With the first year of the project completed, the UPCYCLE consortium gathered at BOKU University in Tulln an der Donau, Austria, on 28 and 29 October 2026 for two days of discussions, technical exchanges, and planning for the next phase of the project. The meeting brought together partners from across the value chain to review progress, reflect on the work completed during the first twelve months, and prepare for the activities ahead.
From individual activities to a connected value chain
Over the course of the meeting, partners reviewed progress across the project, discussing ongoing activities, current challenges, and priorities for the months ahead. Sessions covered the different stages of the UPCYCLE work packages and value chain, from plastic depolymerisation and fermentation processes to polymer development, sustainability assessments, as well as dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities.
As the project progresses, the links between work packages become increasingly important. Materials developed by one partner become the starting point for the next, making it essential that expectations, specifications, and timelines remain aligned across the consortium. This was explored during a dedicated session on material tracking and coordination, focusing on how materials move through the project and how different activities can be connected more effectively as developments advance.
Bringing the consortium together
Hosted by BOKU University, the meeting also included a visit to the university’s laboratories in Tulln. The tour gave partners a first-hand view of some of the activities carried out by BOKU within UPCYCLE, including work related to enzyme-based polymer breakdown and the development of bio-based additives and materials. Seeing the facilities and some of the ongoing developments on site helped connect the technical discussions with the practical work taking place across the project.
Entering the next phase
The General Assembly closed the meeting on 29 October, providing an opportunity to review the project’s overall status and agree on priorities for the coming period.
With its first year completed, UPCYCLE now moves into a new phase where materials, processes, and assessments increasingly come together across the consortium. As developments progress towards validation and application, the project continues its work towards creating packaging materials that combine performance, recyclability, and controlled biodegradability.
