Innovative Material Recovery Process based on Advanced bio-dissolution for the Re-Cycling of ThermOplastic Helmets
LIFE IMPACTO
LIFE IMPACTO is a cutting-edge solution designed to change the linear life cycle of motorcycle helmets, addressing the challenges of their sustainable disposal by creating a circular process based on selective dissolution recycling.
The project is co-financed by European Community funds following its success in the LIFE23 subprogramme Circular Economy and Quality of Life call for proposals.
THE PROCESS
LIFE IMPACTO is based on an innovative system that separates the different plastic materials used in helmet production through the use of bio-based solvents (limonene and ethyl acetate) obtained from food industry waste.
In this way, it is possible to recover the main plastic materials (ABS, EPS and PC) for reuse within the same value chain.
Without ever losing sight of the focus: to always guarantee maximum safety in all conditions.
THE OBJECTIVE
The objective of this ambitious and innovative project is to implement proactive management of end-of-life products, preventing them from becoming waste, developing a sustainable and efficient process for separating and recycling the polymeric materials used in helmets, and using the recycled materials to manufacture new helmets or other “green” products.
Without ever losing sight of the focus: to always guarantee maximum safety in all conditions.
THE RESULTS
To give an idea of the scale of this revolution, 5,000 recycled helmets can yield 3,700 kilograms of ABS, 1,056 kilograms of EPS and over 600 kilograms of PC. This process brings real and tangible benefits to the environment, with a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions, 60% reduction in electricity consumption and 50% reduction in water consumption.
Life Impacto also opens up new job opportunities in two areas of the Consortium: Dainese Group and Innovando, creating a positive impact on employment.
The ultimate goal of this ambitious project is to introduce an eco-sustainable, approved helmet model to the market, conceived and designed according to the principles of design for recycling, without the use of adhesives and with a reduction in the variety of materials used and greater ease of decomposition of the various materials in the event of recycling.