cycleworks - Closing the loop PS Switzerland
Plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives, but their use also has a massive impact on the environment. One promising solution for reducing these effects is material recycling. This is exactly where our exchange comes in: Since 2020, stakeholders along the entire value chain have been committed to a closed loop for polystyrene (PS) food packaging. At the "Closing the loop" round table [...]
Neutralization of HBCD (flame retardant) in "old" EPS insulation materials
Background Insulation materials for buildings can be made from a wide variety of materials. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are frequently used today. Like other thermoplastics, these materials are theoretically easy to recycle. In addition, according to several studies, the amount of post-consumer insulation materials will increase significantly in the future. The potential to recycle these materials [...]
Use of PS recyclate behind a functional barrier
The use of secondary materials in food packaging is a key element in the implementation of a circular economy for packaging. The use quotas for secondary materials required in other European countries make the use of recycled plastics necessary in the food sector too. However, this is associated with uncertainties regarding the quality of secondary polymers and the migration behavior of impurities. With the new regulation [...]
Construction of closed circuits for food contact rPP (FCMrPP)
In our new, recently approved, Innosuisse project we are researching a closed loop for post-consumer food packaging made of polypropylene (PP) - together with our research partners, KATZ (Plastics Training and Technology Center) and the Institute for Technology Management of the University of St. Gallen (HSG-ITEM) and our industrial partners BASF Schweiz AG, Coop Genossenschaft, Emmi Schweiz AG, Greiner Packaging AG, InnoPlastics AG, Migros Industrie AG, Silac AG and Säntis Packaging AG. The project will start in October [...]
Circular Economy for Polypropylene (CE4PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most important types of plastic used today. Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to establish a closed cycle for PP food packaging. However, the latest investigations by realcycle GmbH (formerly REDILO GmbH) and the Plastics Training and Technology Center KATZ show promising results with regard to the technical possibilities. From this, clear requirements for a future collection and recycling system can be derived. In [...]
Is a polypropylene circuit (food) possible and reasonable?
This pilot project as part of the realCYCLE project made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund is being designed and implemented together with players in the plastics value chain. The overarching theme of realCYCLE is to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a cycle. The systemic prerequisites and framework conditions for scalability are examined and concrete possibilities are identified to enable a comprehensive and [...]
Marking plastics - the path to a circular economy?
This pilot project as part of the realCYCLE project made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund is being designed and implemented together with players in the plastics value chain. The overarching theme of realCYCLE is to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a cycle. The systemic prerequisites and framework conditions for scalability are examined and concrete possibilities are identified to enable a comprehensive and [...]
Project realCYCLE
Whether we like it or not, plastic packaging has become an integral part of our everyday lives. But the enormous consumption gobbles up raw materials and energy - and leaves behind huge mountains of waste. The realCYCLE project wants to change that. Made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund, it aims to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a cycle. The prerequisite for a [...]
Approval of recycled polystyrene (rPS) in applications with food contact materials
Since the beginning of 2021, players along the entire value chain have been committed to a closed cycle for food packaging made from polystyrene (PS). PS has a similarly low diffusion capacity as PET and therefore hardly absorbs any harmful substances. In addition, PS is primarily used in the food packaging sector for dairy products such as yoghurts, which makes it easier to identify food contact materials. It is therefore suitable [...]
Your project
Interested in a project with realcycle? We offer you a wide range of services: from consulting and training to project design and help with the implementation of the measures developed. With us, you get everything from a single source. We sit down with you, analyze and advise you as equals. Together with you, we define a plan of action, support [...]