Recycling lab

The Institute cyclos-HTP (CHI) has developed an approved test standard for the assessment of recyclability and recycling compatibility of packaging materials.

For our customers we offer the following laboratory services:

• Assessment of NIR detection and ballistic eject properties on original Unisort equipment
  
  
• Swim-sink test for the investigation of the separation behaviour due to the specific density of packaging components
  
  
• Assessment of electrical conductivity for packaging samples containing metals
  
  
• Grinding/crushing tests of packaging samples on a granulator equipped with 3 rotor knives, diagonal/helical scissor cut,
  up to 60 kg/h,
  
  
• Investigation of the defibration properties of fibre-based packaging. This includes an assessment of the formation of critical stickies (adhesive contaminants) during sheet formation. Testing can be carried out, upon request, according to the CHI-C6-PTS or CHI-C6-Henkel protocols. Both test methods take into account the defibration kinetics under various conditions, reflecting the residence times in industrial-scale recycling processes.
  
  
• CHI compatibility tests for adhesives. This assessment includes label/bottle washing and quantitative separation of label materials. The caustic hot washing test can be done in a attrition cell with high shear rates to simulate realistic process conditions in contrast to known test protocols. On request, this test can also be carried-out according to protocols by EPBP, APR and others.
  
  
• Roasting tests and assessment of discolouring of PET flakes due to contaminants like adhesive remains or critical additives
  
  
• Label bleeding test incl. colour evaluations of PET flakes and washing liquids. On request, this test can be carried-out according to protocols by EPBP, APR and others.
  
  
• Clumping test of PET bottle and label flakes, with or without load weight, including crystallisation of PET. On request, this test can be carried-out according to APR protocol.
  
  
• Plastic recycling assessments:
• • Lab scale plastic or recyclate processing tests with homogenisation on a double-screw lab extruder and regranulation. Recyclates of polyolefins can further be converted into blown films. We offer these services in close cooperation with University labs.
    
    
  • Physical, thermal and optical tests on pelletised recyclates, regranulates, recycling films and specimen like DSC, tensile test, impact strength, DMA, optical homogeneity, sealing properties and others. We offer these services in close cooperation with University labs.
    
    
  • Based on the results we can certify the recyclability of a plastic material or the recycling compatibility of components and material combinations.
    
    
• Packaging structure analysis: For an accurate assessment of recyclability it is necessary to have all data about the qualitative and quantitative composition of a packaging. By request the composition and structure of packaging like layer thickness and material characterisation can be observed by accurate lab investigations. We offer these services in close cooperation with Innoform GmbH.