CREATOR

As a core technical development, CREAToR will adapt the extractive extrusion process known from polymer compounding to transfer it to the recycling industry. The aim is to enhance purification techniques based on supercritical CO2 extraction and the use of ionic liquids and/or (natural) deep eutectic solvents. The properties and potentials of this novel type of solvent inspired the consortium to tackle the most persistent problems in plastic recycling. To ensure high quality input for the extrusion based purification process, new bromine detection technologies will be applied, which will be utilised for large parts sorting. Sorting dismantled parts instead of shredded mixtures will significantly increase the purity of the incoming secondary raw material stream. The purified secondary raw material stream will be closely monitored, to ensure REACH conform removal of the hazardous compounds. Upon successful purification the materials will be optimised in terms of their material properties to allow their utilisation in demanding applications. The suitability of the materials will be shown by the production of 3 demonstrators: an automotive interior part, a foamed insulation board for B&C application, and a 3 D printed part for aerospace application. Additionally, an optimised logistics concept will be developed and validated in CREAToR, gaining additional commercial viability by integrating all proposed innovations into an industrial process, rather than researching isolated process solutions which do not match modern sector structures. CREAToR will advance knowledge beyond state of the art, creating new benchmarks that will serve industrial stakeholders, alongside policy makers, environmental groups and citizens. CREAToR’s comprehensive approach includes proof of concept evidence and marketing and business models that will maximise the return on investment for recycling operators.