The science-orientated company Syensqo, formerly SpecialtyCo of Solvay, is cooperating with the recycling specialist Tomra to advance the sorting of multi-layer PVDC packaging waste. The joint project aims to prove the feasibility of separating multi-layer PVDC films from polyolefins in used packaging structures.
Syensqo and Tomra, a provider of sensor-based sorting technology, have joined forces to the technical and economic feasibility of separating and sorting multi-component plastic structures in which polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) serves as a barrier layer. The partners have developed a joint series of tests with multilayer samples of commercial packaging waste consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and Syensqo's Ixan PVDC. The results have shown that PVDC-containing multilayer films separated from mixed plastic waste using industrial sorting systems to obtain unmixed polyolefin and PVDC recycling streams.
„The overall aim of this project was to challenge current industry standards that claim that multilayer PVDC films cannot be sorted out of multilayer packaging structures. Our experiments have proven the opposite and send a clear message to the packaging and recycling industry that it is possible, especially with good accuracy and repeatability using existing industrial technology.“
Federico Baruffi, Global Marketing Manager, Speciality Polymers at Syensqo
The results apply to markets in which currently multi-layered mixed plastic waste that contain PVDC, such as shrink films in consumer and food packaging.
„One of the problems in the recycling industry has been the reliable identification of plastic waste with PVDC content. By combining our advanced optical and near-infrared detection systems, we have managed to achieve a selectivity rate of more than 80 per cent when sorting post-consumer plastic mixtures and more than 95 per cent when sorting LDPE monolayer streams. This is another example of what today's technology, in this case our Autosort, can already achieve.“
Marco Gregori, Area Sales Manager Italy at TOMRA Recycling Sorting
Overall, the results have expanded the range of mixed plastic waste suitable for recycling to include a wide range of PVDC-containing multilayer structures. The joint project between Syensqo and Tomra also serves as a model for the Promoting the circular economy in the plastics industry through the dedicated research and development of industry partners who share similar values.
Source: Syensqo
