● Covestro technology weakens the bond strength of polyurethane (PU) adhesives

● The composite film of multi-layer packaging can be separated after use

● Separated material can be recycled

Flexible packaging made of multi-layer films allows for the hygienic and safe storage of many foods, which are essential in modern day-to-day life. However, there is one problem with multifunctional packaging: sustainable disposal. After use, the adhesive films in the material combination are difficult to separate from each other – which is why this flexible packaging can unfortunately only be partially recycled.

Covestro identified this problem – and developed a technological process for recycling companies and packaging manufacturers to solve it: In multilayer film packaging laminated with polyurethane (PU) adhesives, thanks to new technologies, the respective Materials can be separated from each other again. Now, the team will
The development will be presented at the K 2022 trade fair in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26 October.

During this process, a special release agent specifically weakens the bond strength of the polyurethane (PU) adhesive. Since the separating agent is composed of natural ingredients and water, it is very sustainable. For packaging manufacturers and recyclers, the process has great advantages. Thomas
Fait
is the new business development manager for Covestro Adhesives, where he leads the laboratory-scale technology development. He said: “Our expertise helps them make better use of the residual value of packaging, thereby providing more raw materials for the recycling industry. Through projects like this, we are contributing to the realization of our corporate vision: to make the circular economy a reality . To do this, we work with partners from various fields and industries and are always looking for how our products and technologies can help other companies realize the cycle.”

At K 2022, the team will be presenting the technology to the plastics industry for the first time and looking for potential partners from the packaging and recycling industries to further develop the process with them.