Delamination technology for recycling multilayer packaging films
A solvent-assisted delamination process that separates and recovers high-purity polyolefins from multilayer packaging films for reuse. This method is environmentally friendly, preserving the polymers' solid state and energy, and is economically viable with potential for scaling.
Overview
The innovative delamination process offers an efficient solution for recycling multilayer packaging films, specifically targeting the recovery of polyolefins. By employing a solvent-assisted method, this technology separates the layers without breaking down the polymers, maintaining their solid state and preserving embodied energy. This approach significantly reduces energy demand and environmental impact compared to traditional methods like pyrolysis.
Technical specifications
- Solvent-assisted delamination: Utilizes a minor amount of solvent to disrupt adhesion between film layers, preserving polyolefins in their solid form.
- High purity recovery: Achieves high-purity recovery of polyolefins and potentially other materials like PET, while maintaining low energy consumption.
- Scalable and profitable: Preliminary evidence supports economic viability and scalability, with ongoing development efforts to enhance metal layer recovery, purity vs. recovery trade-offs, and solvent removal.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, this technology has been validated in lab settings. Future plans include improving metal layer recovery, optimizing purity and recovery rates, and developing a continuous process to advance to higher TRL stages.
About University at Buffalo, State University of New York
University at Buffalo is a comprehensive public research university and a leading campus in the State University of New York system. Industry engagement is anchored by co-located labs on a downtown medical campus, a research and technology park with incubators, shared core facilities, and co-op talent pipelines. Partnerships with regional hospitals enable clinical studies and translation, while proximity to the U.S.–Canada border and the binational Great Lakes corridor facilitates cross‑border collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, alongside New York State innovation programs. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, and startup support.
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