PACKAGING RECYCLING
“Reflex Project” makes inroads in recyclability of multi-layer packaging and NIR sorting systems / UK-based programme to set the groundwork for a circular economy for flexible packaging
The “Reflex Project” (www.reflexproject.co.uk), which aims to create a circular economy for flexible packaging in the UK and was first set up in December last year (see Plasteurope.com of 15.12.2014), has made “significant progress” in its first six months, project leader Axion Consulting (Bramhall, Cheshire / UK; www.axionconsulting.co.uk) reports. To date, research in the two-year programme has focused on exploring and evaluating alternatives to films previously deemed difficult to recycle, especially multi-layer film. Achievements to date include a redesign of multi-layer packaging structures using polymers that can potentially be recycled together, Axion says.
Inroads have also been made in near infra-red (NIR) sorting technologies used to detect and separate mixed polyolefin packaging, mostly consisting of PE and PP. These advances have broadened the range of material that can be sorted and separated for recycling, thereby diverting this type of mixed post-consumer flexible packaging from landfill while also opening up new options for recycled polymers made from this type of waste.
Inroads have also been made in near infra-red (NIR) sorting technologies used to detect and separate mixed polyolefin packaging, mostly consisting of PE and PP. These advances have broadened the range of material that can be sorted and separated for recycling, thereby diverting this type of mixed post-consumer flexible packaging from landfill while also opening up new options for recycled polymers made from this type of waste.
 Packaging producer Amcor is one of the members of the "Reflex Project" (Photo: Amcor) |
The project, which is co-funded by Innovate UK (www.innovateuk.org), brings together the entire supply chain, from polymer producers to packagers, waste managers and recyclers. Its current members are Dow Chemical (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com), Amcor (Abbotsford / Australia; www.amcor.com), Interflex Group (Wilkesboro, North Carolina / USA; www.interflexgroup.com), Sita (Arnhem / The Netherlands; www.sita.nl), Tomra Sorting (Drengsrudhagen / Norway; www.tomra.com/en), Nestlé (Vevey / Switzerland; www.nestle.com) and Unilever (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey / USA; www.unilever.com).
Flexible packaging accounts for 32% of consumer plastic packaging in the UK, making up more than 410,000 t/y. Most of this ends up in landfill or is incinerated, Axion says. The recycling specialist adds, however, that it anticipates this market to follow the example set by PET bottles – 58% of which are recycled in the UK. In 10 years’ time, Axion predicts, more than 50% of flexible packaging will be diverted from the waste stream.
Flexible packaging accounts for 32% of consumer plastic packaging in the UK, making up more than 410,000 t/y. Most of this ends up in landfill or is incinerated, Axion says. The recycling specialist adds, however, that it anticipates this market to follow the example set by PET bottles – 58% of which are recycled in the UK. In 10 years’ time, Axion predicts, more than 50% of flexible packaging will be diverted from the waste stream.
01.07.2015 Plasteurope.com [231556-0]
Published on 01.07.2015