The competition for developing cutting edge recycling technology has been rapidly increasing in the last year, following major calls for cleaner energy alternatives. As the technology begins to develop, researchers are now facing the challenge of adapting technology for mass production at affordable prices.
As this new technology begins to move from pilot scales to being ’showcase’ ready, the ability to produce sustainable recycling measures for foil-based laminated materials is becoming a greater possibility.
In a recent study detailing Enval, it is coming to light that this possibility may be sooner than later. Enval, the brain child out of England’s Cambridge University, has developed technology which can separate foil from plastic. The process involves heating the foil to 500 degrees centigrade whilst maintaing a low-oxygen atmosphere. During this process the aluminum melts away and the plastic vaporized, stored, and ready to be used in other places.
At present, this process, sometimes called Aseptic brick packs, was being critised as a viable option for recycling. However, this new technology and process could put it back on the map as a viable option as a recycling method.
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