TECHNOLOGY | FILM
Recycling packaging films needs flexible approach
To meet the technical challenges of recycling film-based packaging waste, an innovative and flexible approach is needed. David Eldridge reports on progress from system developers and machinery suppliers
Main image: Repro-Flex, which incorpo- rates a cutter- compactor unit, is the Taiwan- based Polystar group’s system for recycling PE and PP film
A lot of work is going on in plastics recycling to create the technological basis for a circular economy in flexible packaging. Multi-partner projects in Europe are finding the best methods to segregate mixed waste streams and tackle the technical challenges of difficult-to-recycle items such as laminated multilayer packaging. Technol- ogy suppliers are also innovating to help film recycling customers realise the full potential of post-consumer packaging waste. The common goal is to create an efficient recycling system that captures nearly all types of flexible packaging waste and creates high-quality materials for use in new products. The ambitious Ceflex initiative has gathered momentum and is planning for work to start on a demonstration recycling plant in Europe this year.
26 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | January/February 2023
Since its inception in 2017, Ceflex has been collaborating with the entire value chain (now numbering more than 180 stakeholder companies) to make flexible packaging in Europe circular by 2025. It is a multi-programme project with work- streams on flexible packaging collection, sorting, recycling, design, technology and markets. Ceflex has transitioned from the initial project design stage to a position where it is ready to implement its findings. Graham Houlder, Ceflex Consortium Co-ordinator, said: “We are making good progress, this ship has sailed.” Speaking at AMI’s Recycling Flexible Packaging conference in Cologne, Germany, in December, he said the project is well on its way to meeting its goals, although full circularity will probably not be achieved by 2025. Ceflex has moved on to a demand-driven
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IMAGE: POLYSTAR
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