There are currently no large-scale viable mechanical recycling options for ethylene glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate medical packaging, so it usually ends up in landfills.
The Plastics Industry Association of Washington (PLASTICS) and the Medical Plastics Recycling Committee (HPRC) of Marlborough, Massachusetts approached the Resinate Materials Group of Plymouth, Michigan because the industry urgently needs to recycle PETG (ethylene glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate) Ester) medical packaging, there are currently no large-scale, viable mechanical recycling options, so it often ends up in landfill rather than being recycled and reused.
Resinate Materials Group has the expertise to upgrade, recycle and convert recycled polyester thermoplastics and polycarbonate thermoplastics into useful polyester polyols for polyurethane applications. The feasibility of converting the material flow into a useful polymer intermediate—polyester polyol. In addition, polyester polyols made from this recycled PETG medical packaging-based polyester polyol are used for direct metal coating applications. When compared side-by-side with recycled PET-based polyester polyols, the former shows Very similar properties.
Every year, millions of tons of waste materials are piled up in landfills, and any further uses they may provide will be lost forever. At Resinate, we have developed proprietary technology that allows us to harvest these valuable materials and extend their life cycle by upgrading them to higher-value polyester polyols. PETG is a glycol-modified PET, like PET, it is a transparent, colorless (no pigment or dye), terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG) and cyclohexane Thermoplastic copolymer of dimethanol (CHDM). Adding CHDM and the other two ingredients to the formula will change the chemical composition and make the PETG polymer less turbid and less brittle. This is a characteristic often observed when PET is heated (http://blog.wheaton.com/pet- vs-petg-what-is-the-difference/).
According to G, most of these PETG and PET raw materials belonging to the similar resin family have consumed a large amount of energy history and environmental footprint in the production process, and therefore, due to their performance characteristics, have become global commodity materials. Spilman, ACS Institute of Green Chemistry, in Green Chem: The Nexus Blog, November 22, 2016. PETG sheet has high stiffness, hardness and toughness, as well as good impact strength. Today, PETG is commonly used in thermoforming applications. PETG provides packaging designers with unique design freedom, and the clarity of the material allows users to easily see the product. In medical applications, PETG is used in thermoformed trays, clamshell packaging, blister packaging, mounting cards, lids, and folding cartons (www.polymerplastics.com/transparents_petg.shtml). Due to these desirable properties, PETG is usually the material of choice for packaging medical devices. However, this leads to PETG packaging waste that is usually generated and discarded in the clinical area of the hospital, and recycling rarely occurs (www.recyclinginternational.com/recycling-news/9586/plastic-and-rubber/united-states/new-Gao American Plastic Recycling business). The goal of the Medical Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) and PLASTICS is to test the recycling rate of pre-clinical plastics collected from the clinical areas of the Chicago area hospital network. (For more information, see www.recyclinginternational.com/recycling-news/9586/plastic-and-rubber/united-states/new-high-us-plastics-recyclers.) The team explored mechanical, chemical and thermal Solution recycling solutions for mixed forms of plastic packaging produced in these areas. Due to the lack of a widely available market for mechanical recycling of PETG, the team contacted Resinate to explore chemical recycling options. Built on the foundation of early work
According to the views of V. Sinha, MR Patel and JV Patel in the Journal of Polymers and the Environment, Volume 18, Number 1, March 1, 2010, pages 8 to 25, add recycling to polyester polyol formulations Ingredients are not a new concept. However, Resinate’s glycolysis technology uses a novel method to depolymerize these plastic raw materials into their oligomeric units. According to AM Al-Sabagh, FZ Yehia, DRK Harding, G. Eshaq and AE El Metwally, these units may contain The mixture from dimer to hexamer unit is published in Green Chemistry 2016, Volume 18, Issue 14, Page 3997, April 12, 2016. Subsequently, by adding specific hydrophobes that may include monofunctional and polyfunctional acids, the properties of the resulting polyester polyol can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements that very customers may seek.
