Dry mechanical separation technology for polymer-coated paper waste recycling
An environmentally friendly, cost-effective dry mechanical separation technology that recovers 90-95% of cellulose fibers and polymers from polymer-coated paper waste, including TetraPak packaging and wallpaper. Eliminates costly chemical recycling methods while enabling full reuse of both material streams.
Overview
This technology addresses the growing challenge of recycling polymer-coated paper waste, including used TetraPak packaging and polymer-coated wallpaper, through a dry mechanical separation process. Unlike conventional chemical recycling methods, which are costly and environmentally burdensome, this approach enables the complete mechanical separation of cellulose fibers from polymer coatings without chemical treatments. The result is a sustainable, resource-conserving process that supports circular economy goals, reduces production costs, and preserves natural resources.
Technical specifications
- Dry mechanical separation process that recovers 90-95% of cellulose fibers and polymers from polymer-containing paper waste
- Pilot shredder and separator equipment designed and manufactured specifically for processing wallpaper waste and polymer-coated paper, including TetraPak packaging
- Capable of processing 100% of incoming waste, including both industrial and household sources
- Produces two reusable output streams: separated cellulose fibers and granulated polymers
- Laboratory-validated physico-chemical analyses confirming the structure, composition, and properties of recovered substances
- Composite materials developed from production waste for applications such as body insulation in industrial and residential settings
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at the pilot validation stage. A pilot shredder and separator have been designed and manufactured, and laboratory physico-chemical studies have been conducted on the structure, composition, and properties of both the separated cellulose-polymer outputs and composite materials produced from the recovered polymers. Proposals for end-use applications, including insulation materials, have been developed. Future plans include scaling to industrial equipment, obtaining joint patents, and expanding into markets with established paper, polymer, and recycling industries.
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