This summary outlines a technology and project description for a fiber preparation plant focused on multilayer recyclables. It discusses the technological concept surrounding innovative cavitation pulper technology, provides a project description, and highlights the positive impact on the circular economy and the environment.
The patented process described can separate fiber-based compounds, laminates, and other challenging-to-recycle types of packaging from waste and recyclable material, yielding recyclable fractions. For example, paper-based compounds can be segmented or defibered into their individual components, which are often thermally processed (i.e., burned) due to a lack of suitable processes, making material recycling unprofitable until now and hindering mechanical recycling rates.
Examples of suitable compounds include pre- or post-consumer beverage cartons (liquid cardboard packaging), coated packaging, (PE-) coated special papers, residual materials with adhesive residual fibers, or plastic containers coated/pasted with paper labels.
The patented technology, known as the “cavitation pulper” (referred to as “CP”), leverages the physical effect of cavitation. In the cavitation pulper, this phenomenon is utilized positively, in a controlled and weakened form, selectively dissolving only the hydrogen bonding of the compounds. This occurs in an environmentally friendly and cost-competitive manner, without the addition of chemicals or additional heat energy.
Keywords: Fibers, Circularity, Packaging, Energy, Beverage cartons, Innovation, Recyclability
O PAPEL vol. 85, N.o 3, pp. 91 – 97 – MAR 2024
Authors: Phommalad, Bouthanome1, Neumueller, Ulrich2
1 R&D Director Repulping Technology GmbH & Co. Germany
2 Managing Director Repulping Technology GmbH & Co. Germany
Correspondent in South America of Repulping Technology’s authors: Lairton Leonardi, Solvo Consulting, 55-11-99203-1212, [email protected]
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