Page 25 - Plastics News March 2020
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FeAtures



          Tests Reveal Novel Ways to Improve Recyclability of Difficult-to-

          Recycle Plastics

                                                                                                  Clare Goldsberr

          The new findings indicate that recyclability is improved when EVOH is sandwiched in the packaging structure
          with PE-g-MAH tie layers


             ovel new findings have emerged from compatibility   extrusion at 220oC and use of pellets in the production
          Ntests involving the ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)    of new HDPE containers with up to 25% recycled content.
          barrier in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers   The new findings indicate that recyclability is improved
          in  the  recycling  process.  RecyClass,  a  cross-industry   when EVOH is sandwiched in the packaging structure
                                         initiative to advance   with PE-g-MAH tie layers. Laboratory test results show
                                         plastic packaging      that the chemistry of these tie layers can enhance the
                                         recyclability within   compatibilization of EVOH and HDPE during extrusion
                                         Europe, will use these   by avoiding the typical yellowing effect as well as an
                                         findings to update and   increase of gels and specks in the pellets.  However, this
                                         enhance its Design for   corresponds specifically to the PE-g-MAH tie layers and not
                                         Recycling Guidelines   to any other arbitrary tie layers. In case another type is
                                         for PE-HD Natural and   used, the laboratory tests will have to be repeated, said
                                         Colored Containers. A   RecyClass. The 6% EVOH concentration and 3% PE-g-MAH
                                         compatibilizer  layer   tie layers (where MAH is >0.1%) is, therefore, reported in
                                         was inserted to test   the design for recycling guidelines as compatible with the
          how an embedded solution could improve recyclability of   HDPE recycling stream and having no detrimental effects
          a structure usually considered difficult to recycle.  The   under testing conditions. RecyClass noted, however, that
          test was performed on natural, five-layer HDPE containers   an EVOH concentration above 1% with any other type of
          consisting of 6% EVOH and 3% PE-g-MAH (polyethylene-  tie layer is reported as having no compatibility, as further
          grafted  maleic  anhydride)  tie  layers  (by  weight),   testing will be required.
          according to the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for
          HDPE Containers. Apart from pretreatment, tests included                              (Courtesy: Plastics Today)


         Biodegradable Plastics Market to Set Amazing Growth



             lobal  biodegradable  plastics  market  is  expected   and concern for the global warming is expected to drive
          Gto rise from its initial estimated value of USD 3.15   the market growth. Moreover, the increased demand from
          billion in 2018 to an estimated value of USD 9.30 billion by   a number of applicable industries for the product is also
          2026, registering a CAGR of 14.5% in the forecast period   expected to drive the market growth.
          of 2019-2026 according to the latest reports by the Data   This market report works on all the aspects of market that
          Bridge Market Research.Huge data and information of   are required to create the finest and top-notch market
          Biodegradable Plastics Market report has been collected   research report. The report makes use of an excellent
          from a multiple trustworthy sources such as journals,   research methodology which focuses on market share
          websites, white papers, annual reports of the companies,   analysis and key trend analysis. It estimates CAGR values
          and mergers. This rise in market value can be attributed   in percentages which designate the rise or fall occurring
          to the rising amount of plastic wastes and concern for   in  the  market  for  particular  product  for  the  specific
          the environment and global warming. According to report   forecast period. The report includes many of the leading
          rising awareness programs and adoption of eco-friendly   organizations'- NatureWorks LLC, BASF SE, Total Corbion
          plastics is due to the increasing amount of plastic wastes
                                                                PLA, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, to name some.


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