Although PETG and PET are chemically similar to polyester-based polymers, these resins can be chemically processed through depolymerization as a glycolysis step. Processing temperature is very important. In the mechanical recycling process, plastic recyclers pay special attention to the effect of these different processing temperatures when the PET and PETG streams are mixed. In fact, in the machining process, when these streams are combined, PETG and PET can be used as contaminants for any material stream. However, this is not the case in chemical recycling. A demonstration project proved that the Resinate process can effectively convert PET and PETG streams into valuable chemical components; and, unlike mechanical recycling, these polyester-based resins can be processed as pure streams without cross-contamination of PET and PETG. It can also be processed as a mixture because the two resins can be simultaneously depolymerized through its proprietary glycolysis process to produce a glycolytic version of the resin. As we all know, PETG is used as rigid thermoformed packaging for medical devices. The glycolysis method allows all forms of recyclables from the clinical field, as well as recyclables from other consumer packaging, such as bottles and food packaging, to be introduced into the reactor to produce homogeneous glycolysis that can be just PET or PETG Version or a mix of both. This article aims to eliminate one of these challenges by demonstrating the value of recycled PETG medical waste as an ingredient in polyols used in specialty polyurethane applications. Experimental
As part of the medical plastic recycling demonstration project, mixed medical thermoformed PETG packaging materials were obtained from the main and outpatient surgical areas of the Chicago Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The collected materials are manually selected to avoid the use of non-PETG materials, including avoiding the use of paper labels, and are a visually uniform PETG material with blue pigments. HPRC transports approximately 2 pounds of material to Resinate in an ungranulated state, and it has been proven suitable as a viable raw material for glycolysis. However, because the glycolysis process requires pellets, flakes or pellets, Resinate chose to use flakes, approximately 0.25 inches in diameter, post-industrial PETG medical packaging waste available from commercial recyclers.
General synthesis of polyester polyols
After the use of industrial medical PETG packaging materials, the synthesis of polyester polyols is carried out using Resinate's proprietary glycolysis process technology. Experimental polyester polyols are mainly aimed at direct metal coating applications. The polyester polyol includes 76% by weight of green components. Resinate Materials Group defines green ingredients as the sum of recyclable and bio-renewable ingredients. It must be pointed out that a typical experimental polyester polyol made from recycled PET usually contains 39% recycled PET (by weight); however, when using recycled medical packaging material PETG as a substitute for PET (on a mole basis) In the case of ), the weight percentage produced in the polyester polyol formulation is 42%. This additional amount of PETG resulted in a higher overall viscosity of the polyol, as it was found to be about 30% higher. After the synthesis of the polyol is completed, the polyol is diluted with 20% by weight of butyl acetate as a means of reducing the viscosity.
Synthesis of PETG polyester polyol (IMP1005-1.0)
The 2-L reactor is filled with glycerin, propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, MTBO (catalyst) and 50% PETG thermoformed products. The experimental device was completed by placing the reactor on a heating mantle under a 0.2 cubic feet per minute (CFM) nitrogen blanket, with a top stirrer and condenser. The stirring speed is set to about 60 RPM, and the temperature is set to 200 degrees Celsius. As the temperature increased, the remaining part of PETG was added in four times, and PETG began to melt and decompose. After adding all the PETG, allow the experiment to run for 2.5 hours. Subsequently, the temperature was lowered to 100 degrees Celsius to add acids (succinic acid and isophthalic acid). The condenser was replaced with a silver jacketed tower and a short-path condenser. The acid is added, the temperature is set to 150 degrees Celsius, and the RPM is set to 300. The nitrogen flow rate was increased to 0.4 CFM. When the head temperature was below 90, the temperature gradually increased by 5 degrees Celsius, and then increased by 10 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees. Once the acid value is below 10 mg potassium hydroxide per gram, the temperature is reduced to 120 degrees Celsius and n-butyl acetate is added. The product is thoroughly mixed and poured through a 225 micron paint filter.
Synthesis of PET polyester polyol (IMP1005-6.5)
Except for the use of recycled PET instead of PETG, the synthesis of recycled PET containing polyols is exactly the same as described for PETG polyols.
To synthesize PET containing polyester polyol, the entire PET (or 39% by weight of the total composition) was added at the beginning of the experiment, and then the diol was added. After complete incorporation of PET that results in a homogeneous glycolysis product, diacids (succinic acid and isophthalic acid) are added to complete the formation of the final polyester polyol. For this product, the polyol is also filtered through a 225 micron paint filter. Direct metal coating test:
Take the following steps to recover polyols from PETG samples and manufacture surface coating products. The polyester polyol (approximately 15 g) synthesized as described above was added to a 250 ml beaker at room temperature. The hexamethylene isocyanurate trimer was then added to the beaker at a level corresponding to the 1.10 hydroxyl/isocyanate ratio. The mixture was then diluted to 55% by weight with propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. Use a three-blade mixing blade with a diameter of 3 inches for mechanical mixing and gradually increase until it reaches 500 RPM and produces a homogeneous mixture. Then dibutyltin dilaurate (0.05% by weight) was added to the reaction mixture. After a reaction time of approximately five minutes, a pellet of liquid reaction mixture was applied to one side of each of the five aluminum plates measuring 4 inches by 6 inches. Then use No. 50 RD Specialties stretching rod to stretch the solvent-based polyurethane beads down into a wet film with a thickness of 4.5 mm. The panel was quickly dried in a fume hood at ambient temperature for at least one hour, and then heated to 135 degrees Celsius in an oven for 30 minutes. Results and discussion
The characteristics of the obtained rPETG polyol (IMP1005-1.0) were measured and compared with the characteristics of the original rPET polyol (IMP1000-6.5). The results are shown in Table 1 below. Generally speaking, the properties of polyols are very similar. rPETG polyols are slightly more viscous. This is a possible conclusion based on the higher weight percentage of polymers used in polyester polyol formulations. Also note that rPETG polyol is significantly more opaque due to its relatively dark blue appearance (Figure 1 below). However, the Gardner color of this polyol is the same as the rPET polyol, both reported as 5. Please note that this Gardner value is best suited for non-display applications, such as primers or high-color industrial coating applications.
