Micro-Alps, the project to combat microplastics in Alpine waters
"Micro-Alps," the Interreg Italy-Austria project aiming to fight the spread of microplastics in Alpine waters, has officially begun, focusing particularly on the eyewear industry's impact.
Leading the initiative is the Competence Hub Certottica in Longarone, in collaboration with Ca' Foscari University of Venice, the Ökoinstitut of Bolzano, and the University of Applied Sciences in Carinthia (Austria). Recently, partners met at the "Popoli d'Europa" hall at the headquarters of Unione Montana Cadore Longaronese Zoldo for the official kick-off meeting.
"Our primary goal," stated Marco Calvi, Group Research & Innovation Manager at Certottica, "is to investigate the phenomenon of microplastics generated by lens grinding, a central activity within the eyewear district of Belluno. We aim to raise awareness in both industrial and educational sectors, developing innovative techniques to recover and reuse these materials as pellets or filaments for 3D printers."
Ca' Foscari University will coordinate environmental impact assessments and potential recovery of microplastics through its Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems. "We are working on an innovative project," explained Valentina Beghetto, project coordinator at Ca' Foscari, "which will enable the reintegration of recovered microplastics into the circular economy supply chain, instead of sending them for incineration."
Awareness activities will primarily be handled by the Ökoinstitut of Bolzano, specialized in environmental education and dissemination. "There is often a lack of awareness regarding how microplastics form and their impacts," emphasized director Sonja Abrate. "Our role will be to spread this knowledge, starting from schools and extending to local communities and industrial sectors."
Lastly, the University of Applied Sciences Carinthia will address cross-border aspects, as explained by senior researcher Sandra Schulnig: "We will particularly analyze the situation in the Austria-Italy border area, comparing existing filtration systems and creating a living lab to experiment with microplastic reuse through 3D printing."
The Micro-Alps project will last two years, concluding in March 2027, with the ambition to become a model of sustainability and innovation for the entire Alpine region.