Modern life would be unthinkable without plastic; however, what makes it useful also makes it problematic when it comes to its end-of-life phase. Technology that efficiently removes additives from plastic waste will offer exciting new possibilities for obtaining high-quality material and then reprocessing it into useful products.
All plastic products are made from an essential polymer (such as polyurethane) mixed with a complex blend of materials known as additives. Polyurethane production in Europe exceeds 13 million tonnes every year. At present, around 50 % of polyurethane waste is disposed of through landfills, and a great part of this contains additives and pigments.
Further details: Green future for polyurethane