Afbeelding
It is difficult to recycle PET trays (menu trays) because of the use of different plastics in the films. There are already 1 million tonnes of PET tray in Europe waiting to be recycled with the right technology. This number is growing every year.
Reason
PET trays are trays used for packaging food such as meat and cheese. To make the products last longer, the film of the trays has an extra layer that prevents oxygen from reaching the product.
What problem does the project solve?
The project investigates the chemical recycling of PET trays. During the recycling process, the polyester (PET) in the trays is chemically broken down using glycolysis or hydrolysis processes. The obtained product is cleaned and the other substances are removed. The purified product is re-polymerised into virgin polyester (PET), which has the same properties as new plastic made from fossil or renewable resources.
Future
Eventually, the entire process is to be scaled up to CuRe Technology's new chemical recycling facility in Emmen, with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year.
Who is the project team
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences participates from the Academy of Technology & Innovation. Together with (associate) professors, lecturers and students (in minors) it is possible to participate in several parts and contribute to the realisation of CuRe Technology's project Recycling multilayer PET trays.
How does the project team tackle it?
Within the project, there is close cooperation with Hanze University Groningen and the University of Groningen. Available expertise within these knowledge institutions comes together to make the project a success.
