Transforming plastic waste: how Primus is revolutionizing recycling in the automotive and home appliance industries

With the support of the European Commission, Primus is turning the challenge of secondary plastics into a solution by integrating recycled polymers into key industries, such as automotive and home appliances.

From prototype to pre-industrial success: what makes Primus different?

Unlike typical recycling initiatives, Primus is accelerating the transition from small-scale research to pre-commercial applications. In just two years, the project has progressed from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to an impressive TRL of 6, bringing four prototypes to life. These include high-performance components for the automotive and home appliance sectors, designed with safety, performance, and aesthetics in mind.

In the automotive sector, two pilots are being addressed; the first case, from Maier, involves the creation of interior car parts that meet aesthetic, safety, health, and performance requirements with 80-90% recycled plastic. Meanwhile, the second pilot, from Cikautxo, focuses on the creation of cooling circuits with 25% recycled material. On the home appliance side, the Primus project is working on two pilots, creating a recycled material for washing machine muffles manufactured by Cikautxo, consisting of 20% recyclable material, ensuring chemical and aesthetic compatibility. Additionally, it is developing a material for the interiors of refrigerators that complies with European food contact regulations.

The power of collaboration: how industry and academia drive Primus

Primus owes much of its progress to its dynamic consortium of 12 partners, including prestigious research centers such as the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and forward-thinking industrial players like Maier and Cikautxo, among others. Together, they have developed high-performance recycled plastics that meet rigorous industrial standards, demonstrating that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.

As Primus moves into its final year, its trajectory points to a promising future for industries looking to adopt more sustainable practices without compromising quality or safety. The project's success illustrates how collaboration, trust, and innovation can provide real solutions to global challenges.