2023 Edition

“CAPitoli urbani” is a reasearch program consisting of the definition and optimization of circular
production process for the realization of projects that valorize inhomogeneous plastic waste. In
particular, the project envisioned and tested a non-standardized and not yet codified process where
the material (not divided and not pre-sorted), is mechanically processed into die-cast sheets in

subtractive technology according to an innovative production process, which required the testing of
new specific machinery. The project led to the creation of a demonstrative furniture collection,
exhibition booths explaining the values of sustainability within international design and circular
economy events, and participatory workshops with citizens. “CAPitoli urbani” was promoted by
Gruppo CAP, an utility working in the field of integrated water service, managing the whole water
cycle from the catchment to wastewater treatment, as an intent of social responsibility. The project
has seen the participation of a wide network of actors involved directly and indirectly, ranging from:
one university (Politecnico di Milano, Department of Design), one private company within the food
supply chain in the context of large-scale retail trade, one territorial cultural association (Republic of
Design), one international art gallery (Rossana Orlandi) and one vertical Fablab on circular economy
issues (Design Differente). Gruppo CAP is involved in a series of activities in the field of the circular
economy. This research program is part of a more complex project carried out in some wastewater
treatment plants of Gruppo CAP, which includes an agreement for the use of dairy waste delivered by
companies working in the food supply chain. In particular, this agrifood waste is used as feed in the
anaerobic digestion process in addition to wastewater sludge, to increase the production of biogas.
Moreover, the specific agri-food waste is characterized by the presence of plastic packaging (e.g.
yogurt bottles, tetrapak, etc.) that is used as feed for the CAPitoli Urbani program, totally closing the
circular economy concept.