Forward-thinking research
We are delighted to be working with partners from both sides of the Channel on an exciting EU-funded research project called BIO-CIRC (Bio and Circular Insulation for Resourceful Construction).
During the project we will investigate the waste bedding sector and the potential reuse of a problematic waste source – polyester duvets, which currently suffer from poor recycling rates and sanitary issues.
ERDF FUNDING
The project has been awarded by the Interreg VA France (Channel) England programme, which is co-financed by the ERDF. The European Union (ERDF) will fund 80% of the project budget, which amounts to about €500,000 overall (€399,600 from ERDF).
The programme is a Cross Border European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) Programme which aims at supporting the development of the France (Channel) England area in line with the goals of the 2020 Europe strategy to create jobs and smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
PROJECT PARTNERS
The project partners are:
Project Objectives
Over the next 2 years (July 2020-June 2022), the BIO-CIRC partners will:
- Investigate the waste bedding sector and the potential reuse of a problematic waste source – polyester duvets, a waste product currently with poor recycling rates and sanitary issues.
- Examine the sanitisation and re-fiberisation process for polyester duvets, with the aim of creating a feedstock for novel insulation materials.
- Design and develop 3 prototype insulation products made from waste polyester fibres combined with natural fibres – sheep’s wool and hemp.
- Test and deploy the 3 prototypes on pilot sites to assess their energy and environmental performances.
- Network and engage with key stakeholders such as the ASBP’s Natural Fibre Insulation Group and Plastics in Construction Group, to gather intelligence and help grow the market for low-carbon, natural (bio-based) and recycled fibre insulation (NRFI) materials.
- Undertake market intelligence of the insulation market to identify key markets and opportunities for growth for NRFI.
- Review the air quality and health & well-being benefits of NRFI.
- Disseminate the project findings and raise awareness of the benefits of NRFI amongst our diverse networks of construction professionals.
Expected Outcomes
The BIO-CIRC’s expected results and contributions are the following:
Contributing to the emergence of low-carbon alternatives to building products by:
- Conceiving, developing and testing 3 thermal insulation products with 30% lower carbon footprint.
- Advancing them from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 (technology concept formulated) to 6 (demonstration of functionality within a relevant environment).
- Promote their further development through the TRL stages 7 to 9 thanks to dissemination and communication of a full business case.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions over the FCE region, France and Great Britain by:
- Improving existing buildings’ energy efficiency (higher EPC ratings).
- Proposing a commercially viable alternative to conventional insulation products with high embodied carbon for new buildings and retrofit work.
- Providing training content and marketing material to promote uptake of natural and recycled fibre insulation products among construction professionals.
Diverting bedding and stuffed items waste from landfill by promoting their recycling by:
- Identifying the stocks and their characteristics.
- Providing legal information on valorisation and technical information on sanitisation procedure for further industrial uses.
- Making connexions between relevant players and providing support to foster the creation of the new value chain of bedding recycling
Keep Up To Date
We’ll keep you updated with the latest BIO-CIRC news via our monthly newsletters, social media posts and events. Please sign up to our mailing list to stay informed.