29 November 2016 Report

Food-grade HDPE recycling process: Commercial feasibility study

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This project was initiated with the support of WRAP's Packaging Innovation Research program to develop innovative packaging that could reduce household packaging waste originating from the retail sector.

Key points

  • This process is technically attractive due to its unique capabilities of recovering HDPE back to food grade
  • It could be an effective investment when integrated into an existing PET operation
  • The equipment is available from a restricted range of reliable suppliers in Europe and a plant could be set up for approximately £3 million.

Overview

The WRAP process for recycling post-use HDPE milk bottles into food grade resin has been shown to be technically suited to the task of recovering HDPE for re-use into milk bottles.

The process is capable of decontaminating HDPE milk bottles that have been exposed to high levels of contaminants back to food grade standards using tests that that conform to EU practices and also potentially USFDA requirements.

The process can be developed into a self-supporting business provided that there are helpful conditions in the market including a suitable supply and prices for raw materials, suitable quality and sales prices that can reach virgin prices.

To find out more about the process and the commercial applications, please read the full report using the link below.

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  • Commercial Feasibility Study Final Report

    PDF, 722.08 KB

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