MagIC's Contribution to a Thriving Circular Plastics Economy

Building upon its expertise in data science, management research, and sustainability, MagIC proposes a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges outlined in the call and contribute to the following expected outcomes:

1. Increased Deployment of Advanced Digital Solutions:

• Leverage Data Science, particularly AI and Blockchain, to develop traceability solutions for plastic materials throughout the value chain.
• Utilize IoT to monitor waste streams and optimize collection and sorting systems, ensuring high-quality secondary materials.
• Collaborate with partners to develop AI-powered platforms that connect manufacturers, recyclers, and consumers, promoting transparency and trust in secondary plastics.

2. Emergence of New Upcycled Plastic Value Chains:

• Utilize Marketing research to understand consumer preferences for upcycled products and identify new market opportunities.
• Apply Finance and Risk Management expertise to develop financial models for assessing the viability of upcycling businesses.
• Work with partners to identify potential applications for upcycled plastics through Information Systems research and data analysis of existing product life cycles.

3. Increased Upcycling and Recycling Rates:

• Develop Geoinformatics tools to map plastic waste generation patterns and identify areas with high recycling potential.
• Utilize Data Science to optimize recycling processes and predict maintenance needs for recycling equipment.
• Employ Public Policy research to advocate for policies that incentivize upcycling and recycling, such as extended producer responsibility schemes.

4. Increased Uptake of Recycled Plastics:

• Leverage Marketing expertise to develop consumer awareness campaigns promoting the benefits of recycled plastic products.
• Utilize Data Science to analyze life cycle assessments (LCA) of recycled plastic products, demonstrating their environmental superiority.
• Collaborate with partners to design innovative, high-value products incorporating recycled plastics, leveraging expertise in Information Systems research.

5. Increased Resource Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Impact:

• Utilize Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to quantify the environmental benefits of upcycled and recycled plastics compared to virgin materials.
• Develop Geoinformatics tools to monitor the environmental impact of plastic production and disposal throughout the life cycle.
• Advocate for policies that promote resource efficiency and reduce plastic pollution through Public Policy research and communication.

6. Widespread Adoption of Circular Business Practices:

• Utilize Information Systems research to develop platforms for knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders in the circular plastics economy.
• Conduct research on successful circular business models in other sectors using Management research methods, and adapt those learnings to the plastics sector.
• Develop training materials for workers in the circular plastics economy using data-driven insights on skill gaps and future workforce needs.

 Construction Technology

 Digital Agenda for Europe

 Digital Economy

 Innovation & Research

 Blockchain

 Artificial Intelligence

 Defence & Cybersecurity