Abstract

Multilayer PET (mPET) recycling is hampered due to their heterogeneity and the lack of compatibility among layers [1,2]. Mechanical recycling methods consider the separation of the layers, thus making the process challenging and expensive. Chemical recycling is also demanding and could have an environmental negative impact on the planet. Currently more than 3.3 million tons of plastic waste coming from packaging are disposed of in landfill sites, from which 800.000 tones within Europe are multilayer PET [3]. On the other hand, the European Commission raises the need for quadrupling recycling capacity for plastic in Europe by 2030. The Technological Institute for Children Products & Leisure (by its Spanish Acronym AIJU) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (by its Spanish Acronym UPV) have created a mechanical recycling system for this waste valorization [4]. They have jointly patented this process and are developing an innovation project to use it in applications such as building, toys and footwear.

Keywords:Multilayer PET; Recycling; Polyolefins competition; Building; Footwear; Toys