PHOENIX: Towards a circular economy of plasmix waste—A systemic design approach

Plastic recycling is a critical aspect of achieving a circular economy, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependency, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity impacts from uncontrolled disposal routes. The study outlines the evolving landscape of plastic recycling in the European Union (EU), addresses challenges, and emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to achieve circular economy goals. This paper delves into the innovative approaches and strategies employed by the PHOENIX project, a multidisciplinary project funded by the Cariplo Foundation, which focuses on plasmix – a complex mixture of plastics often excluded from recycling due to its heterogeneous composition. The authors utilize a systemic design approach, integrating survey results, interviews, literature reviews, and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of plasmix and propose novel solutions. Key findings include the application of design from recycling, systemic design strategies, and the utilization of plasmix in new product developments. It presents survey insights and stakeholder perspectives, and introduces systemic strategies applied in the project. The study concludes with valuable considerations for future research and underscores the significance of such initiatives in reshaping the plastic recycling paradigm.