The transition towards a circular economy presents major challenges for the textile, plastics and packaging sectors, particularly in the processing and valorisation of complex multi-material streams. Over the past three years, Centexbel, KU Leuven, UGent, VIVES and Howest, with the support of EFRO, VLAIO and the Province of West Flanders, have invested in advanced infrastructure and expertise for material characterisation, innovative separation and recycling technologies, circular design and the high-quality use of secondary raw materials.

In close collaboration with companies, various practice-oriented cases have been developed to demonstrate technical feasibility. This presentation provides insights into the technologies developed, the results achieved and the opportunities for higher material recovery, preservation of material quality and sustainable resource loops within industry.