To what extent do material properties change through repeated recycling? Is it possible that the degradation or reaction products created in the recycling process could negatively impact our health? The CORNET project OneMoreTime is investigating the influence of repeated recycling processes on the material properties of polymers. Multiple processing of various materials is being researched on an industrial scale.
With the European Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a mandatory recycled content of 10% in contact-sensitive packaging—such as for food contact—will be required starting in 2030. This proportion is set to increase to 25% by 2040. This means that packaging that already contains recycled materials can be repeatedly returned to the recycling loop. While initial studies have already been carried out on PET (polyethylene terephthalate), there is still a lack of essential data on polyolefins (such as PP and PE) and polystyrene.
In particular, it is still unclear how the material properties change through repeated recycling and whether degradation or reaction products accumulate that exceed health limits.
Project goals
The CORNET project OneMoreTime primarily focuses on examining the effects of repeated processing cycles on the mentioned materials. The focus is on PE-HD/LD, PP and PS on an industrial scale of multiple processing. The generated recyclate is sampled over several cycles and extensively analyzed mechanically, thermally, chemically and biologically. The goal is to gain insights into material behavior and potentially safety-relevant substances and steps. The investigations are carried out in collaboration with industrial partners who process the materials in real production processes. Additionally, a database will be created to document relevant degradation and reaction products and serves as a basis for future regulatory requirements. Last but not least, further gaps in multiple recycling and the repeated use of recyclates will be identified and options for handling them will be identified.
Project Lead
Germany: IVLV – Industrievereinigung für Lebensmitteltechnologie und Verpackung e.V., Deutschland
Austria: Kunststoffcluster ecoplus Niederösterreichs Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH
Science Team
Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung (IVV), Germany
OFI – Österreichisches Forschungsinstitut für Chemie und Technik, Austria
Funding
CORNET 36th Call, FFG Collective Research
