ADDITIVES | MATERIALS
Wider choice of additives encourages upcycling
The development of new additives and masterbatches for improving the quality and stability of recycled plastics provides many new opportunities for upcycling, writes Mark Holmes
Recyclers and manufacturers of recycled plastics are benefitting from the expansion and improvements in additive and masterbatch technology to enhance their products. For example, significant improve- ments in stabilisation, rheology, malodour, physical and mechanical properties and compatibilisation are now possible through the development and deployment of new additives and masterbatches. Baerlocher reports a vibrant environment in the
current market for additives for recycling plastics. “The market is demanding higher post-consumer recycled (PCR) content,” says Henrik Eriksson, Technical Product Manager. “Innovative recyclers are investing in improving their product through washing, sorting, filtration processes and odour removal. However, they are now also using addi- tives to meet application needs, driven by brands and regulations.” He says: “Packaging has the highest sense of
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urgency because the daily interaction with consum- ers impacts the consumer-packaged goods brands. However, durable goods such as automotive and appliances are also working towards increasing PCR content. In the US, states are passing legisla- tion requiring minimum recycling content and extended producer responsibility (EPR). In the EU and UK, new legislation and tax penalties are also increasing the speed to increase PCR content.” Eriksson adds that with feedstocks having
different compositions and levels of contamination, stabilisation is required to make PCR more suitable for use. However, polyolefins in PCR feedstock are not stabilised to the extent of maintaining a maximum part of their original properties because of the two additional heat histories that come with recycling. In addition, contamination, melt filtration operations and high throughput requirements take a significant toll on the final properties. These
March/April 2023 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 23
Main image: Völpker has developed products that are providing field-tested and ready-to- use solutions in plastics recycling
IMAGE: VÖLPKER
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