Extrusion International 6-2025

63 Extrusion International 6/2025 Enhancing Mechanical Recycling Quality LyondellBasell (LYB) is enhancing its high-quality standards for mechanically recycled materials through investments in their R&D capabilities. One example is at the innovation Center in Frankfurt where LYB is strengthening its efforts in the development of ad- vanced sorting, decontamination and compounding technologies as well as advanced analytics of post-con- sumer recyclates under near industrial conditions. LYB is developing mechanical recycling technologies using its new innovation facility designed to simulate industrial conditions, focusing on advanced sorting, decontamination and compounding technologies for post-consumer waste feedstocks. “With the ability to process several hundred kilograms of test material – sorted by plastic type and color – and combining this with options for decontamination, extrusion and de- gassing, this facility marks a key milestone in develop- ing our technologies under near-industrial conditions. In this way, we continuously improve our processes together with our locations in Geleen, where we al- ready operate mechanical recycling technologies,” says Ulf Schüller, head of Process Technology Development Frankfurt. Investments include the installation of a new ake sorter, decontamination steps as well as extrusion, downstream degassing and puri cation units, that will enable us to develop more consistent and higher quality end-products for our customers. Analytics play a crucial role in enabling the safe use of mechanically recycled materials for future applications. That is why the in-house analytics team at LYB in Frank- furt is advancing trace analysis to assess the suitability of these materials for cosmetic packaging. Examples of analytical methods used to evaluate re- cycled materials include: • Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for identifying and quantifying trace organic contami- nants • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS) for detecting heavy metals • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for analyzing additives and degradation products These techniques help ensure that recycled materi- als meet stringent safety requirements, particularly for sensitive applications like leave-on cosmetics. “Smart recycling begins with smart analytics. Through continu- ous research and cutting-edge technology, we can truly meet our customers’ expectations and drive the future of recycling – ensuring recyclates are free from hazard- ous substances like heavy metals, plasticizers, and other toxic chemicals,” says Diana Doetsch, R&D Lead Polymer Physics & Characterization. Each recycling technology developed by LyondellBasell offers distinct strengths, collectively contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and advancement of a circular economy. Understanding that not all plastic waste is the same is essential – processing exible plastics requires dif - ferent technologies than processing rigid ones. LyondellBasell (LYB) www.lyb.com The in-house analytics team at LYB in Frankfurt is advancing trace analysis From akes to pellets the journey of recycled plastics in polymer processing Detecting chemical ngerprints Recyclate pellet ready for measurement