Recycling processes for multilayer packaging materials based on selective enzymatic depolymerisation

T.A. Ewing, D.M. van Vliet, R.H.A.M. van de Vondervoort, M.K. Julsing

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

Abstract

Multilayer plastics consisting of more than one type of polymer are widely applied as e.g. food packaging. Use of multilayer plastics is advantageous due to their good barrier properties or to enable efficient sealing of the packaging. However, multilayer plastics provide a major challenge from the recycling perspective, as it is extremely difficult to separate the various layers of the material to obtain pure polymer streams that can be recycled by conventional mechanical recycling. Therefore, multilayer packaging is currently essentially non-recyclable. In the BBIJU-financed ENZYCLE project, we aim to enable recycling of multilayer packaging by harnessing the ability of enzymes to selectively depolymerise a single polymer present in a multilayer material. In particular, we are targeting multilayer packaging composed of a PET and a polyolefin layer. The PET layer is enzymatically depolymerised to yield products that can be applied in the production of new plastics. Meanwhile, a residual polyolefin layer is obtained, which may be recycled using conventional recycling technologies. This talk will discuss the latest status of these developments.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event11th International Conference on Fiber and Polymer Biotechnology - Graz, Austria
Duration: 14 Nov 202215 Nov 2022

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium11th International Conference on Fiber and Polymer Biotechnology
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityGraz
Period14/11/2215/11/22

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