New plastic research center in Leoben: Together into the future!

New plastic research center in Leoben: Together into the future!

In Leoben, a new chapter was opened in plastic research on June 20, 2025: The Polymer Competence Center Leoben (PCCL) opened its doors with the Comet-K1 project. In an ambitious project, which has an extent of over 22 million euros and a term of four years, over 40 partners from science and business want to find solutions for the pressing global challenges in the production, application and disposal of plastics. So meinbezirk.at reports that renowned partners such as AT & S, Pankl Racing Systems, SKF Sealing Solutions and the Montan University Leoben and the TU Graz are on board.

The research center not only has a clear focus on recyclability and reuse of polymers. The increase in energy efficiency, material savings and the improvement of the lifespan of plastic products are also on the agenda. In addition, biobasized polymers are to be encouraged and modern, data-based methods and AI-based approaches are to be integrated into the work. The aim is to actively support the UN sustainability goals and the European Green Deal.

An important step for sustainability

It should be emphasized that the PCCL is considered the leading center for cooperative research in Austria and around 100 employees: Interior on innovative solutions in areas such as automotive, aviation and packaging. These approaches are not only pioneering for Leoben, but for the entire industry. Because as Schutt-Karl emphasizes, waste is now one of the valuables that need to be integrated into the circular economy.

These considerations are also remarkable against the background of the EU requirements for recycling quota. The European Union plans to reach a recycling rate of 50 % for packaging and a recyclate share of 25 % in bottles by 2025. The industry receives support in the implementation of these goals, among other things, through the Fraunhofer IAP, which with its services ensures that high-quality recycled materials can be attributed to the economic cycle, according to [Fraunhofer IAP] (https://www.iap.fraunhofer.de/de/PressMageilungen/2023/recycling- von-kunststoffen.html).

Thanks to innovative recycling procedures, for example to recover Terephthalic acid for PET applications, the path to closed plastic circuits is paved. The challenges associated with chemical recycling, such as the purity of the monomers recovered, require new approaches that are also promoted by companies such as Schutt-Karl.

shape a sustainable future

The commitment to the circular economy means that waste must be used in a targeted manner and pollutants must be withdrawn from the material circulation. After all, it's not just about the present, but also a sustainable orientation for future generations. This vision is also lived in the PCCL, where the collaboration between research and industry creates the basis for sustainable solutions.

Overall, it can be said: The kick-off for the Polymer Competence Center Leoben is not only an important step for research in Austria, but also an important contribution to the global debate. With a solid partnership, innovative projects and a clear focus on recycling and reuse, we could set the course for a more environmentally friendly future.