Page 45 - Plastics News November 2022

TECHNOLOGY

Association of Plastics Recyclers Recognizes Cavitated PE Technology

breathable voided structure. The
combination of MDO and cavita-
tion leads to improved film perfor-
mance including puncture resist-
ance, toughness, and high opacity.
PE films produced using Void’s
new process offer a 35% ma-
terial savings from density re-
duction and down-gauging.
The APR recognition comes af-
ter laboratory testing confirmed
that the technology is compat-
ible with current, industrial-scale,
film to film recycling processes.
Thanks to the low density of VO+
PE films, they will float in separa-
tion systems. During the recycling
process, VO+ films will turn from
oid Technologies announced it plastic, creating a film with a re-
Vhas received Critical Guidance duced environmental footprint. white to clear and will retain simi-
recognition from the APR for its pro- VO+ films are produced by blend- lar properties to recycled PE resins.
prietary process to create low density ing the masterbatch with PE as Void’s VO+ PE masterbatch tech-
cavitated films, confirming its compat- part of the film extrusion process. nology was developed for use in a
ibility with PE film recycling in the US. The orientation process causes the range of applications such as lami-
The VO+ technology creates mi- VO+ additives to separate from the nates, frozen food, wicketed bags,
cro and nano-scale air pockets in primary polymer to create a non- and flow wraps for confectionery.

Protein Evolution Recycles Plastics Quickly — “1 Million Years Of Evolution In
1 Day”

oday, Protein Evolution, Inc. scale, creating a cost-effective so- McCartney. Additional funding came
T(PEI) launched out of stealth, lution with immediate applications from New Climate Ventures, El-
unveiling groundbreaking technol- for the petrochemical industry, dridge, Nextrans, and Good Friends,
ogy that transforms textile and global consumer goods companies, which is backed by the founders of
mixed-plastic waste into an infi- textile manufacturers and others Warby Parker, Allbirds and Harry’s.
nitely reusable resource, helping that are looking to significantly re- “Despite significant and aggressive
the chemicals industry transition to duce their reliance on fossil fuels. industry commitments toward sus-
a lower-carbon, circular economy. Protein Evolution’s initial fund- tainability, the current approach to
Leveraging recent breakthroughs in ing, totaling more than $20 million, plastic recycling is costly, ineffec-
natural science and artificial intelli- comes from notable entrepreneurs tive and resource-intensive," said
gence, the company designs enzymes and industry leaders. The fundrais- Connor Lynn, PEI Co-Founder and
to break down end-of-life textile and ing round was led by Collaborative Chief Business Officer. "Right now,
plastic waste into the building blocks Fund’s recently announced climate it's far cheaper for petrochemical
that make up new textile and plastic fund, Collab SOS, which is in partner- companies to produce new 'virgin'
products. PEI’s proprietary process ship with iconic fashion designer and plastics than it is to recycle exist-
is the first of its kind that is built to pioneer in sustainable materials Stella ing materials, which is one of many

November 2022 PLASTICS NEWS 45