VALOPET
VALOPET aims to sustainably convert PET plastic waste into a high-value biodegradable polymer with green hydrogen co-generation. To achieve this, we will develop an innovative electrochemical and polymer chemistry tandem approach without carbon emissions or critical raw materials.
About the project:
The VALOPET research opening aims to establish a novel proof-of-concept technology for sustainable plastic waste upcycling. We will develop an emission-free process that converts polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into a high-value biodegradable polymer, poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), while simultaneously producing green hydrogen (Hâ‚‚). Our approach uniquely combines electrochemistry and polymer chemistry, targeting the selective electrochemical conversion of ethylene glycol (EG), a product from PET hydrolysis, into glycolic acid (GA), followed by the polymerization of GA into PGA. This will be achieved without the use of critical raw materials and under environmentally sustainable conditions. PGA is a premium polymer with superior biodegradability, mechanical strength, and gas barrier properties compared to PET.
VALOPET will open a new research direction for plastic waste valorization in Finland, demonstrating the feasibility of transforming waste streams into valuable chemical products without carbon emissions. Scientifically, the project will lay the foundation for new sustainable methods in electrocatalysis of plastic derivatives and polymer synthesis from waste streams.
Societally, it offers a promising route to reduce plastic incineration and contribute to circular economy goals, aligning with the Plastic Roadmap for Finland 2.0 and the national Circular Economy strategy. Industrially, it creates opportunities for domestic production of biodegradable polymers, sustainable renewal of the plastic recycling industry, and integration with Finland’s emerging hydrogen economy.
Project Results
The project is ongoing; we will update this section with the main results as they become available.