The „Rezyklat“ initiative, a cross-industry project involving companies from the plastics, printing ink and recycling industries, was able to prove in tests that the recyclate quality of polyolefin films can be improved by using suitable colour systems.
The printing ink has been proven to have a significant influence on the quality of the recyclate. In the test, the recyclability of BoPP/BoPP composites improved significantly by switching to a polyurethane-based ink system. The result: a high-quality granulate that is comparable to virgin material in terms of its properties. This can now be further processed using injection moulding technology, for example, and used in the automotive sector. Packaging is also experiencing a revival in high-quality applications.
Understanding the recycling process
The previous use of a standard NC colouring system did not deliver the desired result. Decomposition products discolour the recycled pellets and significantly impair the mechanical and sensory properties.
„Our first challenge was to understand the recycling process on a chemical and physical level. In a second step, we then developed laboratory methods to find suitable raw materials that meet the complex requirements of this process. We were then able to derive appropriate colour formulations from this modular system.“ Dr Christian Schirrmacher, technical contact at hubergroup for this project
By switching to a polyurethane-based ink system (Gecko PlatinumFlexo), the Kirchheim-based printing ink manufacturer made a significant contribution to the success of the project work. The Gecko Platinum colour series from the hubergroup, which was specially designed for demanding applications in the field of sterilisable packaging, withstands the high temperatures during the regranulation of the polypropylene film thanks to the PU technology used. Thanks to the colour stability, the recycled pellets retain their high-quality material properties, which are comparable to those of a Virgin material.
Companies join forces to form the Recyclate Initiative
The Recyclate Initiative is an association of several companies from the printing ink, plastics and recycling industries. Participants include. Maag (packaging), Taghleef Industries (films), Henkel (laminating adhesives) and hubergroup (printing inks). The reason for the cooperation is the increased demand for recyclable plastic packaging. This goes hand in hand with the EU's environmental policy objective of realising an open cycle for single-use plastic packaging by 2030. To achieve this goal, the hubergroup is also extremely active in other industry projects and in various associations such as CEFLEX.
[infotext icon]hubergroup is a family-owned company based in southern Germany with a 255-year history. The Print Solutions Division produces and distributes printing inks and printing auxiliaries for packaging printing and commercial printing. The Chemicals division markets the raw materials produced in India, such as pigments, resins and additives. In 2019, the company generated annual sales of around 780 million euros. hubergroup is represented worldwide with 3,700 employees in over 30 countries.[/infotext]Source: hubergroup
