Pilot Plant Recyclability Assessments

In the medium and long term, the proven compatibility of these materials will help meet the objectives set out in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This will ensure the high quality of recycled materials, reduce plastic waste pollution from packaging and avoid less sustainable end-of-life options such as incineration and landfill.

AIMPLAS Recyclability Assessment Solutions

AIMPLAS is recognized by Plastics Recyclers Europe, the Association of Plastic Recyclers and PETCORE EUROPE to conduct the following recyclability protocols:

• RecyClass Recyclability Protocol: flexible PE and PP packaging.
• APR Critical Guidance: flexible PE packaging.
• PETCORE EUROPE Standard Laboratory Processing Practices (TCEP): PET trays.

Pilot Plant Testing

Recyclability assessments simulate the basic steps used in conventional recycling facilities, followed by transformation into final products. These processes are divided into three main stages:

1. Pre-treatment. This stage mainly includes shredding and washing operations performed on materials sorted into specific streams (flexible PE and PP, rigid HDPE and PP, PET and PS). At AIMPLAS, we have different types and capacities of mills, washing, drying and densifying equipment (to increase bulk density). During pre-treatment, we verify that innovative materials behave like conventional materials in standard recycling streams.
2. Extrusion. In the extrusion stage, two blends of innovative materials are prepared, filtered and pelletized, then compared with a control material to ensure processability, process stability and pellet quality. AIMPLAS has a number of single- and twin-screw extruders with screen changers, along with densifying, cooling and pelletizing systems. During the process, we monitor factors such as die build-up, pellet quality, process stability (filter clogging) and the physical properties of the pellets obtained.
3. Converting. In the converting stage, the innovative material blends are processed and compared to the control to assess the impact on a final product in terms of processability, process stability and product performance. AIMPLAS is equipped with blown film extrusion lines, cast film/sheet extrusion lines and equipment for thermoforming trays from these sheets. Throughout each process, we verify process stability, general appearance (e.g. gels, spots, holes, melt fractures, line breaks, and die and tool residue buildup) and mechanical performance of the final products.