This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101181056
Project Impact
The target of RETAIN is to contribute to the final ambition of having by 2036 at least 90% of circular tarpaulins used (re-used, remanufactured or recycled). To reach our ambition, we will further develop various recycling technologies (i.e. mechanical, physical, and selective dissolution) and demonstrate circular business practices (advanced collection, monitoring, sorting, repair/reuse/recycling and conversion of post-production and end-of-life tarpaulins) at TRL8 scale at three DEMO locations in the EU.
Additionally, the RETAIN project will develop and implement an efficient decision-making mechanism for process and lifecycle optimization, such as the RETAIN gate control procedure for post-industrial and end-of-life tarpaulins. Finally, a digital product passport (DPP) for tarpaulins will be implemented to ensure traceability, support quality certification and validation, quantify environmental, social and economic impacts, incorporate learning and training activities, contribute to relevant standards and link with other recycling initiatives in the EU and abroad.
Further information and updates on the RETAIN project will be communicated soon through dedicated channels. Stay tuned for the latest developments and opportunities to engage.
6 Key Goals of the RETAIN Project
The RETAIN project is a European innovation initiative focused on building a truly circular value chain for complex PVC tarpaulins. With the goal of achieving at least 90% circular use by 2036, RETAIN integrates advanced recycling technologies, digital tools, and sustainable business practices. The project addresses environmental, economic, and societal challenges by transforming end-of-life tarps into valuable secondary resources while supporting EU climate goals, job creation, and responsible production. Below are the six key goals that define RETAIN’s strategic vision and impact.
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1. Achieve 90% Circular Use of Tarpaulins by 2036
Enable reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling of at least 90% of EU-produced end-of-life tarpaulins through advanced processes and business models.
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4. Introduce Digital Product Passports (DPP)
Develop and use DPPs to ensure traceability, improve lifecycle management, support regulatory compliance, and enable data-driven decision-making across the value chain.
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2. Demonstrate and Scale
Advanced Recycling Technologies
Validate mechanical, physical, and selective dissolution technologies at TRL8 through pilot demonstrations at three EU sites, enabling industrial-scale recycling of PVC-PET composites.
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5. Create Economic, Social & Environmental Impactle
Reduce COâ‚‚ emissions by over 400k tons/year, create up to 800 full-time jobs, and support new circular markets estimated at over €400 million in value through recycled and remanufactured tarp components.
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3. Implement Circular Business Practices Across the Value Chain
Deploy systems for collection, sorting, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and conversion of tarpaulins into new products, supported by ecodesign principles and industrial symbiosis.
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6. Contribute to EU and Global Sustainability Targets
Align with EU Green Deal, CEAP, ESPR, and UN SDGs (especially SDG 8 & 12), fostering innovation, responsible production, and decent work within the plastics and recycling industries.