Recyclable printed flexible plastic packages
The aim of the project is to contribute to the development of the recycling of printed flexible plastic packaging so that high-value recyclate can replace virgin raw material. The aim is closed-loop recycling in the packaging industry. Sorting by binder type in printing and de-inking will be investigated as part of a recycling process. Printing ink suppliers print on films provided by plastic film manufacturers, abrasion resistance tests are carried out to guarantee the performance of the print; sortability is developed as well as de-inking of prints. Recyclability is tested on lab and pilot scale. A successful project will result in proposals for a complete recycling process for printed flexible packaging with a sorter developed to distinguish packaging to undergo decolourisation i.e. removal of the entire print. The results will include an estimation of the increased recycling value resulting from the proposed process.
