plastics. The project runs from October 2024 to September 2028 and is funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking under Grant Agreement Nº 101157907.
The next project phase will continue progressing towards broader validation, including demonstration activities in real recycling plants planned for the third year of the project.
Read the full press release from PROSPER.
Learn more about the PROSPER project here.
