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PureCycle Technologies, Inc. announced the successful completion of larger-scale trials with PureFive resin in biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. 16,000 meters of nearly 1-meter-wide BOPP film, at various thicknesses, was produced over two days. The latest trials were conducted in August by Germany-based Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH, a supplier of production lines for manufacturing a wide range of stretched films.
During the trials, the PureFive resin performed similarly to virgin polypropylene (PP) on Brückner’s film line that runs at 40 meters per minute. The trials were conducted with PureFive Choich resin that contained 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
Two different types of film were made during the trials. A 25 micron, multi-layer film was produced with the PureFive resin comprising as much as three of the five layers. This type of film is commonly used in food packaging. Additionally, a thicker film of approximately 50 microns was produced for companies that make labels. The film samples are now being shared with potential customers.
PureCycle CEO Dustin Olson says, “We are thrilled by the results of these latest trials with Brückner. This opens an entirely new application segment for our team for both Ironton and future facilities. Our team has the film in hand, and we are now sharing it with brand owners who can have confidence in running industrial trials at their own facilities.” Olson adds, “I really appreciate the Brückner team for their work on this project. They’ve been incredible to work with, and I know they also see this as a breakthrough for companies around the world that have been looking for a way to introduce PCR content into BOPP film.”
BOPP film has a wide range of end-use applications, including food packaging for snacks, candy and baked goods. It is also used for labeling and adhesive tape. BOPP film is popular in these applications due to its transparency and moisture and chemical resistance.
Head of the Technology Center at Brückner Siegsdorf Dr. Markus Koppers said, “These latest trials with PureFive™ resin are a big step forward for the industry. PureCycle is proving that a dissolution recycling process can take post-consumer curbside waste and transform it into a recyclate that can perform like virgin polypropylene in applications where the technical properties are incredibly stringent.”
