Certain wastes have been listed as having a major impact on both sides of the Pyrenees - animal fats and residues of lindane; a pesticide banned in 2009 by the Stockholm Convention considered to be a persistent organic pollutant and stored in Huesca. Currently, the treatment of fatty waste is responsible for a significant emission of carbon dioxide (associated with its combustion). Yet, the storage of lindane and its derivatives in the Pyrenees also represents a major challenge in terms of environmental protection given its toxicity and its persistence (100 years). Therefore, the upgrading of these wastes represents a current challenge for sustainable development.

 

TRIPyr is an inter-regional European project aimed at improving the treatment, management and upgrading of industrial wastes. To achieve this goal, the project relies on a circular economy concept in which the waste generated is used as raw material, for the production of high value-added products used in the material sector or fine chemical and medicinal chemical sectors. For this, the technological objectives of the project include the development of catalytic processes at the laboratory scale and then the validation of these methods on a pilot scale for their industrialization, on the basis of sustainable chemistry.

 

Its purpose is to contribute to the protection of the environment by promoting the life cycle of waste and toxic products, and boosting the economy of the trans-Pyrenean regions.

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Our specific objectives : 

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- Upgrade industrial waste through catalytic technologies.

- Develop new technologies and eco-responsible processes in the valorization of industrial wastes.

- Stimulate a Chemical and circular economy benefiting commerce in the region through better management of resources and the creation of new industrial opportunities based on research, development and innovation.

- Train young researchers in the development of circular chemistry, key skills for the development of an industry respectful with the environment.

- Disseminate and ensure TRIPyr outreach activities through the media, schools and government agencies.

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Expected Results 

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- Design of new catalysts: organocatalysts and (nano) catalysts of abundant metals.

- Synthesis of acids, amines and alcohols from fatty residues.

- Synthesis of polymers from lindane and fatty residues, including activation of CO2.

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The results obtained will enable companies located in the trans-Pyrenean regions to benefit from innovative technologies. These results will be achieved in close collaboration among research groups, industrial management associations and a company.

 

TRIPyr will be a first step towards the creation of a trans-Pyrenean network of research and development centers, and companies working on the use of industrial waste to promote the transition to a circular economy needed for sustainable development. Similarly, TRIPyr could plant the seed for European networks sharing the same objectives of the Pyrenees work community (CTP, www.ctp.org), Euroregions (Euromed, Mediterranean Pyrenees, Basque-Aquitaine region), Interreg cooperation programs and upcoming European programs in the EU's next research and innovation framework program (2021-2027).

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