Low-energy delamination and catalytic upcycling of multilayer polyolefin films
A novel low-energy process for recycling multilayer polyolefin films, enhancing material recovery and circularity through targeted delamination, catalytic purification, and reprocessing. This approach reduces energy demand and preserves polymer integrity for value-added reuse.
Overview
This innovative solution targets the recycling of multilayer polyolefin films commonly used in flexible packaging. By employing a low-energy, multi-stage recovery process, this technology addresses the significant challenge of separating inseparable inks, metallization, and adhesives. The process involves selective delamination using solvents or supercritical fluids, followed by catalytic purification and compatibilizer-driven reprocessing. This approach retains the polymer's molecular weight and mechanical performance, making it suitable for high-value applications and supporting the circular economy for packaging materials.
Technical specifications
- Selective Delamination: Utilizes mild solvents or supercritical fluids to effectively separate barrier layers and inks while preserving polymer integrity.
- Catalytic Purification: Tailored catalysts are used to purify the polymer, removing quality-degrading contaminants.
- Compatibilizer-driven Reprocessing: Stabilizes mixed polyolefin streams, maintaining processability and mechanical properties.
- Yield and Energy Efficiency: Offers improved yield and reduced energy demand compared to conventional methods like pyrolysis or gasification.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3. It has undergone analytical and experimental proof of concept with ongoing validation through multiple phases, including polymer characterization, process development, and performance benchmarking. The approach is being assessed for scalability and pilot-scale implementation, with a focus on applications in the flexible packaging industry.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
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