Hybrid Chemical Mechanical In-Melt Separation of PE/PET Blends: A First Step Towards Recycling at Scale of Mixed Plastic Waste

From regulatory requirements to analytical technical solutions in material development with pre- and post-consumer plastic waste, learn how inline methods, rheology, and extrusion streamline R&D processes for faster and more sustainable product development.

Modern plastics, used in packaging, automotive, textile, and other applications, often contain complex chemical mixtures, posing significant recycling challenges. This 5-part webinar series introduces advancements in science to create efficient recycling methods for separating and processing these materials.

Who should attend this webinar series?

• Researchers and scientists from industry and academia who are involved in polymer/biopolymer material and product development.

Key learning objectives:

• Understanding Material Development: Learn about the latest advancements in developing new materials from recycled plastics.
• Innovative Methods: Discover the benefits of small-scale extrusion, rheology, and real-time online analytical methods, such as spectroscopy, in plastic recycling.
• Networking Opportunities: Discuss with experts and pose your questions during the Q&A session.
• Regulatory and Standardization Knowledge: Stay informed about the latest regulations and standards affecting plastic recycling practices. 

Webinar 5: Hybrid Chemical Mechanical In-Melt Separation of PE/PET Blends: A First Step Towards Recycling at Scale of Mixed Plastic Waste

Professor João Maia will present a novel hybrid chemical-mechanical approach using reactive extrusion to enable large-scale recycling of multilayer, multicomponent plastic packaging, which is currently a major challenge. Initial industrial pilot tests show up to 90% phase separation, offering a potential pathway for future recycling solutions.

Presenter: Prof. João Maia (Professor in Marcomolecular Science & Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Director of the Center for Advanced Polymer Processing (CAPP))

Prof. Maia is a professor of macromolecular science and engineering at Case Western Reserve University and is the director of the Center for Advanced Polymer Processing (CAPP). He holds a PhD in Rheology from the University of Wales Aberystwyth and has an extensive background in polymer processing research.