The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) has revealed the projects that will receive funding through the CPNL Call 2025, part of the National Growth Fund (NGF), on behalf of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. Awardees include NTCP, Kunststof Recycling Van Werven, TNO, Utrecht University, ISPT, Van Dijk Containers, and Morssinkhof Plastics. Their initiatives cover a wide spectrum, ranging from applied research and small-scale pilots to large-scale chain projects (TRL 4-7), all aimed at enhancing circularity in various plastic value chains.
Source: InterplasInsights
Here are the nine projects that received funding:
Inline Analysis: This project focuses on improving the identification and separation of plastics. By developing new sensor technologies and AI models, Plastic Sorting 4.0 aims to create next-generation sorting systems for higher-quality recycled plastics. Project partners include Van Werven, Spectral Industries, Bollegraaf, DYKA, Wageningen University & Research, and TI-COAST.
Control of Household Waste Sorting by AI (ChowsAI): Utilizing smart, AI-driven techniques, this project aims to enhance the sorting of household plastic waste. Features include real-time monitoring, process control, and a digital twin of sorting lines, all designed to boost the quality of recycled material, minimize waste, and reinforce the circular plastics chain. Project partners are NTCP, Verpact, Omrin, LyondellBasell, Danone, and Radboud University.
polarID: This initiative introduces a new optical measurement system that employs polarized light for the identification and sorting of plastic films and foils in real time. The goal is to achieve more efficient and cleaner plastic recycling. Project partners include TNO, BCS, Plastic Recycling Group, Broeckx Recycling, Extract Plastic, LyondellBasell, and BASF.
Optimal Chain for Efficient and Advanced Recycling of Mixed Plastic (OCEAN-RMP): This project explores how mixed plastic waste can be pre-treated and processed more efficiently into high-quality feedstock for chemical recycling. It focuses on new pre-treatment techniques and chain optimization to enhance the quality of pyrolysis oils while ensuring the economic viability of the circular plastics chain. Project partners are Attero, Renewi, Maastricht University, Chemelot Campus, Sabic, Sitch Services, and TNO.
Catalytic Low-temp Efficiency for Advanced Decontamination (CLEAN): This project aims to develop new energy-efficient catalysts for recycling plastic waste, particularly polyolefin films, into high-value raw materials. It seeks to establish a new chain from waste collection to chemical reuse, minimizing the carbon footprint of chemical recycling. Project partners include Utrecht University, Renewi, BlueAlp, and Shell.
RePLaCE; Recycling of Plastics from Cars and Electronic Equipment: This initiative focuses on improving both the quality and quantity of recycled plastics from vehicles and electronic devices. It employs new technologies for identifying, purifying, and reusing plastics, particularly black plastics, while removing harmful additives. Project partners are ISPT, Maastricht University, Polymer Science Park, ARN, Envalior, LyondellBasell, HKS, Philips, DAF, Schneider Electric, and ReSolved.
High-value Carpet Recycling: This project aims to create a value chain for collecting, sorting, and recycling discarded carpets into new applications. A pilot installation is currently demonstrating that PP, PET, and PA fibers from carpets can be reused to spin yarn. Project partners include Van Dijk Containers, Condor Group, Visscher-Caravelle, Polymer Science Park, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Veolia, Partners for Innovation, Eastman, Fibrant, and Aquafil/Econyl.
RePliCa - Recycle Plastic in Cans: This project aims to close the loop for HDPE milk bottles used for pasteurized milk. A new demonstration plant in Heerenveen is being established, utilizing innovative sorting techniques and decontamination processes to transform used HDPE milk bottles into food-safe recyclate. Project partners are Morssinkhof Plastics, Mors-Invest, SABIC Global Technologies, Farm Dairy, Wageningen University & Research, Kunststoffen Sorteer Installatie, and Verpact.
Microplastics in Plastic Recycling (MiPlaR): This initiative focuses on measuring, reducing, and recovering microplastics produced during the recycling of plastic packaging. The project is developing practical solutions, innovative filtration systems, and process modifications to prevent emissions. Project partners include NTCP, TNO, Verpact, Van Dam Machine, ISPT, HTP, Wetsus, Malvern Panalytical, Sun Chemical, the Province of Friesland, and Rijkswaterstaat.
While the total budget of €42 million was not fully allocated due to several applications failing to meet all of RVO's assessment criteria, the remaining €24 million will be redistributed in the 2026 grant round.
