With an investment of almost €1 million, CETIM is strengthening its scientific excellence through the acquisition of new research equipment aimed at transforming waste into high-value products for multiple industrial sectors.

In a context shaped by climate urgency and the need to transform production models, Circular Excellence has enhanced CETIM’s technological capabilities to develop practical solutions that support a more circular and environmentally responsible industry. With an investment exceeding €850,000, the initiative has reinforced six of our Technology Centre’s strategic research areas—batteries, water treatment, green hydrogen, sustainable polymers, construction materials and Sustainable Industry 5.0—under a common objective: promoting production models based on material reuse, waste reduction and resource optimisation.

Among the most significant achievements of Circular Excellence CETIM to date are the strengthening of technologies for detecting microplastics and contaminants, the development of biological processes for producing green hydrogen from industrial waste, and the enhancement of capabilities for characterising recycled polymers and sustainable materials. In addition, the initiative, funded by the Galician Innovation Agency (GAIN) and co-financed by the European Union through the ERDF Galicia 2021–2027 Programme, has expanded the technological infrastructure available for battery and advanced materials research, contributing to the development of solutions aligned with industrial decarbonisation and circularity challenges.

New materials for more sustainable, efficient and longer-lasting batteries

Following more than five years of research into sustainable advanced materials for electrochemical battery cell production, Circular Excellence has enabled the acquisition of specialised scientific equipment that addresses current electromobility challenges.

Thanks to Circular Excellence CETIM, technological capabilities have been expanded for the characterisation, research, development and testing of higher-capacity pouch cells, providing more reliable and accurate information on the microscopic behaviour of materials incorporated into battery cells, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies. This also facilitates scale-up activities and supports commercial market requirements.

Technologies for sustainable polymer development and improved recycling processes

Government regulations on the use of single-use plastics are becoming increasingly stringent. As a result, demand for recycled polymers and biopolymers is growing across a wide range of industrial sectors.

To remain at the forefront of emerging trends, Circular Excellence CETIM has enabled the development of technologies for:

• Manufacturing and developing new thermoplastic and thermoset polymer formulations from synthetic, bio-based (derived from oils, lignin and other renewable sources) and recycled feedstocks (through both mechanical and chemical recycling).
• Moulding and application technologies, including 3D printing.
• Molecularly and ionically imprinted polymers for environmental remediation.

 

Development of new sustainable construction materials

The sustainable construction materials market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness, European and international regulatory frameworks, and demand for more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.

Circular Excellence CETIM addresses these challenges through:

• The development of sustainable boards and panels.
• The scale-up of solutions for testing in dedicated demonstration sites.
• Drying technologies for high-volume materials.
• Crushing and milling of large-scale material samples.

 

Green hydrogen production from industrial waste

Green hydrogen represents a strategic alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition towards a climate-neutral economy.

For this reason, Circular Excellence CETIM supports the development of:

• Biological technologies and processes for obtaining and producing hydrogen from industrial waste and by-products.
• Analysis of renewable gas production and the methanisation potential of different feedstocks.

 

Water treatment and reuse

Water regeneration for reuse and the removal of emerging contaminants, particularly microplastics, have become two of Europe’s main priorities in water management, helping to increase the availability of this essential resource worldwide.

At CETIM, we investigate membrane technologies, adsorption and absorption processes, advanced oxidation and electrochemical treatments, biological treatments and Nature-Based Solutions. Through Circular Excellence CETIM, we have reinforced and expanded these capabilities with advanced analytical systems for the detection and quantification of microplastics in water, as well as specialised membrane distillation technologies that enable water regeneration for reuse.

Transforming industry towards sustainable Industry 5.0

Growing environmental concerns have prompted a reassessment of digital transformation technologies to support decarbonisation, circular economy models and the development of more sustainable technologies.

At CETIM, we develop Digital Twins and apply Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision and robotics to optimise processes, improve waste detection and sorting, and enhance occupational safety, among many other applications. Through Circular Excellence, we have further strengthened capabilities in:

• Green Algorithms for Artificial Intelligence with a lower environmental footprint.
• Computer Vision and photonics for improving the sustainability of industrial processes.

 

The CIRCULAR EXCELLENCE CETIM project is funded by the Galician Innovation Agency (GAIN) and co-financed by the European Union through the ERDF Galicia 2021–2027 Programme. The operation falls under Policy Objective OP1, Priority 1.A, Specific Objective RSO 1.1, and Action Line L.A. 1.1.01.