Recyscale: materials for more circular packaging

The technology centre ITENE will develop, within the framework of the Recyscale project, new technologies for the decontamination of flexible polyolefins and the recycling of cellulose derived from laminated papers.

The initiative aims to overcome current limitations in the recycling of these materials and make it easier to incorporate them into new industrial applications, thereby improving the sustainability of the packaging value chain.

The project, funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE+i) with FEDER funds, has been running since April 2025 and will continue until June 2026. “The development of these processes will make it possible to obtain higher-quality decontaminated plastics and recycled cellulose, which will facilitate their reuse in sectors such as cosmetics, household and personal care products, or food. In doing so, we help companies adapt to sustainability goals and European regulations, while strengthening the competitiveness of the sector,” said César Aliaga, Recyscale project manager at ITENE.

Contributing to a more sustainable and competitive industry

Global plastic production reached 400 million tonnes in 2022, of which only 46% of packaging waste is recycled, partly due to the complexity caused by cross-contamination and thermal degradation during recycling. Likewise, in 2023, 401 million tonnes of paper and cardboard packaging were produced, and laminated materials continue to represent a major recycling challenge due to their heterogeneous composition.

To address this challenge, Recyscale is developing innovative decontamination processes for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films, including treatments using water vapour, polyethylene glycol, ozone, vacuum and temperature. In addition, it will apply mechanical, chemical and advanced delamination and decontamination technologies to laminated papers, seeking to recover cellulose and adapt it for new applications.

“We are developing specific processes that will enable cellulose to be separated and recovered more efficiently, opening the door to its reuse in new packaging and industrial applications. Meanwhile, in the case of plastic films…”