Programme area:
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Outcome:
Increased application of circular economy principles
Output:
Measures for circular economy implemented
Project title:
Recycling of Rapid Antigen LFIA Tests (COVID-19)
Project acronym:
LFIA-REC
Project Promoter:
University of Maribor
Project Partners:
Partner 1: Plastika Skaza Ltd
Partner 2: Faculty of Polymer Technology
Partner 3: Institute of Metals and Technology
Partner 4: Zlatarna Celje Ltd
Partner 5: University Medical Centre Maribor
Partner 6: Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd
Start of the project:
01/10/2022
End of the project:
30/04/2024
Co-financing source:
Norway Grants and corresponding Slovenian contribution
Total eligible project expenditure (EUR):
769,037.65
Project grant (EUR):
674,873.85
Main project results:
The technology of recycling rapid antigen LFIA tests with developed/innovative measures established and thus the reuse of individual test components in the role of recyclates, which are directly useful for the production of new products.
Project summary:
The Covid-19 pandemic marked Europe and the world with the accumulation of huge amounts of waste, also in the field of disposable medical devices, including rapid antigen (LFIA) tests, which ensure a fast, selective and reliable diagnosis of infected persons or virus carriers in various environments. After use, rapid antigen LFIA tests are sent for incineration. Burning one million rapid tests using nano-gold for markings wastes 0.1 gram of gold and 5,000 kg of plastic used for casings. The waste is extraordinary, so is the production of CO2. The current recycling technology of rapid antigen LFIA tests does not allow the separation of individual components. As part of the project, recycling will be developed for each component separately (nano-gold, plastic), and the recycled materials will be used as a secondary resource in further processing/use. Based on these facts, the project contributes to the relief of the environment and indirectly affects the reduction of CO2 emissions.