Rafael MIGUEL graduated in Chemical Science and has a Post-graduate Diploma in Plastics and Composites. Rafael has over 30 years’ experience in research projects and developing technology to be transferred to business. He has extensive experience in processing plastics and developing new materials. Rafael has been actively involved in designing and constructing innovative facilities to recycle waste streams. He has participated in and coordinate national and international R&D&I projects in the following areas (1) circular economy and recycling of pre- and post-consumption waste such as municipal solid waste, end-of-life vehicles, waste from electrical and electronic equipment, packaging, textiles, etc. (2) development and application of mechanical operations (conventional and sensor-based) to treat waste streams and concentration of fractions (plastics, metals, etc.) and closing the loop of materials, and (3) social, economic and environmental assessment of the recycling operations and processes. Rafael has developed new businesses and R&D projects and has provided innovative solutions to meet customers’ needs. He actively contributes to training and dissemination related to environmental technologies. Part of his work has been at the R&D Department at Linköping Forensic Science Laboratory in Sweden. Rafael is currently in charge of the market activities of the GAIKER Recycling and Circular Economy Group and lead researcher.
