From waste to the future: Freising revolutionizes PVC recycling

From waste to the future: Freising revolutionizes PVC recycling

Innovative approaches to use PVC waste in Freising (Photo: IVV)

The discussion about plastic waste and their recycling has become very important in recent years. PVC in particular, a widespread plastic, is targeted because it is often incompetent. But a new research project shows that there are certainly alternatives. The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Technology and Packaging (IVV) in Freising has successfully supervised water as part of the “Circular Flooring” project. It was demonstrated that used PVC floors can be converted into high-quality, plasticizer-free recyclates. This could be a striking step in plastic utilization and address the waste problem in the area of land construction.

under the direction of Dr. Martin Schlummer made the four -year project, which was funded by the EU with around 5.4 million euros, important progress. The scientists found that the use of the CREASOLV procedure based on solvent can effectively remove pollutants such as the plasticizer Dehp from the waste. This ensures that the new recyclates meet the strict requirements of EU legislation, known under the name REACH.

technology and meaning

The Createolv process, developed by Creacycle in Grevenbroich, has emerged as a key technology in the conversion of PVC waste. This innovative-practical approach made it possible to free PVC residues from their poisonous contamination. It is estimated that most DEHP-containing floor waste has so far been burned, which is not only environmentally harmful, but also causes the potential to reuse. Now we have the chance to convert these waste into a recycling material that can be returned to the production circuit.

The decision to want to recycle PVC floors is of far-reaching importance. On the one hand, this represents progress in the recycling sector and could significantly reduce the amount of waste. There are already approaches on how these recycled materials can be used in construction and other industries, which reduces the need for new raw materials and the environmental pollution can be minimized.

sustainable future in the PVC industry

With the successful completion of the “Circular Flooring” project, it becomes clear that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity in the plastic industry. This research result could serve as a model for further developments in the recycling of other difficult to recyclable plastics. Because the need for environmentally friendly solutions is growing steadily. This initiative is of immense importance in particular in the EU, where in particular in the EU, where desired guidelines for waste avoidance and circular economy are becoming increasingly strictly.

The production of plasticizer-free recyclates can not only protect the environment in the long term, but also open new economic perspectives for the plastic industry. The commitment to the circular economy is increasingly seen as a key to sustainable development. Such innovative projects initiated an important cultural change in society, away from linear processing processes towards recycling and reuse.

As the next step, the commercialization of the new recycling method is now to be tackled. Dr. Martin Schlummer is optimistic that it will be possible in the future to apply this technology on a larger scale in order to promote a broader application and significantly increase the recycling rate of PVC waste. This innovative approach is not only regarded as technological progress, but also as a essential contribution to coping with the challenges caused by plastic waste.

The "Circular Flooring" project is part of a more comprehensive trend that aims to promote the circular economy and to transform waste into valuable resources. PVC floors are common in many buildings, but their disposal is a challenge because conventional methods are often environmentally harmful. In the past, PVC waste was frequently deposited or burned, which was both ecological and economic disadvantages.

Thanks to new technologies such as the CREASOLV process, chemical recycling, researchers and companies now have the opportunity to convert PVC waste into high-quality recyclates. This innovation not only contributes to reducing waste, but also meets the strict requirements of the EU to the circular economy and the use of recycling materials.

The importance of recyclates in the construction industry

The use of recyclates in the construction industry has increased significantly in recent years. This is particularly due to the increasing pressure to implement sustainable practices in the construction industry. The EU pursues ambitious goals to reduce CO2 emissions and to promote recycling programs. The EU plans to recycle at least 70 % of the construction and demolition waste by 2025.

These efforts are supported by various guidelines, such as the EU waste framework, which pursues a clear strategy for reduction in waste and reduction. The switch to recyclates not only improves the ecological footprint of the construction projects, but can also reduce material costs. Since the market for sustainable building materials is constantly evolving, construction companies are increasingly interested in using innovative materials that are both environmentally friendly and cost -effective.

Current statistics on the recycling rate in the EU

According to the European Commission, the recycling rate for construction and demolition waste in the EU in 2020 was around 70 %. This is a sign that the industry is on the right track to reach EU requirements. The demand for recycling materials has also increased, which shows that the construction industry is ready to adopt new technologies and integrate sustainable practices.

These figures reflect the progress that is supported by projects such as "circular flooring" and show that the commitment to the circular economy in the construction industry is growing continuously.