Afbeelding
This project focuses on developing a new process for the chemical recycling of PLA. The aim is to break down PLA into oligomers by hydrolysis and then purify these oligomers.
What problem does it solve?
The research focuses on obtaining PLA oligomers by partial hydrolysis of PLA with water. The obtained oligomers are purified by cyclo-depolymerisation, obtaining the monomer lactide. This pure lactide can then be used to produce new PLA, creating a circular chain for PLA.
Future
More PLA production capacity is expected to be built in the coming years. Companies such as Total Corbion are planning the construction of new PLA plants. As a result, more PLA from the consumer market is expected to become available for the recycling process in the future. Instead of composting, there is a new approach to keep PLA in the chain as much as possible, which fits with the principles of the circular economy.
In addition, the project will investigate the separation of PLA products in mixed plastic waste streams. Using hyperspectral camera techniques, the PLA present will be detected and separated. After washing the obtained PLA, further research into the chemical recycling of PLA will be carried out.
Collaboration partners
