The Centre for Innovation in Polymer Engineering (PIEP) continues strengthening its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy through the Recicla+ project, developed in collaboration with Bicafé, MC, Codil, Incbio, and Bio4plas. As part of this initiative, over 200 tons of coffee capsules and 100 tons of coffee grounds have already been recycled, promoting waste valorisation and the development of innovative solutions for the industry.

Integrated into the Recovery and Resilience Plan’s “Sustainable Plastics” agenda, the Recicla+ project focuses on creating an efficient model for post-consumer coffee capsule recycling. To achieve this, a national collection system has been structured, along with the development of a pilot recycling line that enables the transformation of plastic materials from capsules and coffee grounds into new sustainable products.

PIEP has played a key role in designing and developing a new recycled plastic material, derived from collected capsules, as well as in creating a household container that facilitates waste separation and selective disposal. Additionally, coffee grounds have been repurposed for the production of liquid biofertilizers, reinforcing the valorisation of by-products and the reduction of environmental impact.

Through these efforts, PIEP contributes to the implementation of innovative recycling solutions, driving the transition towards a more circular and sustainable economy in Portugal.