RIGID PACKAGING | INNOVATION IMAGES: D ELDRIDGE


Companies in the polyolefins value chain are working collaboratively to optimise recycling of packaging items such as PP containers and PE caps and bottles. By Chris Saunders


Unlocking the potential of rigid polyolefin waste


PET bottle recycling is a process that is relatively well understood in Europe, but the recycling of rigid packaging made from polyolefins is a different matter. Polypropylene and polyethylene bottles and containers are a complex recycling area for various reasons: from the highly mixed and contaminated waste streams, through problems of identification during sorting, to difficulties in producing food-contact recyclates. Challenged by these issues, various companies and organisations are working to develop solutions that help rigid polyolefin recycling pursue its potential to greatly improve packaging circularity. The European packaging industry is under


increased pressure due to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) which stipulates that by 2030, all packaging must be recyclable and contain a specified percentage of recycled material. Contact-sensitive packaging


www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


must include at least 10% recyclate, single-use plastic beverage bottles 30%, and all other packag- ing at least 35%. This is particularly difficult to achieve with materials like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which can be highly contami- nated from previous uses and the recycling process, complicating their use in sensitive areas. Jörg Sabo, Global Director Marketing & Innova-


tion, Greiner Packaging, said: “Producing high- quality recycled PP that meets strict hygiene standards for food packaging is especially chal- lenging. By 2030, demand for recycled PP and PE is expected to exceed supply by five times, intensify- ing the pressure on manufacturers and recyclers to find efficient solutions.” Traditionally, mechanical recycling has been


largely effective when applied to clean, homogene- ous plastic waste, but struggles with heavily contaminated or mixed materials, as often seen


September 2024 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 29


Main images: Municipal


collection point for plastic caps in Betancuria, Fuerteventura, Spain


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