The main goal of the project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using ceramic inkjet ink wastes as a new raw material for the ceramic industry, prior separation of those, resulting in a solid component based on heavy-metal inorganic pigment and in a liquid component based on an organic solvent.Both separated components will be used in the fabrication of ceramic pigments, inks, and tiles.
proposes a novel circular value chain for inkjet ink wastes by introducing a new concept to reuse waste from the ceramic industry.
Specific objectives
1 | To demonstrate in real environment the valorisation of inkjet ink wastes in the ceramic companies
2 | To implement a value chain pilot based on circular economy pillars through industrial symbiosis
3 | To demonstrate the competitive edge of the business model and measure the economic benefits for all SMEs, especially related to the ceramic, decorative glass and cathodic/anodic application industries
4 | To develop a prototype for the separation procedure of the inkjet ink wastes in a simple and low-cost process
5 | To deploy the new business model for transformation of the inkjet ink wastes as a new resource for the ceramic industry
6 | To assess the environmental impact on the production of brand-new ceramic products reusing and recycling inkjet ink wastes as well as on the ceramic tile and inkjet ink production
7 | To replicate the solution of the innovative valorisation scheme in other ceramic SMEs (not only the consortium)
8 | To transfer the solution into other SMEs devoted to other sectors/application areas
9 | To foster social awareness related to the environmental troubles caused by inkjet ink wastes comparing the current situation with the new situation after the project
The main expected results of LIFE REPLAY are:
– Treatment and valorisation of 100 tons of ceramic inkjet ink wastes
– Production of 10.000 sq.m of “eco” ceramic tiles, substituting:
· Around 30-40% of the current organic solvent used in traditional decoration by the new organic effluent.
· 100% of the current inorganic pigment used in coloured ceramic body, glaze or traditional decorative compositions by the heavy metal-based solids component.
– Fabrication of 80 tons of “eco” ceramic inkjet inks (40% solid content), where 15-25% of the current inorganic pigment and 100% of organic solvent will be replaced by the separated components.
– Production of 30 tons of “eco” pigment replacing 25-40% of the current inorganic pigment used will be replaced by the treated solid component.
ITC acts as coordinator of LIFE REPLAY. It role is focused on supporting the design of the separation process, characterizing ceramic inkjet ink wastes, evaluating the project impacts and establishing the replicability and transferability strategy.
