Terminus project: recycle multilayer packaging thanks to enzymes

The European research project Terminus was launched recently with the aim of developing a new generation of eco-friendly recyclable packaging based on the presence of special enzymes.

Image credits: lyzadangerDerivative work: Diliff [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The project will be carried out by a consortium of 13 partners comprising experts in packaging, polymer science and biocatalyst design, including the University of Bologna.

The goal of the EU-funded project (€5.7 million) is to develop multi-layer plastic packaging solutions that incorporate enzymes capable of autonomously separating all the constituent layers of the material. This will allow the multi-layer packaging widely used in shops and supermarkets to be recycled for the first time.

The consortium spans eight different European countries: France, Belgium, Lithuania, Italy, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden.