Demonstration of a innovative recycling process for the production of a high-quality LDPE granulate from comingled and post-consumer waste streams

Introduction

LIFE Resource Efficient Plastic Recycling project (LIFE REPLAR) by Limerick Polymers Production (LPP) will realize a first-of-a-kind post-consumer plastic film recycling plant in Clare, Ireland. LIFE REPLAR aims to boost the utilization of recycled plastic within the plastic packaging sector by transforming mixed post-consumer waste streams into high-quality LDPE pellets. The project's main goal is to establish a demo-scale recycling plant capable of processing 11,000 tonnes of high-quality LDPE pellets annually from combined post-consumer waste streams.

Innovative Recycling Method

The recycling facility is set to be first-of-a-kind, introducing an innovative recycling method that will allow for a water and energy efficient production process of high-quality plastic films.

Closed Loop Process

• The process is largely closed looped, reusing wastewater directly in the process.
• This approach eliminates microplastics ending up in the sewer.
• There is no use of ground or potable freshwater required.
• Utilizing heat by-product reduces the electrical load required for the recycling plant by almost 50%.
• The TPER reduction is 18%, thereby maximizing resource efficiency.

Capacity and Impact

The proposed plant will have the capacity to recycle a significant amount of the post-consumer LDPE film waste produced in Ireland.

Blueprint for Future Plants

Due to its innovativeness and flexibility, the project will provide an innovative design of plastic (film) recycling plants and will serve as a blueprint for any future European recycling plant.

Contribution to European Goals

Due to its focus on LDPE recycling, LIFE REPLAR will provide an important active contribution to the European recycling targets as well as overarching circular economy objectives.

Support for Legislation and Policy

During and after the project, it will support the development, implementation, and enforcement of relevant EU legislation and policy through:

1. Increasing the availability of recycled plastic packaging material.
2. Sharing project results with relevant stakeholders for future upscaling and replication of plastic (film) recycling plants.