Closed-LOOps VErification of REused and Recycled polyolefins crates, drums & jerry cans

Introduction

In Europe, the only recycling model for plastics based on real circularity is the one for PET, the so-called “bottle2bottle”. The innovation of the LIFE CLOOVER2 project lies in the development of the first monitored, traceable and certified closed loops of polyolefin (HDPE and PP) packages for food and non-food applications: “crates2crates”, “drums2drums” and “jerrycans2jerrycans”.

Alignment with Circular Economy

LIFE CLOOVER2 is fully aligned with the priorities of the LIFE sub-programme “Circular Economy and Quality of Life”, and offers clear environmental, regulatory and socio-economic benefits.

Networking Model

The project will design and implement a new networking model across the whole plastic value chain for commercial and industrial plastic packaging used in the agri-food sector.

Stakeholder Involvement

21 committed stakeholders (public administrations, associations, and companies of the value chain) together with an External Advisory Board (consisting of 3 relevant EPR schemes for commercial and industrial plastic packaging) will help the LIFE CLOOVER2 partners implement demo pilots in Spain and develop smart toolkits for the replication and scale-up of the model in other EU countries.

Environmental Impact

Based on the recirculation of plastic packaging, the LIFE CLOOVER2 model will improve resource efficiency by:

1. Increasing the reuse rate
2. Increasing the recycling rate
3. Boosting landfill diversion
4. Avoiding GHG emissions

It is estimated that the project’s impacts will lead to 600 ktons/year of plastics diverted from landfill and 687 ktons/year of CO2eq emissions avoided 5 years beyond the project end compared to baseline.

Multi-Actor Approach

LIFE CLOOVER2 represents the first initiative in Europe which aims to demonstrate a multi-actor approach system in the agri-food sector, based on circular economy principles. This includes:

• Eco-design
• Optimized logistics and supply chain
• Smart traceability
• Reuse and recycling activities

These elements will be integrated into a novel closed-loop methodology while keeping quality conditions and food safety under EFSA requirements.