A Circular Multilayer Plastic Approach for value retention of end-of-life multilayer films

2.6Mt of multilayers films waste are incinerated or landfilled every year due to a lack of economically and environmentally sustainable recycling solutions. Consequently, more than 3B€ multilayer plastic films value is lost to the economy every year. CIMPA (A CIrcular Multilayer Plastic Approach for value retention of end-of-life multilayer
films) will develop a recycling value chain for post-industrial and post-consumer multilayer films (from food and agricultural applications) to retain 12 up to 72% of their value yield based on a synergetic approach combining (i) innovative compositional sorting (combining NIR- and digital watermarking sorting), (ii) mechanical and physical (dissolution) recycling, (iii) decontamination process and (iv) upgrading (advanced scCO2-based decontamination, properties tuning) solutions. Up to 2.34Mt/y of recycled materials will be saved and reintroduced in production to substitute virgin materials. A key objective of the overall process will be to produce recycled materials compliant with (i) agriculture standards and (ii) food contact applications. A challenge test will be submitted to the EFSA to validate the process decontamination performances down to concentrations not causing risks to human health. Environmental, health, safety and cost benefit assessment of the solutions will be conducted based on LCA and LCC analyses. A regulation survey and a SSH methodology ensuring systemic engagement and acceptance of all actors along the value chain will be implemented for a widespread integration of the solutions in the industry and civil society. CIMPA will retain in the economy 0,3B€ to 2,2M€/y of multilayer plastic films value, and reduce CO2 emissions by 2.1Mt/y equivalent to 0.15% of whole EU CO2 emissions.
CIMPA gathers 4 experienced RTOs , 2 cutting edge technology-provider SMEs , 1 waste management company, 3 producers of multilayers, 1 institute for consumer attitude/acceptance studies, 1 association representing the plastic recycling industry and 1 consultant company.