CIMPA: EUROPEAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROJECT FOR MULTILAYER FILM
We are members of CIMPA, a European project that aims to develop a circular economy system that prevents multilayer film from becoming waste.
Data shows that almost 3 million tonnes of multilayer film waste is incinerated or sent to landfill every year due to a lack of sustainable recycling solutions. These figures mean it is essential to design innovative solutions to make the jump from the current waste recycling model to one that ensures circularity.
CIMPA’s goal is to develop a recycling value chain for post-industrial and post-consumer multilayer film (used in food and agriculture) to retain between 12% and 72% of its value. Up to 2.34 Mt of recycled materials will be saved per year and reintroduced into production, replacing virgin materials.
The ultimate objective is to produce recycled materials that meet the necessary standards for use in both agricultural applications and packaging designed to come into contact with food.
The project’s main processes will involve:
1. Developing an innovative compositional separation system based on infrared techniques and 2D and 3D marking.
2. Applying mechanical and physical recycling techniques.
3. Carrying out decontamination processes.
4. Improving existing advanced decontamination solutions.
The project, financed by European funds, is coordinated by IPC (Industrial Technical Centre for Plastics and Composites) and works with top partners such as research centres (IPC, AIMPLAS, VTT, TNO), cutting-edge technology suppliers (PELLENC, FILIGRADE), a waste management company (PAPREC), multilayer film producers including Leygatech and Barbier, the consumer attitude research institute (PROSPEX), a representative from the plastic recycling industry (EURIC) and the consultants Benkei.
These partners met in June to officially launch the project, financed by the European Commission through the HORIZONTE 2020 programme.
Project information here.
