DUNDEE

Today’s PU-processing industries face a growing list of challenges: compliance with REACH, VOC directives, workplace exposure limits, certification schemes such as OEKO-TEX®, and the need to obtain environmental permits. At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable, “greener” products and are becoming more aware of the impact of plastic waste and microplastics.

In this context, companies are under pressure to adopt degradable or recyclable materials. However, polyurethane’s low susceptibility to physical, chemical, and biological breakdown—as well as the toxicity of some of its combustion products—means that landfilling remains the dominant end-of-life treatment for PU waste.

Developing enzymatically degradable and recyclable PU offers a pathway toward an eco-friendly and future-proof industry. It enables companies to reduce environmental impact while strengthening their competitive position, particularly against markets outside Europe.

Dundee aims to develop enzymatically degradable and recyclable PU dispersions (PUD) and PU coatings. These innovative coatings enhance the recyclability of coated substrates, simplifying waste management and significantly reducing environmental burdens.

By enabling de-coating, textiles can be recycled according to their specific fibre type—free from contamination by coating polymers. Moreover, PU derivatives generated through enzymatic degradation can be purified and re-used in new synthesis processes, supporting circular material flows.

The Dundee project will:

1. Synthesize enzymatically degradable PU dispersions,
2. Formulate enzymatically degradable PUD, and
3. Identify and assess enzymes capable of degrading PU.

Primary target sectors include the textile industry, coating formulators, and chemical producers, with a focus on PU-coated textiles such as artificial leather and rainwear.