The amount of e-waste correctly recycled does not meet the targets set by the EC. The objective of CircEl-Paper is to increase the amount of e-waste recycling by feeding it in the paper recycling process that is much more accepted by the consumer. Therefore, CircEl-Paper focusses on the widely used board technology (Printed Circuit Board PCB) and aims for replacing the fiber-composite core material FR4 by paper technology. Based on positive experiences in manufacturing of circuitry on paper, integration density has to be increased and sound evaluation of separation of used electronic materials in the recycling process has to be carried out. In order to transfer the PCB technology to circular economy each process step (lamination, gluing/soldering, manufacturing of vertical interconnects, encapsulation etc..) is scrutinized and alternative approaches are developed in order to increase the part of the materials that are recyclable, are bio-based, come from secondary raw materials or are at least harmless for the environment. Three different use cases in the field of medical application, logistics and consumer electronics, are realized demonstrating the performance of the paper-based PCB. The CircEl-Paper project is carried out by 3 RTO: Fraunhofer (project coordinator), Joanneum, RISE, that care about novel material approaches and adaptation of process techniques. Three industries: ArjoWiggins (electronic paper) replaced by F1 Paper on January, 1st, 2023, VFP (conductive inks) and Malmö Mönsterkort (Printed Circuit Board) as well as academic partners G-INP, investigating modification of recycling processes.

INN-PRESSME aims at developing and implementing a sustainable OITB to support European companies to scale up their nano-enabled biomaterials and processes from TRL 4-5 to 7. We will focus on (nano)cellulose, bioplastics and natural fibres, combined with nanotechnology approaches to tailor biobased materials with properties and functionalities (barrier, antibacterial properties, improved corrosion or chemical resistance, etc.) that equal or outperform their fossil counterparts at competitive prices. INNPRESSME gathers 16 pilot lines, organized in routes and processes for feedstock conversion (PLA, PHA, fibre-based, cellulose-based), formulation and transformation and processing of bio-based material to high added value products. INN-PRESSME is a joint collaborative net of 27 partners from 10 EU countries from North (Fi, Nor, Swe, UK, Be), South (Sp, It, Fr) and central Europe (Ge, Po). All technical and market oriented services are provided by specific partners, include equipment and methods for processing, fast and accurate/reliable characterization, scaling up, nanosafety, eco-design and circular economy assessment (recyclability and biodegradability), product certification, digitization of the OITB, sustainable OITB´ business plan, technology transfer, support for funding, networking activities. The value proposition will be validated for 3 targeted mass markets (packaging, energy/transport, and consumer goods sectors) with 9 test cases co-developed with Early Adopters (7 IND, 1 SME) and with additional test cases through open calls. All this will secure the smooth transition of the new material concepts to the market, for a cumulated turnover of about 56M€ by 2029. Additionally, for maximizing the impacts on SMEs, the OITB will rely on a strong network of European clusters and initiatives and on an efficient promotional campaigns including towards the ECCP members or regional initiatives funded by ERDF. These services will be available through single entry point.

MADRAS project aims to demonstrate a materials-driven improvement of OLAE devices, establishing a high speed manufacturing methodology in a scalable competitive process which is In Mold Hybrid Printed Electronics (IMHyPE). Four high performance materials to be developed in MADRAS tackle high cost, instability and short lifetime of OLAE devices under operational conditions through the development of robust alternatives and innovative approaches. Such materials are a conductive and transparent substrate, a semiconducting transparent ink based on organic components, a transparent conductive silver nanowire-based ink and a semiconductor ink based on metal oxide nanoparticles. MADRAS project also addresses the need for innovative and industrial manufacturing processes for the development of robust series of flexible plastronic products. Building on an already established technology as plastic injection, will facilitate a faster uptaking. The advantages of IMHyPE are numerous and include: light weighting, space-saving, robustness, accelerated time-to-market, and high throughput capabilities. It will demonstrate processability, stability, operational lifetime and seamless integration of new products as well as of new technology into traditional goods. Therefore, MADRAS proposes two products for persons’ authentication market and smart manufacturing that will show a step forward towards digitisation and Internet of Things for its contribution to the sustainable deployment of smart products for consumer use. Ethical issues for these matters are properly addressed. Such products belong to the global emerging trend of structural electronics with very large addressable markets as Automotive sector, healthcare and many others. The workplan sets and consolidates the value chain through the participation of six SMEs, four RTOs, one large company and one standardisation association completing MADRAS consortium assuring high impact boosting activities.