The TREASURE Project is a multinational initiative that promotes the circular economy in the automotive industry.
Walter Pack has developed a plastronics demonstrator for the recovery and reuse of materials.
In a demonstration of commitment to sustainability and innovation, Walter Pack has played a crucial role in the success of the TREASURE Project, a multinational initiative that promotes the circular economy in the automotive industry. This project, co-financed by the European Commission under the H2020 program, aims to transform the automotive supply chain towards a more circular and sustainable future.
Innovation in Plastronics for the Circular Economy
Walter Pack has developed a plastronics demonstrator that allows the recovery and reuse of materials such as plastics and silver inks. This innovation represents an alternative to traditional components, highlighting the feasibility of applying the circular economy in the automotive sector. Laura Del Hoyo, head of R&D at Walter Pack, expressed her satisfaction: “We are very proud of our contribution to the TREASURE project. This collaborative effort has not only demonstrated the feasibility of applying the circular economy paradigm in the automotive sector but has also laid the foundation for future innovations.”
Comprehensive Collaboration for Sustainability
A crucial aspect of the TREASURE Project has been the collaboration between different levels of suppliers (tier 1, 2, and 3) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as SEAT, who have actively participated in the initiative. This type of cooperation is essential to achieving a circular economy in the automotive industry, where all actors must row in the same direction to achieve significant impact. SEAT’s participation underlines the importance of this synergy between suppliers and OEMs to effectively implement sustainable practices.
Key Results of the TREASURE Project
At the last review meeting, Vessela Stoyanova-Monteleone, from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), praised the successful final results of the project. Among the most notable achievements is the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool for the analysis and comparison of potential circular supply chains. This tool has been essential in evaluating new opportunities in the management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), demonstrating success cases in collaboration with car dismantlers, scrap shredding plants, recycling plants, and vehicle manufacturers.
International Consortium and Multinational Collaboration
The TREASURE project has brought together 15 partners from six European and one non-European nations, coordinated by the Politecnico di Milano. This consortium includes research centers, universities, recycling companies, car manufacturers, and software developers, all working together to achieve the project’s ambitious goals. The focus has been to ensure sustainable use of raw materials in the automotive sector, reduce material supply risks, and improve economic, environmental, and social outcomes for all end users.
Towards a Circular Future in the Automotive Industry
The success of the TREASURE Project marks a significant milestone in the transition towards a circular economy in the automotive industry. With innovations like Walter Pack’s plastronics demonstrator and the AI tool for supply chain analysis, the project has shown that it is possible and beneficial to adopt sustainable practices in the sector.
