New publication co-authored by MAGICBIOMAT researchers

Researchers from the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, coordinator of the MAGICBIOMAT consortium, have co-authored a new paper titled “Toward a Circular Economy: An Investigation in Recycled PLA via Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Performances and Life Cycle Analysis.”

The study investigates how multi-loop mechanical recycling can extend the service life of polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used bio-based polymer. By incorporating 20 wt% virgin PLA during each recycling cycle, the researchers demonstrate that material deterioration can be effectively reduced while maintaining desirable mechanical and thermal performance.

The research also includes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), showing that repeated mechanical recycling can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of PLA products. The findings highlight the potential of multi-loop recycling systems to support the transition towards a more sustainable circular economy for biopolymer-based materials.

Read the publication here:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/pii/S2590123026033013

This research was supported by Research Ireland (SFI22/NCF/HE/1142) and the MAGICBIOMAT project (Grant Agreement No. 101181381), funded by the European Union.