Recycling Technology for Multilayer PVDC-Coated PET Films

The use of an innovative recycling process has proven successful for recycling multilayer PVCD-coated PET films. The joint project between Solvay and Carbios demonstrated that multilayer PET films with Solvay’s Diofan high-barrier PVDC polymer are fully compatible for enzymatic depolymerization, Carbios’ patented recycling process. Results show that the PET is fully depolymerized, whereas the PVDC remains intact.

Carbios’ process works with specific enzymes to break down the PET molecules back into their constituent monomers. The technology uses moderate temperatures, which is ideal in the presence of PVDC, and can be applied to recycle post-industrial as well as post-consumer waste. The resulting monomers could be purified for reuse in the production of a new PET polymer reportedly of the same quality as those derived from virgin petrochemical feedstock. Notably, the joint study by Solvay and Carbios has demonstrated that PVDC does not jeopardize the depolymerization of PET.

Carbios is the first company to have developed enzymatic processes dedicated to the end-of-life of plastics and fibers. The collaboration builds upon the results of an earlier proof of concept by Solvay which has confirmed that waste from packaging or other applications using bi-oriented PVDC multi-layer film can efficiently be recycled without compromising the outstanding barrier performance of the polymer. It aligns with Solvay One Planet's sustainability ambition to preserve resources and contribute to safer, cleaner and more sustainable products.

Solvay’s Diofan and Ixan high-barrier PVDC polymers have a track record of proven food packaging applications from fresh and processed meat to fish, poultry and cheese. They are said to provide a superior barrier against the permeation of both water vapor and oxygen – most existing alternatives only meet one or the other purpose – as well as to odors and loss of aroma or flavor.

Said Guruprasad Sivakumar, Solvay’s head of marketing for consumer, healthcare and environment, “OEMs and brand owners are under tremendous pressure to increase the sustainability of their products. While PVDC has long been used for coating flexible PET films, e.g. in food packaging, where it delivers impressive barrier properties, these multi-layer structures have been challenged regarding their recyclability. This is where Carbios’ unique recycling technology comes as a real game changer. By providing a feasible and sustainable end-of-life management solution, it can help the industry close the loop on PVDC-coated PET films and extend the value proposition of our high-barrier specialty polymers to further markets, such as the packaging of pharmaceutical products.”

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