ItalianoOver the course of five episodes, the European Syschemiq project gives a voice to experts, companies, and researchers to explore the challenges facing the plastics supply chain, from recycling technologies to public engagement, and new strategies to promote material circularity.
The transition to a circular economy for plastics requires new technologies, collaboration among supply chain stakeholders, and a shift in production and consumption patterns. The new Syschemiq Podcast Series, developed as part of the European Syschemiq project, in which the Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster (LE2C) is a partner, focuses precisely on these challenges.
The series features conversations with experts, researchers, companies, and organizations working to transform the plastics supply chain, offering perspectives and insights on the key opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to a more circular system.
The episodes were recorded during Syschemiq Day (the project’s closing event) held on 23 June 2026, and throughout the course of the project’s activities, involving representatives from industry, academia and the innovation sector.
Five conversations exploring the challenges of circular plastics
Over the course of five episodes, the Syschemiq Podcast Series explores some of the key themes driving the sector’s evolution:
the design of packaging to improve its recyclability and encourage the use of recycled materials;
the collection, sorting and grading of plastic waste as key elements for advanced recycling;
the development and scalability of chemical recycling;
the role of public engagement and communication in promoting more sustainable behaviour;
the need for collaboration throughout the plastics value chain.
Each episode brings together different areas of expertise, highlighting how the circularity of plastics requires an integrated approach that combines technological innovation, scientific knowledge and collaboration between stakeholders.
Series' episodes
1. PLASTIC PACKAGING RECYCLING IN A TURBULENT WORLD - STEERING SYSTEM CHANGE ACROSS THE PLASTICS VALUE CHAIN
How can we speed up the recycling of plastic packaging in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global context?
This episode explores the changes needed across the plastics value chain, analysing the challenges, opportunities and new models of collaboration required to drive systemic change.
Guests:
Laura Nieboer – Circular Economy Expert, Brightlands Chemelot Campus
Sjoerd Herlaar – Consultant Circular Economy, TNO
2. PACKAGING DESIGN FOR RECYCLING AND FROM RECYCLED CONTENT
Packaging design is a key driver for improving the recyclability of materials and increasing the use of recycled content.
This episode explores how design, material innovation and recovery strategies can contribute to the development of more circular systems.
Speakers:
Nithya Subramanian – Polymer Materials Scientist, TNO
Anna Kerps – Circular Logistics and Sustainability Expert, Fraunhofer UMSICHT
3. PLASTIC WASTE COLLECTION, SORTING AND QUALITY QUANTIFICATION FOR CHEMICAL RECYCLING
Effective collection, advanced sorting systems and accurate assessment of material quality are essential elements for developing chemical recycling on an industrial scale.
This episode explores the challenges relating to the availability of high-quality feedstock, sorting technologies and the creation of reliable systems to support the circular economy for plastics.
Speakers:
Andrea Nino Garcia – SABIC
Thibaut Motteu – Plastics Recyclers Europe
Christian Bollmann – Source One
Sin Yong Teng – Maastricht University
4. CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, BEHAVIOR CHANGE, AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN CIRCULAR PLASTICS AND RECYCLING SYSTEMS
The transition to a circular economy for plastics depends not only on technological innovation, but also on public engagement.
This episode examines the role of communication, behavioural change and public participation in improving consumption and recycling systems.
Guests:
Chris Veerkamp – Citymaker, Stadslabs Sittard-Geleen
Marijn van de Weijer – Teacher and Researcher, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
5. CHEMICAL RECYCLING AT SCALE
Chemical recycling is one of the most promising technologies for expanding the possibilities for plastic recovery and to further contribute to the transition towards circular models.
This episode explores the principles, technologies and pyrolysis processes involved, as well as the quality of the feedstock material and the importance of collaboration between the various stakeholders in the supply chain.
Guests:
Sabriye Fredriksson – Lead Scientist, SABIC
John van de Moosdijk – Scientist Circular Plastics, TNO
LE2C's contribution to circular transition
Through Syschemiq, LE2C has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge, the promotion of project outcomes and the creation of links between research, industry and the local area.
The Cluster’s role is to promote dialogue amongst stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and solutions to address challenges relating to the sustainability of materials and the development of new production models.
The Syschemiq Podcast Series serves as a further tool for sharing experiences, expertise and international perspectives, helping to build a more sustainable, resilient and circular plastics supply chain.
Listen to the Syschemiq Podcast Series and hear from the experts who are helping to shape the future of circularity in plastics: https://www.syschemiq.eu/podcasts.
