Projectname:
The thermoforming properties of films made from recycled polypropylene – processing limits and recommendations for handling
Workgroup: Filling and packaging processes
Scientific Partners and Guidance:
IGF: 01IF23092N
Financing: BMWK
Duration: 2024 – 2026
The European Green Deal and the associated EU plastics strategy set ambitious recycling targets. The Packaging Act, which came into force in Germany in 2019, calls for an increase in the recycling rate from the current 38.6% (2018) to 63% in 2022 (§16). In addition, not only have target recycling rates been set for different materials at European level, the plastics strategy also sets the target of using 10 million tonnes of recycled plastic by 2025. Polypropylene (PP) is the most frequently processed plastic in Europe and is mainly used in the packaging sector. Common packaging formats are, for example, cups for dairy products, which are produced by thermoforming. As there are existing sorting fractions for PP packaging, it is considered recyclable in Germany. However, in order to achieve a real cycle, it is crucial to understand the influence of several recycling cycles on the properties and processability of the base material. The focus in MeProCycle is the production of films and the thermoforming of these films after multiple recycling and varying recycled content. Material properties and processing behaviour are analysed and compared with virgin material. Based on the resulting processing behaviour changes, processing ranges and recommendations for handling will be determined. MeProCycle primarily serves to develop and analyse multiple recycling in order to achieve a better understanding of the resulting material changes that are directly relevant to the selection and processing of packaging materials. Small and medium-sized companies in particular benefit from the study, as they often lack the mechanical, personnel and financial capacities for development and research work. Companies in the value chain are ultimately supported in packaging products more sustainable.
The IGF project presented here by the Research Association of the Industrial Association for Food Technology and Packaging (IVLV e.V.) is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the program for the promotion of industrial community research (IGF) based on a decision of the German Bundestag.