The production of bioplastics currently represents only a small fraction of total plastic consumption. As public and political concern grows over the pollution caused by uncollected and untreated plastics, and as technologies allow for the use of renewable, plant-based, and waste-based feedstocks to create plastics, the global production of bioplastics is on the rise. However, the amounts generated are often too small to justify investments in specialized sorting facilities or separate depolymerization plants.

In countries like Italy and Ireland, where bioplastics are co-collected and co-composted with food waste, the issue is less pressing. However, such organic waste treatment facilities are not commonly found in many other EU nations. This raises the question: what end-of-life options do bioplastics have if they are not composted?

To address these concerns, the PROSPER project aims to cover the entire value chain of bio-based plastics sorting and recycling. It will demonstrate a system to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 by establishing pilot programs in partner countries to sort, and chemically and mechanically recycle bioplastics. Additionally, the project will assess the costs and contributions necessary under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes from the bioplastics industry to ensure proper financing for recycling facilities.