Multimillion EU funding boosts recycling projects

EU – The European Commission has approved funding for 183 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union’s environment fund. The projects involve an overall investment of Euro 530 million, of which the EU will directly provide Euro 244 million.

Projects targeting waste and natural resources account for the lion’s share of the cash, with 51 projects attracting Euro 143 million in funding. Renault in France will receive a subsidy to develop a new platform to increase car recycling rates.
Among others, grants go to Irish firm Erneside Engineering, to establish a pilot tyre depolymerisation plant; ARN in the Netherlands to improve the technical operation and economics of its new shredder residue recycling facility; an Italian initiative aimed at using innovative methods to increase WEEE collection; and a Spanish collective which aims to improve the technology of recycling LCD and other photovoltaic wastes.
Alongside recycling, the EU investment covers the fields of nature conservation, climate change, clean technology, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues.
The Environment Policy & Governance strand of LIFE+ supports pilot projects that contribute to the development of innovative policy ideas and technologies. Of the 399 proposals received in this category, the Commission selected 104 projects for funding from a wide range of public and private sector organi¬sations in 18 member states.