Uncategorized

Researchers: inside improve the recyclability of multilayer plastic

In the last few months, one type of packaging has increased dramatically: plastic made up of several layers. This is also due to the need in the medical field, since such packaging protects sterile objects from moisture. But bags of chips are also made in this way to protect the contents from light and air.

However, this packaging is a major problem for the environment. Since the individual layers are very difficult to separate after use, many tons of such waste end up in garbage dumps or in waste incineration plants year after year. In this way, over 100 million tons are collected each year.

Many medical goods are packed in multilayer plastic (Image: Daniel Frank)

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin now have a possible solution to this. Solvents should be used to separate the up to 12 layers of plastic. The waste then turns into substances such as polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. These can be reused in recycling plants. Up to 40 percent of the materials could find another life in a new packaging.

Due to the complexity of some compositions, computers should also help with the optimal separation of such packaging. In the future, the optimal solvent could be found for all possible types of plastic compounds. The inclusion of other factors, for example the environmental compatibility of the funds, is also possible.

In the future we have to recycle even better (Image: Sigmund)

Research in this area will continue in the future. After all, plastic isn’t the only material that requires better recycling techniques. Authorities around the world are promoting research; in the USA, for example, the Department of Energy is investing several million dollars in further development.

Own opinion:

It is amazing to what extent plastic is still not reused these days. Personally, I didn’t know at all that bags of crisps can actually (almost) only be burned and not reused. In the future, we will therefore need more innovative ideas in order to be able to master the mountains of rubbish worldwide. Until then, the only thing that will help is the painful avoidance of this packaging (if possible).

via University of Wisconsin-Madison

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *