VESSEL FOR CLEANING-UP ACTIVITIES COUPLED WITH PLASMA TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment

plastic pollution reduction and others

MINIMISATION

Solution Scope: Recycling systems for litter and/or waste (Vessel + Pyrolysis)

Target Contaminant: Plastics & Other Litter

Solution Provider or Contact Point: IRIS S.R.L

Project: SEA LITTER CRITTERS – A compact, unmanned, renewables-powered and self-sufficient vessel able to pick up marine litter and to treat it on board for volume reduction and energy recovery

ITS Description: The Sea Litter Critter is a compact, unmanned, and self-sufficient vessel that utilizes renewable energy sources to collect and process marine plastic waste using plasma pyrolysis technology. This innovative method involves the use of a plasma torch in an oxygen-starved environment to break down plastic waste into a valuable synthesis gas (syngas) that can be used for energy recovery. Extensive testing has shown that this technology is effective in disposing of various types of plastic waste, including thin carry bags, metalized pouches, multilayer plastics, and mixed plastic waste containing PVC. Additionally, emissions testing has demonstrated that plasma pyrolysis is an environmentally friendly solution, meeting the standards set for hazardous waste incinerators. The Sea Litter Critter concept was initially developed as part of an EU-funded feasibility study, which revealed potential for this technology in the market. However, further development, regulatory changes, and ongoing funding are necessary to make it a commercially viable solution for addressing marine plastic pollution. The project team is currently focused on refining the technology and business model, with the goal of creating a sea-ready prototype within the next four years. Meanwhile, the core concept technology based on plasma pyrolysis is being tested in the Solving national project.

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): The ITS responds to an R&I gap in the need of new collection schemes and technology for all plastic sea litter and microplastics, particularly for floating boat systems. It also covers new efficient plastics recycling technologies. Much like the preceding solution, it provides a solution to multiple policy challenges and sectors of the BMM OIR, e.g. the need for new collection technologies for wastewater and solid waste management.