​LIFE IMPACTO is a cutting-edge solution designed to change the linear life cycle of motorcycle helmets, addressing the challenges of how to dispose of these sustainably and creating a circular process based on selective dissolution recycling.

The project is co-funded by the European Community as a result of winning the LIFE23 subprogramme Circular Economy and Quality of Life call to tender.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The project is being rolled out by a consortium of five Italian companies:

  • Dainese Group in the role of coordinator;
  • Innovando, an innovative SME specializing in reverse logistics
  • Re-sport, a start-up spin-off from the University of Bologna which is focused on innovative technologies for recycling composite sports equipment
  • Misitano&Stracuzzi suppliers of bio-based solvents extracted from citrus fruit waste
  • Università di Bologna for the research and development component of the project.

    • THE PROCESS

    LIFE IMPACTO is based on an innovative plant which enables the separation of the different plastic materials of which the helmet is composed, through the action of bio-based solvents (limonene and ethyl acetate) obtained from food industry waste. ​

    In this way, the key plastic materials (ABS, EPS and PC) can be recovered and reused within the same value chain.

    Used helmets

    Transport

    Recycling plant

    Natural solvents

    (Limonene and ethyl acetate)

    Secondary raw materials

    Recycled ABS from the outer shell

    Recycled EPS from the inner shell

    Recycled POLYCARBONATE from the visor

    Recycled FABRIC from the interior

    THE GOAL

    The goal of this ambitious and innovative project is to implement a proactive approach to managing end-of-life products, preventing them from becoming waste and developing a sustainable, efficient process to separate and recycle the polymeric materials of which helmet are composed, as well as using the materials obtained through recycling in the manufacture of new helmets or other "green" products.

    Without ever losing sight of ultimate goal: to ensure maximum safety of riders in all conditions and at all times.

    THE RESULTS

    To give an idea of the scope of this revolution, with 5,000 recycled helmets, 3,700 kilograms of ABS, 1056 kilograms of EPS and more than 600 kilograms of PC can be obtained. This process leads to a real, tangible benefit for the environment, with a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 60% reduction in electricity consumption and a 50% reduction in water consumption.

    Life Impacto is also opening up new job opportunities in two of the consortium bodies, Dainese Group and Innovando, creating a positive knock-on effect on employment.
    The ultimate goal of this ambitious project is to introduce a homologated, environmentally-sustainable helmet model to the market, conceived and designed according to the design for recycling approach, without the use of glues and with a reduction in the variety of materials used, as well as greater ease of breaking down the various materials when these are recycled.

    5.000 HELMETS

    3.655 kg

    ABS

    1.056 kg

    EPS

    637 kg

    PC

    -60% of CO2 emissions

    -60% of electricity consumption

    -50% of water consumption

    +1 approved eco-sustainable helmet model

    +2 new job opportunities

    *linear economy vs. circular economy