On November 5, 2024, the SUNRISE Project held its final event at ECOMONDO in Rimini, Italy, under the theme “Polyvinyl butyral (PVB): A Boost in Recycling – An Innovative Approach by the SUNRISE Project.” The event showcased groundbreaking advancements in PVB recycling and promoted discussions on circular economy practices.
Hosted in the Tulipano Room, Pavilion B6, the event presided by our Secretary General Olivier Deweerdt featured an afternoon of insightful presentations by experts and stakeholders actively contributing to the field:
- Angelica Perez Manso, Project Coordinator, shared an overview of the results achieved throughout the SUNRISE Project, emphasizing the innovative methodologies developed to enhance PVB recycling efficiency.
- Ivano Menso of Minerali Industriali S.r.l. highlighted the company’s pivotal role in the project and its strategies for leveraging circular economy opportunities to create sustainable industrial processes.
- Tobias Deckstein, Sustainability Manager at Kuraray Europe GmbH, presented the perspective of a PVB producer, offering insights into the current and future potential of PVB recycling for advancing sustainable practices.
- Baudouin Ska, our Vice-President, outlined future-focused strategies for transitioning from traditional glass recycling to PVB-preservation practices. He introduced guidelines aimed at improving the quality of recycled PVB, detailing measures to optimize material integrity and expand its usability.
- Anil Rathi of Laxmi Polymers provided an international perspective, discussing innovative approaches to PVB recycling in India and addressing the challenges and opportunities of extending the lifecycle of recycled materials.
The event brought together leading experts, industry stakeholders, and sustainability advocates to explore the transformative potential of PVB recycling. It concluded with a shared commitment to advancing recycling technologies and implementing best practices, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a more sustainable future.