Table 1: Comparison of properties of rPETG and rPET polyols
Figure 1: From left, post-industrial medical PETG packaging waste, polyester polyol made from medical PETG packaging waste, and rPET polyester polyol are used to determine the final dry film thickness using a PosiTector 6000 (Defelsko Corp.) dry film thickness meter. Konig hardness is measured using ISO 1522 using a TQC pendulum hardness tester (model SPO500). The pencil scratch hardness is measured using ASTM D3363. Use ASTM D522 to measure flexibility. Use ASTM D3359 to measure adhesion. Use ASTM D1308 to measure dyeing test. The MEK double friction test is performed using ASTM D4752. Table 2 summarizes the test results of these polyurethane coatings.
Methyl ethyl ketone double friction, breakthrough
Table 2: Comparison of coating properties of rPETG and rPET polyol
*Windex® is a product of the SC Johnson family company
§Betadine® Betadine is a product of Perdue Products, used as a topical solution
¶SkydrolTM Skydrol is Eastman's product, used in aviation hydraulic oil.
*Saturated Whatman Grade 1 25 mm filter paper is used for 24-hour point exposure under a watch glass. The rating is 5-0 (5=no damage, 4=discoloration, 3=minimum blistering, 2=slight blistering, 1=severe blistering, 0=fully delaminated.)
It can be seen from Table 2 that the obtained rPETG polyol produced a hard, flexible, tough, and impact-resistant coating, which has good adhesion to aluminum. Coatings based on rPET exhibit significantly better MEK double friction properties, presumably because of its increased aromaticity. However, compared to rPET polyols, rPETG-based coatings exhibit higher Skydrol resistance. In addition, since the aromatic content of rPETG-based polyols is reduced compared to rPET polyols, it is expected that rPETG-based polyols will provide improved weather resistance. in conclusion
The overall goal of this cooperative project between Resinate, HPRC and the Plastics Industry Association is basically to display medical PETG waste, which has a significant energy history and environmental footprint, has been paid for in the manufacturing process, and can be upgraded and recycled. Can be a valuable asset in creating a sustainable economy. The performance of medical PETG waste when incorporated into polyester polyols provides a compelling reason to recycle this valuable raw material into special applications, such as coatings. In addition, it is believed that polyols containing rPETG can be used in polyols designed for polyurethane adhesives, sealants, elastomers, flexible foams, rigid foams, melamine-based coatings, and polyisocyanurate rigid foams.
The demonstration should provide economic incentives and practical reasons to begin to establish cooperation between end consumers of PETG packaging, recyclers and PETG polyol producers at the beginning of the life cycle to promote solutions to avoid landfills as this valuable Selection of raw materials.
Shakti Mukerjee, Mike Christy, Brian Reid and Rick Tabor work for Resinate Materials Group Inc., 46701 Commerce Center Drive, Suite C, Plymouth, MI 48170. Kim Holmes works for the Plastics Industry Association, 1425 K St. NW., Suite 500, Washington, DC 200052. Peylina Chu and Chris Rogers work for the Medical Plastics Recycling Committee (transferred to Antea Group) at 400 Donald Lynch Blvd., Suite 104, Marlborough, MA 017523.
The scrap metal recyclers agreed to relocate their businesses and paid fines.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Administration (MPCA) announced that Minneapolis-based Northern Metals has reached a settlement with Minnesota and moved its operations from Minneapolis to Becker, Minnesota.
The agreement ended a long-running case that pitted scrap metal companies and MPCA against each other over claims that recyclers used their automatic shredders to be the main cause of rising air pollution levels in the area.
In addition to agreeing to relocate, Northern Metals also agreed to pay a fine.
The settlement agreement has been submitted to the Ramsey County (Minnesota) District Court for final approval.
