NEWS
An industrial symbiosis project to make use of plastic waste generated at the Port of Barcelona
Companies generating plastic waste will be identified and connected with companies capable of incorporating recycled plastic into their production processes. The aim is to maximize waste valorization, reduce transportation and decrease dependence on virgin raw materials.
As a result of its logistics and industrial activity, the Port of Barcelona generates several tonnes of plastic waste every year, mainly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Of this waste, 65% could be valorized through pelletizing and baling processes. BCN Port Innovation has recently opened a baling plant and is studying its expansion to produce pellets, although the actual industrial demand for these materials is still unknown.
To take advantage of these waste streams, the DELTA project has been launched with the technical support of inèdit, the technological support of Símbiosy and funding from the Agència de Residus de Catalunya (ARC).
Within the project, companies generating plastic waste will be identified and connected with companies able to incorporate recycled plastic into their production processes. The initiative aims to foster the development of a circular economy and reduce dependence on virgin raw materials. The goal is to promote industrial symbiosis within the Port itself and surrounding areas, ensuring material traceability, maximizing waste valorization and reducing transportation needs.
In addition to contributing to waste and emissions reduction, the DELTA project is expected to generate economic benefits for participating companies through lower management costs, the creation of a more stable market for recycled plastics and the promotion of new business opportunities linked to sustainability and circularity.
inèdit will participate in mapping companies within the port ecosystem, analyzing data on plastic waste flows, and estimating the reuse potential and demand for recycled materials, among other tasks.
As part of the project, inèdit will contribute its expertise in circular economy and industrial symbiosis to identify valorization opportunities, analyze waste flows and detect potential synergies between waste-generating companies and companies demanding recycled materials. Among other tasks, inèdit will participate in mapping companies within the port ecosystem, analyzing plastic waste flow data and estimating the reuse potential and demand for recycled materials.
The initiative is part of BCN Port Innovation’s strategy to promote innovative and sustainable solutions in the logistics-port sector and is included within the Circulars Programme, aimed at promoting material circularity within the port ecosystem.