The VERSO project, led by AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Center, promotes digitalization and the circular economy in the packaging sector through the application of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the validation of reuse systems. This initiative, funded by IVACE+i with ERDF funds, seeks to improve traceability, transparency and eco-design in order to move towards sustainable models and comply with European regulatory requirements.
Image Credit: AIMPLAS
This research continues the workbegun in the OASIS project, expanding its scope to include the production of sustainable packaging and the implementation of digital tools that improve traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.
While OASIS addressed the legislative aspects and basic principles of the circular economy applied to recycling and waste management, VERSO focuses on the development of reuse systems and the practical application of the Digital Product Passport, a key tool for facilitating regulatory compliance and communication with the end consumer.
Leading researcher in Circular Economy and Environment, Sonia Albein, stated that“this project responds to the need to overcome the technical, legal and market challenges facing the plastic packaging sector, offering solutions that can be replicated in other products and sectors. Its main objective is to generate accurate and up-to-date information that enables companies in the Valencian Community to improve their competitiveness, make informed decisions and move towards more sustainable production models.” Sonia Albein, AIMPLAS
VERSO integrates a comprehensive eco-design approach based on the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) methodology, which allows for the assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts, as well as sector-specific risks. This approach facilitates the development of more durable, reusable and recyclable packaging, optimizing its entire life cycle and prioritizing waste prevention in line with current legislation.
The project includes the practical validation of new reuse systems and the development of models for the efficient application of the Digital Product Passport, which provides traceability and transparency for each piece of packaging, from its design to its final management.
VERSO is collaborating with ITC Packaging, a leading manufacturer of plastic packaging for various sectors, and RECICLAMÁS, which specializes in waste management and recycling and contributes its knowledge of post-consumer material recovery.
The expected results include the design and validation of packaging aligned with reuse criteria, the development of a roadmap for sustainable packaging management, the application of the SSbD approach to assess impacts and risks, and the pilot implementation of the Digital Product Passport. In addition, good practices will be developed for the entire product life cycle, with a special focus on waste prevention and regulatory compliance.
The VERSO project is part of the call for grants aimed at technology centers in the Valencian Community for R&D projects in collaboration with companies, promoted by the Valencian.