ODOUR AND EMISSIONS | TECHNOLOGY
Taking on odours
Odour is one of the biggest problems for recyclers looking to supply products for high value, sensitive applications. Peter Mapleston explores how to take on the challenge
The demand for plastic recyclates from post-con- sumer waste is growing but one unpalatable aspect of these materials is their often unpleasant odour. Removing that is a prerequisite if PCR is to substi- tute virgin plastics in new products, especially when those products are likely to come close to consumer noses.
Despite the industry’s best efforts, the mechani-
cal recycling process is not perfect and some level of contamination often remains after the washing step. This contamination, together with breakdown products from fillers and additives in the original compounds, can generate unwanted odours during melt processing. So it is not surprising that there is high demand for better ways to cut and control odour. Fortunately, help is at hand, from both producers of processing equipment and of additives. Austria’s Erema reports a noticeable increase in
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demand for recycling machine combinations using its ReFresher technology for managing odour downstream of the extrusion process. The com- pany highlights how the combination of its Intar- ema TVEplus RegrindPro machine with the Re- Fresher is enabling PCR-HDPE to be used in proportions of up to 100% in packaging for direct contact with food and beverages, in conformance with FDA regulations. In March this year, Erema said that out of a total
of more than 25 ReFresher modules sold, 19 had been ordered over the previous 18 months. “Odour is a typical problem with contaminated household waste such as polyethylene films, containers and closures. It is essential that odour is removed if the PCR material is to be reused in high quality packag- ing for cosmetic products or food,” says Clemens Kitzberger, Erema Group Business Development Manager for Post Consumer Applications.
Main image: Odour can be a big challenge for recyclers but there are ways to take it on, ranging from process technologies to additives and even part design
October 2021 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 13
IMAGE: FRAUNHOFER IVV
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