Support for development of innovative green products by recycled plastic waste for the construction

Project facts

Project promoter:
Wasteful Ltd.(BG)
Project Number:
BG-INNOVATION-0072
Initial project cost:
€94,000
Final project cost:
€15,980
Donor Project Partners:
International Development Norway AS(NO)

More information

Description

Established in early 2021, "Wasteful" Ltd. is a promising startup with a distinctive vision: "Turning waste into infrastructure." The company''s core mission revolves around supplying locally manufactured recycled building materials to architectural firms, developers, construction companies, and individual customers. Wasteful Ltd. transforms waste materials into building components that combine durability with proven functional and aesthetic qualities.

This project finds its inspiration in the aspiration to establish itself as an environmental steward, specifically by pioneering the development of construction products crafted from recycled plastics. The primary objective of this endeavor is to manufacture three distinct types of construction elements using both non-recyclable and recycled plastics, which would otherwise go to waste. The project''s focus areas encompass the production of 1) Pavers, 2) Tiles, and 3) Facade Elements. Notably, the innovation embedded in this project requires less space and lower initial investment compared to traditional concrete manufacturing processes. Wasteful Ltd. employs a proprietary coating that enhances the quality of its products, surpassing conventional stone pavement in various aspects.

By introducing sustainable building materials and minimizing the environmental impact of plastic waste, Wasteful Ltd. aims to revolutionize the construction industry, reduce waste, and promote a greener, more responsible approach to infrastructure development. This project signifies the company''s dedication to creating a lasting, positive change in the construction sector.

Furthermore, this project will contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Norway. The partnership between Wasteful and International Development Norway is B2B cooperation which hopefully will lead to strengthening of the bilateral relations between Norway and Bulgaria, as well as a useful exchange of industry know-how.

Summary of project results

According to Eurostat data the Bulgarian economy is the last one on resource productivity (GDP / resources used). High levels of consumption of natural raw materials in production and low level of the environmental friendly productions and products, due to the obsolete technologies and limited access to new practices, production systems and models. To boost the resource efficiency requires support that encourages businesses to invest in modern and innovative technologies and new products. The use of resources plays a crucial role in the environment - from the extraction of natural resources for production and consumption to waste disposal and greenhouse gas emissions. Effective use of resources is the key to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European economy over the next decades. In this respect it is necessary to encourage enterprises to proceed with the introduction of new technological solutions, for resource efficiency, which will lead to improvement of their resource efficiency and sustainable enhancement of their competitiveness. To overcome the limitations is necessary to encourage businesses to invest in modern technologies, improving its production by using recycled materials and reduction of waste and development of environmentally friendly production. 

The project aimed to allow for “Wasteful” Ltd. to invest in technologies for production of new and innovative green products from recycled plastic and thereby to transform Wasteful Ltd. to sustainable and competitive company on the market. The company was expected to produce three types of construction elements based on large quantities of used (which cannot be recycled) and recycled plastics - 1) Pavers; 2) Tiles and 3) Facade Elements.

The first activity of the project was the selection of a supplier for the  preparation of the technical design of the production line and the design of the necessary equipment. The company  published a tender procedure as per the Ordinance 118 of the Council of Ministers. The selected supplier developed the design of the production line and together with Wasteful Ltd. defined the technical specifications of the necessary equipment. 

Wasteful Ltd. is the beneficiary of the partially achieved results.  The intellectual property rights (IPR) on the technical design of the production line and developed technical specifications of the equipment have been transferred from the supplier to the Project promoter - Wasteful Ltd. This result will allow them to further proceed with the investment, as planned in the project, if they manage to mobilise the necessary financial resources. 

Summary of bilateral results

N.A.

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.