Abstract of the project
The RINASCE research project aims to study the best method for the recycling of cigarette butts and the reuse of the materials that compose them. These wastes currently constitute an important source of widespread environmental pollution which, even when it is not dispersed, is still destined for landfill.
During the project various methodologies were tested to separate, purify and analyze the main constituent of the filter (cellulose acetate) in order to allow its re-entry into the market for the production of eco-design consumer goods. The effectiveness, sustainability and environmental impact of the process have been verified and optimized in a "prototype machine" for the separation and treatment of cigarette butts, obtaining a polymer with which some "prototype products" have been made (frame of glasses).
The process is following the process of obtaining the patent.
Demonstrating the value of recycled materials can trigger a virtuous circle:
• Reduce the uncontrolled release of waste into the environment
• Encourage collection
• Supply the market with recycled materials
The environmental problem faced by the project is usually very underestimated, but just think that:
• Around 5.6 trillion cigarettes are smoked around the world every day; The butts produced make up about 30% (by volume) of the total waste collected on the beaches *
• In Italy, an estimated 13.000 tons of cigarette butts produced every year (ENEA, 2010)
• On the Adriatic and Ionian beaches, filters are in fifth place in the ranking of collected waste (approximately 6,6% of the total); even more alarming percentages on the non-Italian Adriatic coasts (2017 ISPRA report)
• The average life of a butt is about 5-12 years
• The estimated cost of cleaning cigarette butts from the streets is between 3 and 16 million euros / year for larger cities
• The main component of butts is cellulose acetate, which is obtained by reaction of cellulose (natural product deriving from trees)
* Thomas E. Novotny & Elli Slaughter in “Product Waste: An Environmental Approach to Reduce Tobacco Consumption” GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY; 2014; 1: 208–216
O1- development and enhancement of circular waste management
O2- incentive for the reproduction of innovative and sustainable technologies on an industrial scale
O3- development of appropriate techniques for the elimination of dangerous substances
O4- promotion of the use of recycled cellulose acetate
O5- promotion of the use of eco-sustainable pesticides
Expected results
R1- Obtaining an innovative methodology for the recovery and reuse of used cigarette filters
R2- Re-placing on the market of the component material of cigarette filters
R3- Obtaining a "prototype machine"
R4- Obtaining a "prototype product"
R5- Evaluation of the sustainability of the process
R6- Study of possible alternatives: pesticide and more
• CNR-IIA
Valerio Paolini
Mark Tower
Patrick Tratzi