ECP4 Strengthens Industry-Research Collaboration in Plastics and Composites
On 29 January 2024, ECP4 successfully hosted a collaborative event that brought together over 50 participants from both industry and research. This event underscored the importance of fostering strong partnerships in the plastics and composites sector, paving the way for innovative advancements and impactful collaborations in EU-funded projects.
The session was moderated by Marco Monti, R&D Project Manager at Proplast and ECP4 board member, who introduced ECP4 and its members’ extensive expertise in the field. He emphasized the key role of collaboration in addressing industry challenges and driving forward sustainability and innovation.
Showcasing Industry and Research Capabilities
A highlight of the event was the introduction of ten leading organisations, all members of EuPC, Polymeris, Proplast, and Mondragon. Each organisation presented its expertise, capabilities, and interest in participating in future EU-funded projects, showcasing the vast potential within the sector. The organisations that took part in the presentations included:
- LATI Industria Termoplastici S.p.A.
- GreenWavePlastics
- BOBINE
- IRIS Srl
- Albatros
- Thrace Plastics Group
- Alpla Group
- RETAL
- TekniPlex
- Abazia S.p.A.
Each company shared its unique capabilities and innovation-driven approach, highlighting how they can contribute to upcoming European projects. This exchange provided a valuable opportunity for networking and laying the groundwork for potential collaborations between industry and research.
Horizon Europe Calls and Future ECP4 Meetings
In addition to introducing ECP4’s members and their expertise, Marco Monti also presented the latest Horizon Europe calls, which will be a key focus of the upcoming ECP4 meetings. These calls are aligned with critical industry needs and aim to drive sustainability and innovation in materials development. The topics that will be addressed in the next meetings include:
- Development of safe and sustainable by design alternatives to PFAS
- Innovative Advanced Materials
- Accelerating the uptake of life-cycle assessment for Safe and Sustainable by Design chemicals and materials
These discussions will help shape future research and innovation efforts, ensuring that the sector remains at the forefront of sustainability and technological advancement.
A Step Forward for Industry-Research Collaboration
This event marks another milestone in ECP4’s mission to connect industry and research, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The enthusiastic participation and engagement from attendees reaffirmed the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future of plastics and composites.
A big thank you to all participants and speakers for their contributions. We look forward to continuing these discussions and building strong collaborations that will drive the next generation of sustainable solutions in the plastics and composites industry.
Stay tuned for more updates from ECP4 as we move forward with new projects and initiatives!