EIMIN: €8 million distributed to industry to recycle waste and develop innovative products

Ministry of the Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) has allocated €7.6 million to 18 Lithuanian industrial companies that plan to develop innovative, environmentally friendly products and technologies by recycling waste. 

"Lithuanian companies must inevitably transform and move towards a climate-neutral economy - to find sustainable solutions, as this is the basis of the circular economy. We are helping companies prepare for accelerated change by providing funding, and in the near future, with the approval of the European Commission, almost €800,000 of additional funding will be made available to 3 more eligible projects," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation. 

One of the priority selection criteria was to give more points to projects that develop innovative environmentally friendly technologies. These aim to maximise the use of industrial waste generated and disposed of by industrial companies, including phosphogypsum from the chemical industry. This contributes to the reuse and recycling of waste. 

"The funding will help companies to develop innovative and, above all, environmentally friendly and sustainable product technologies. Lithuania has also accumulated a large amount of phosphogypsum, which accounts for about 85% of all waste sent to landfills and half of the country's waste disposal. With such a large amount of phosphogypsum, it is essential to find ways to recycle this material," said Grėtė Lelė, Advisor to the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

The funds will be used to find solutions for recycled waste in the fields of construction and agricultural products, packaging, multi-purpose road surfaces, consumer products and more.  

One of the planned projects is to make durable concrete and acoustic blocks using as much glass, rubber and other waste from discarded electronics and household appliances as possible. Research is also planned to develop new building and finishing products from leather waste and other raw materials.

Another grantee will develop a system for deactivating and shielding stainless steel pipes used in nuclear power plants or other civil nuclear facilities. This innovative technology will enable waste to be decontaminated by removing radioactive contamination to the extent that the tubes can be recycled as scrap metal and returned to the cycle as secondary raw materials. 

In addition, one of the projects plans to upgrade the Matchbox laser platform to extend the product life from 2 to 12 years and to allow multiple upgrades with fewer components. One company is also planning to develop new products using waste from disused wind turbine impellers that have only been mechanically recycled. These products would be used to make concrete and concrete pads, as well as concrete or asphalt paving. 

"The Green Experiment call brought together two topical issues - innovative product development and sustainability. In the future, this will be relevant for any company that wants to remain competitive in the market. The projects will lead to innovative products in industries ranging from construction materials to laser technology. Most of the projects will be carried out in cooperation with private partners or research and study institutions, which increases the likelihood of successful project implementation and scientific activities," says Sigita Skrebė, Head of the Business Productivity Department at the Innovation Agency. 

The Green Experiment action is funded by the European Union Funds Investment Programme 2021-2027, one of the calls under the EUR 1 billion plan launched by the Ministry of Economy ant Innovation.

Last updated: 09-09-2024

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