By Arnau Fernandez, GCR
At GCR, we have successfully completed laboratory-scale trials on the mechanical recycling of rigid fractions of PLA and biopolyester blends.
This research has demonstrated that, by applying pre-processing and purification protocols to the scrap prior to extrusion, at controlled conditions, it is possible to obtain high-quality recycled pellets. The technical validation of these recycled materials was conducted using injection-molded test specimens. The results indicate that the mechanical resistance achieved is comparable to that of virgin products. These results validate the process at laboratory scale, allowing us to plan the transition to an industrial environment in the coming months.
In the coming months, our R&D efforts will shift as well toward the recycling of flexible fractions at lab scale. We aim to develop the specific laboratory pre-processes required for the successful mechanical recycling of flexible biopolymer waste, following the same rigorous standards of quality and performance established for rigid materials.
