In response to this challenge, the H₂ODOR project was created, an initiative led by Aimplas, which pursues a twofold solution: reducing these types of odors and, at the same time, promoting the use of recycled materials in the automotive sector.
The H₂ODOR project, funded by IVACE+i and the ERDF funds, focuses on the creation of new thermoplastic materials based on post-consumer recycled polyolefins, free of contaminants and odors, specially designed for use in vehicle interiors. These new materials must not only meet the sector’s strict technical requirements (such as thermal resistance and UV radiation behaviour), but must also be sustainable, cost-effective and pleasant for the end user.
To this end, the project will focus on optimising the pre-treatment of recycled plastic by incorporating advanced water-based decontamination and deodorisation technologies, with the aim of significantly minimising the presence of volatile compounds inside the vehicle.
‘Our goal is to demonstrate that it is possible to manufacture high-quality recycled materials with low environmental impact and reduced odor that are competitive for use in vehicle interiors. It is a clear commitment to the circular economy without compromising safety and comfort,’ said Juan Alfonso Naranjo, researcher in Sustainable and Future Mobility at Aimplas.
H₂ODOR involves the participation of Fych Technologies, which specialises in plastics recycling using transformative technologies and will employ its own water vapour-based odor elimination technology, and Faperin, a company with extensive experience in the manufacture of parts using plastic injection moulding.
Beyond the technical aspect, the H₂ODOR project is aligned with the European Commission’s new legislative proposal that seeks to increase the incorporation of recycled plastics in the automotive industry, a sector that represents a great opportunity for material circularity.