According to the settlement agreement, Northern Metal Recycling will move the shredder to a new non-subway location by August 2019 and will pay a cost of 2.5 million US dollars and fines, including:
MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine said in a statement: “This solution is a welcome start for residents of North Minneapolis, who have already suffered from health and pollution. The problem is overburdened." "The company recognizes the seriousness of its violations and has chosen to take the correct measures."
Funding community health projects settled the city’s claim, which joined the negotiations last fall. The city held two public meetings to solicit public opinions on community health funding.
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said: “This solution provides an environmental justice measure for the people of northern Minneapolis. We will use this settlement to be a North Minneapolis resident telling us What they want us to do: solve and alleviate the asthma and lead poisoning problems in communities with the highest child lead poisoning rates in our city, and the highest asthma hospitalization rate in our state."
The settlement resolved MPCA's attempt to shut down the Northern Metals shredder and revoke the facility’s air quality permit in the District Court. MPCA began monitoring the air near the site in 2014; the results showed that the particulate matter and metal content in the area was higher than other monitoring locations.
The consent order stated that by joining the agreement, Northern Metals is resolving its disputes with MPCA and the City of Minneapolis.
In a statement following the settlement, Northern Metals Chief Operating Officer Scott Helberg stated: "After years of costly and controversial litigation against MPCA over the operation of our Pacific Street facility, Northern Metals is pleased to be able to cooperate amicably in court. Solve this problem outside.
"Northern Metals did not file a lawsuit, but chose to voluntarily resolve all our long-term claims against MPCA's actions against our facilities. We also proactively resolved the issues raised by MPCA in its license revocation procedure. We acknowledge that there is no violation of the law, facts We have always insisted that Northern Metals has been in accordance with the strictest environmental compliance standards and in accordance with our licensing terms and conditions and applicable Minnesota and federal laws.
"The consent order will allow us to continue operating the shredder on Pacific Street until our new facility in Becker is approved and operational. During this time, we will continue to work with MPCA, the City of Minneapolis and North Minnesota. Apolis residents cooperate."
In support of its claim, Northern Metals also stated that during the settlement negotiations, it conducted performance tests on the facility under the supervision of MPCA, and the results showed that the air emissions of particulate matter were below the limits set by Northern Metals' air permit.
At the same time, the company pointed out that an independent "background" test was conducted on local ambient air conditions to confirm that other adjacent sources in the area are producing excessive amounts of particulate matter and lead sources.
In the transfer of business, Heldberg pointed out that it has acquired more than 50 acres of land in Becker, Minnesota from Xcel Energy and will build a scrap metal facility, including a new shredder and material recycling plant.
Northern Metals added that after the installation of the new automatic paper shredder, its Minneapolis automatic paper shredder will cease operation.
To read the agreement, click here.
According to reports, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is investing US$100 million in the project.
According to reports, Japanese shipbuilding company Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. announced plans to build a ship recycling facility in the Visayan region of the Philippines.
"Manila Standard" reported that Tsuneishi will invest 5 billion pesos (US$100 million) to build the plant, which is expected to create 6,000 jobs.
Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in the article: "We met with Tsuneishi President Kenji Kawano and discussed Tsuneishi Shipbuilding's expansion plan in the Philippines. Now, our discussion also involves the use of the latest internationally recognized green technology. The third ship recycling project."
The city has been sending collected electronic products to private contractors, whose expenses have doubled in the past five years.
Wendi Varner will work in the office that the Dutch-based company recently opened in Georgia.
Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions USA, a division of Groeneveld International based in the Netherlands, announced that Wendi Varner has been appointed as the national sales manager of Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions USA.
Varner will work in the company's recently opened branch in Forest Park, Georgia. He will be responsible for shaping Groeneveld's development in the United States through all of the company's branches and independent distributors. The company stated that Varner is a capable sales and operations leader with a track record of success. She started her career in internal sales and later became a regional operations manager for a large retail operator serving the transportation industry. Her experience in overseeing multiple locations in most parts of the United States will play a key role in helping Groeneveld continue to grow rapidly in multiple market segments. "We are pleased that Wendi Varner has come to Groeneveld. Her extensive experience in the transportation industry and sales and operations skills are particularly useful for our further expansion in the United States," said Tim Wynia, CEO of Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions North America. “The United States is a very important growth market for Groeneveld. Whether in on-road or off-highway, Groeneveld has a strong position in industry-leading automatic lubrication systems and Oilmaster oil management systems, as well as Greensight safety equipment,” according to the company. Groeneveld stated that it has developed aggressive growth plans for the next few years, including aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sales. In order to adapt to this growth, the company said it is investing in expanding its footprint in the United States. The company has branches in Georgia, Ohio, and Seattle, and opened more branches in Florida, Texas, and other states in 2017 and 2018. In addition to Varner, Groeneveld said it is looking for new independent sales and service distributors to support growth in the United States