Innovative PVC Recycling Processes for Utilization of Dirty Material

Project facts

Project promoter:
Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd.(BG)
Project Number:
BG-INNOVATION-0067
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€304,973

More information

Description

Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. is a small family-run company founded in 1992 by its current owners. The company is among the largest PVC producers in Bulgaria. Still, it should be considered that the market is stocked mostly by imported production. Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. possesses comprehensive know-how and expertise in the PVC production field. During the years, the company has been producing many different types of PVC goods and also has recycled thousands of tons of PVC waste

The project seeks to bring about a significant transformation in production processes by embracing eco-friendly methods for recycling PVC materials, particularly those tainted with impurities. The company is dedicated to advancing its PVC production capabilities to manufacture high-quality, recyclable PVC products and elevate the usage of recycled PVC waste. Through this undertaking, the company aims to bolster its competitive edge, enhance market positioning, and drive sales and profits while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainability.

Furthermore, the project''s ambitions include an expansion of the company''s product range. Building on the successful development of recycled materials, the company plans to create innovative variations for roof construction, capitalizing on its existing know-how. To realize these goals, the project will introduce new processes and technologies, enabling the company to diversify its offerings.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several critical issues and challenges related to the recycling of second-hand PVC materials faced by Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. One of the main problems was the frequent reception of dirty and non-homogeneous PVC waste, which often contained contaminants such as steel, stones, and other debris. These impurities caused operational disruptions, as small particles would get lodged in the machinery used to shape PVC profiles, leading to frequent and time-consuming interruptions for cleaning and maintenance.

To tackle this, the project focused on introducing and implementing greener, more efficient production processes specifically designed for recycling contaminated PVC materials. The objective was to improve the quality and consistency of recycled PVC products, increase production capacity, and enhance the company’s overall competitiveness in the market.

In doing so, the project sought not only to reduce operational inefficiencies and production downtime but also to contribute to environmental sustainability. By developing a more energy-efficient and lower-emission recycling process, Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. aimed to reduce its carbon footprint, boost its market positioning, and increase its sales and profitability through the production of high-quality recycled PVC goods.

The supported additional activities aimed to address several challenges faced by Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. in the development and commercialization of an innovative 100% recycled PVC profile. While the company successfully created a unique product that garnered interest from clients, it faced the challenge of gaining widespread acceptance, particularly among early adopters. One significant obstacle was the long-standing tradition of using wooden roof constructions, which made it difficult for the new PVC profile to gain traction in the market.

Despite these challenges, the company made progress by selling the new profiles to some of its existing clients and attracting new customers. However, the company faced additional challenges in expanding its market reach. The initial product was mainly suitable for small buildings, such as family houses, and the company was working to appeal to larger clients and resellers who required a wider range of products suited for different applications. The company also identified a growing demand for larger roof constructions for bigger buildings, which presented new opportunities for expansion but also required new variations of the product.

To address these market demands and expand its portfolio, the company sought to introduce new processes and technologies to create profiles of different sizes and shapes. This project aimed to build upon the know-how gained from the previous development of the recycled PVC profile and implement this expertise to meet the needs of larger-scale roof constructions. The overall goal was to increase the product’s versatility and appeal, enabling the company to tap into new markets and clients while continuing to innovate within the field of sustainable construction materials.

The project focused on expanding Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd.’s portfolio by developing variations of an innovative 100% recycled PVC profile for roof construction. Building on the success of an earlier project that created a unique product suitable for small buildings, such as family houses, the company aimed to address a growing demand for larger roof constructions and more versatile product options. While the initial product had gained interest from existing clients and some new customers, the company faced the challenge of overcoming the traditional use of wooden roofs and attracting larger clients and resellers who needed profiles for bigger buildings. To meet these demands, the company sought to introduce new processes and technologies within its operations, enabling the creation of profiles in different sizes and shapes.

Through the project, Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd. built on the know-how from the previous development, applying the expertise gained to design and produce a broader range of PVC profiles for various roof construction needs. The project allowed the company to innovate further in the field of recycled materials, offering more versatility in the product’s applications, which in turn opened up new market opportunities. The key outputs included the development of new product variations and the introduction of advanced processes to support larger-scale roof constructions, positioning the company for growth in new markets and among larger clients.

The project achieved significant results by expanding Plast Commerce - 93 Ltd.’s product offerings and increasing its market competitiveness. The company successfully developed variations of its innovative 100% recycled PVC profiles, addressing a growing demand for more versatile and sustainable building materials, particularly in the construction of larger roof structures for bigger buildings. This expansion of the product portfolio allowed Plast Commerce to move beyond its initial focus on small buildings, such as family houses, and tap into new markets that required more diverse product sizes and shapes for larger-scale applications.

As a result, the company was able to attract new clients, including larger resellers and potential customers in the construction sector. This growth in customer base helped increase the company''s market presence and position it more favourably in the competitive landscape of construction materials, particularly those made from recycled materials. Additionally, the successful development of the new product variations provided Plast Commerce with the opportunity to enhance its reputation as an innovator in sustainable construction solutions.

For the beneficiaries, including construction companies, roof construction projects, and ultimately consumers, the project provided a more sustainable alternative to traditional wooden roofing materials. By offering recycled PVC profiles, the project contributed to the reduction of environmental impact in the construction industry. The broader availability of these profiles for larger buildings and more complex roof constructions helped address a specific market need, offering a high-quality, eco-friendly option for large-scale building projects. Overall, the project’s results not only enhanced the company’s competitiveness but also contributed to the promotion of greener, more sustainable construction practices.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.