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Debonding for PU-glued laminates enables higher value recycling
To open up more circular, high value recycling streams for multi-material packaging which was not accessible for recycling, we have tested new debonding technologies for polyurethane (PU)PU-glued multi-material laminates that enable the separation of the layers in flexible packaging at the end of its useful shelf life.
Story · July 15, 2022
Implementing a more circular economy means accelerating the transition from many different angles, not just in our own company. Developing more sustainable products, harnessing alternative energies, and making more materials available for recycling processes requires many other forward-thinking partners.
Dr. Nikola Julia Schuck
Global Innovation Excellence, Covestro
We know how to form a strong bond using PU, and we also know how to make PU-glued layers easier to separate. We are utilizing this knowledge to help companies throughout the value chain to better exploit the residual value found in multi-material laminated items.
Dr. Christos Lecou
Sector Marketing, Covestro
In our lab, we assessed a range of different options for debonding PU laminates. Now we need to show that these good results are scalable. This is something we can only achieve in collaboration with partners along the value chain.
Thomas Fait
Business Development, Covestro
Debonding technologies make PU-glued multi-material laminates more circular
Manufacturers face the dilemma of rising consumer demand for recyclable packaging, yet also the desire for greater convenience. Drawing on our extensive polyurethane know-how, we have investigated solutions to the flexible packaging recycling dilemma. Our debonding approaches make it easier to separate the layers in multi-material laminates. In our lab, we assessed a range of different options and found a way to separate PU-adhered layers in a comparatively mild environment using a combination of water, natural substances and heat. The separated individual materials can then be placed into relevant recycling streams to create higher value recyclates. Achieving a fully circular economy is what drives our innovation efforts. Our results in debonding multi-material laminates show that these materials can be separated effectively. We are now seeking forward-thinking partners in the value chain to scale up the debonding of packaging laminates for higher value recycling streams.
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