CIRCLEAR

About the project

The main goal of CIRCLEAR project is to develop a unique sustainable and circular economy-oriented product. It is designed to embed noise and air pollution reduction properties and is easier to deploy. At the end of its life at least 90% of the components can be reused. 

Objectives: 

• integrate industrialised product RUCONBAR Noise Barrier and Air Pollution Abatement technology APA, which is capable of simultaneously reducing air pollution and noise, 

• redesign the manufacturing process of RUCONBAR barriers to achieve more sustainable manufacturing. This will involve changing the format of the panels accelerating the production process and reducing energy consumption, 

• enhance the production line to enable integration of the two abatement solutions, while maintaining sustainability and circular economy compliance, 

• optimise the reduction of carbon intense material use by facilitating an increased percentage of recycled rubber and reduced amount of steel, 

• test activities to provide the necessary information and documentation for certification requirements. 

Challenges

The project addresses the major challenges of noise and air pollution related to transportation in urban areas.  

Air pollution is one of the largest environmental health risks in Europe. The EU zero pollution action plan adopted in 2021 aims at reducing air and noise pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems.  

On the other hand, carbon intense materials such as concrete and steel that are widely used greatly contribute to climate change and associated environmental challenges.  

Tackling these major challenges results in a better quality of life in urban areas. 

Solutions

To address these challenges an integrated noise and air pollution abatement solution is being developed based on two proven innovative technologies – RUCONBAR noise barriers and Air Pollution Abatement Technology APA. Such an integrated system will achieve: 

• effective noise reduction using an optimised absorbing layer made from recycled rubber achieving a higher than typical absorption class,  

• better air quality using air pollution abatement (APA) technology that abates most pollutants of the ambient air, reducing dust, gas, odours, bacteria, viruses. 

The production process of the product will be optimised by reducing the use of carbon intensive materials and energy consumption to obtain sustainable and circular economy-oriented products.