CLAIM focuses on the development of innovative cleaning technologies and approaches, targeting the prevention and in situ management of visible and invisible marine litter in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea. Two innovative technological methods will be developed, a photocatalytic nanocoating device for cleaning microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and a small-scale thermal treatment device for energy recovery from collected litter on board ships and ports. An innovative floating boom for collecting visible litter and a method to measure microlitter on board ships (Ferrybox) will be developed. The proposed cleaning technologies and approaches prevent litter from entering the sea at two main source points, i.e. wastewater treatment plants and river mouths. Effectiveness of developed devices and methods will be demonstrated under real conditions. Additionally, CLAIM will develop innovative modeling tools to assess the marine visible and invisible plastic pollution at basin and regional scales (Saronikos Gulf, Gulf of Lion, Ligurian Sea, Gulf of Gabes and Belt Sea). An ecosystems approach will be followed to evaluate the potential benefit from proposed litter cleaning methods to ecosystem services. New business models will be developed to enhance the economic feasibility for upscaling the innovative cleaning technologies, taking into account the existing legal and policy frameworks in the CLAIM countries, as well as acceptance of the new technologies by their end-users and relevant stakeholders. The data and information produced will be made available to policymakers, stakeholders and end-users in a user-friendly format,both meaningful and tailored to each stakeholder group. CLAIM aims at the same time to raise public awareness with respect to having healthy oceans and seas, clean of litter and pollutants, and hence the importance of reducing marine (macro, micro and nano) pollution in European seas and beyond towards restoring marine ecosystems based on a circular economy.

The objective of FireFree is to launch the 3rd generation of the patented, halogen-free Paxymer® technology on the market. The technology is proprietary and patented, it employs a multi-mechanistic approach for achieving fire safety and meeting fire standards without the use of persistent, carcinogenic or endocrine disrupting chemicals. Implementation of FireFree will increase the usability of cheaper and more sustainable plastic materials with significant societal savings as a consequence. The main drivers for a successful implementation are two main market trends: utilization of cheaper materials and reduction of hazardous chemicals due to regulation and CSR policy. There is an increased use of the type of plastics that FireFree targets driven by material development, environmental benefits, price and weight reduction. Secondly the growth of the halogen-free flame retardant market driven by restrictions on halogenated flame retardants and new harmonized fire standards that aim to achieve improved safety and environmental performance of products. The objectives of the feasibility study is to further understand and prioritize the demands of the plastic manufacturers and OEMs and develop a detailed business plan. Moreover, it will outline the necessary steps to achieve successful market introduction of the new generation of products including key partners and key product characteristics. Finalizing a preliminary technical evaluation as well as specifying partners in the supply chain will be concluded during phase 1. The second phase of the project aims to fully develop, demonstrate and bring the new generation of products from TRL 6 through 9 and launch projects on the market with lead users for final proof of concept focusing on applications within electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), building and transportation industries.