Based on the results of the circPLAST flagship project, we are working with our partners in the “greenPLAST-food” project to develop a concept for a green recycling plant. The aim is to revolutionize the recycling of plastic packaging waste (PPW) made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) for use in food contact materials (FCM).
The collaborative project is researching the development of innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable processes for PPW recycling. The focus is on producing safe, high-quality polyolefin recyclates that meet the high decontamination standards for food contact materials (FCM).
In addition, the sustainability of the process technologies is also being evaluated to ensure a scalable, industrially viable, and sustainable solution for recycling plastic packaging waste.
High-quality FCM is to be produced by optimizing and adapting existing recycling technologies for PP and PE waste streams. Based on these results, the recycling process will be further developed and technical feasibility as well as ecological and social sustainability will be ensured. Natural intelligence (NI) or manual sorting as well as newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) models are used to sort PPW into products that come into contact with food. The AI models aim to automate the sorting process and increase efficiency and accuracy. To maximize climate protection potential, the energy efficiency of the recycling processes is optimized through heat integration and renewable energy potential. The degree of contamination of PPW before and after recycling is comprehensively analyzed, and innovative approaches to combining different decontamination processes are explored. Finally, we are creating a blueprint for a recycling plant optimized for sustainability. At the heart of this concept is an energy-efficient process design for converting PPW into recycled FCM. The project results provide a comprehensive framework for the recycling industry that contributes to the EU’s circular economy goals and promotes sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
As part of the project, the consortium of companies is involved in implementation on an industrial scale. The research partners are responsible for experimental support and characterization of the materials. OFI is responsible for toxicological testing using miniaturized Ames tests and safety assessment of the recyclates through monitoring (keyword NIAS) and challenge tests.
Project goal
The project aims to develop new, industrially scalable processes for the energy-efficient and sustainable processing of plastic packaging waste made of polypropylene and polyethylene. The goal is to produce high-quality recyclates that meet the requirements for food contact and to create an industrially viable model for a sustainable recycling plant.
Funding: FFG: FTI-Initiative für die Transformation der Industrie 2024
Project consortium:
Lead: LIT – Linz Institute of Technology (JKU)
Partners:
EI (Energieinstitut) der JKU – Johannes Kepler Universität
MUL – Montanuni Leoben – AVAW (Abfallverwertungstechnik und Abfallwirtschaft)
AEE Intec – Institut für Nachhaltige Technologien; AIT-Ausrian Institute of Technology
Corporate partners Alpla, ARAplus, EREMA, Greiner, Lindner, PreZero, TriPlast, Steinert, Moldsonics, APC
