Abstract

Complex co-extrusions offer good barrier properties against water vapour, gases and aromas, together with outstanding mechanical properties. During extrusion and vacuum forming a lot of waste is produced. For several years now the SME proposers have been looking at different technical solutions to efficiently separate the different co-extruded layers in order to recover and thus reuse valuable polymers, such as polystyrene. The proposed RTD work will focus on the production of easily recyclable co-extruded sheets based in the use of a renewable biopolymer as inner layer. The use of a biopolymer as inner layer in the food container sheets can selectively facilitate the adhesion of layers - by dissolving it in hot water, for instance. A broad range of separation techniques is then available to separate the different layers. In this way, fabrication losses can directly be recycled and reprocessed internally, leading to a reduction in waste (up to 40 %).

Contacts

Coordinator

• Daniel TUDELA / Envases Del Valles S.A. SPAIN

Participant

• Derek SQUIRES / Integrated Recycling Systems Ltd. UNITED KINGDOM