ReStreams - Material flows from recyclates: sources, availability and quality

The use of recyclates, even in high proportions, is increasingly being demanded in a growing number of applications. Whether via chemical or mechanical recycling, the availability of suitable material flows is crucial. At the same time, the quantities of available recyclates are limited and their quality often fluctuates. In particular, among the so-called post-consumer recyclates (PCR), identifying suitable material flow sources and collecting reliable quality data is challenging. Often, information about relevant material flows must be compiled manually, which takes a considerable amount of time for the individual companies.

In this context, Fraunhofer LBF would like to close this gap with its new joint industrial project “ReStreams”. The aim of this project is to collect information on available material flows from post-consumer recyclates and to evaluate their quality on the basis of searchable data. The focus is on national and European material flows of common polymers, in particular standard plastics and engineering plastics. In addition, details on collection, raw material requirements and sorting technologies are examined to evaluate their influence on the recycling process.

Project priorities and approach

First of all, the participants will decide on the plastics or polymer types (e.g. polyolefins, ABS, PC/ABS, polyamides) that are of interest for the research and specify the relevant target properties. On this basis, approximately five clusters will be formed and characteristics defined (e.g. sorting accuracy, availability, mechanical properties, etc.). General and overarching information on material flows, their quantities (and, where available, qualities) in Germany and Europe will be compiled and presented comprehensively to the participants.

On the basis of this overall material flow picture, Fraunhofer LBF will then compile the most relevant material flows for the participants in the light of the target properties mentioned. In addition, more in-depth information (e.g. manufacturer or distributor, quality, etc.) on individual PCR material flows will be researched and evaluated with regard to the clusters mentioned above.

Subsequently, samples will be requested from selected sources and (if available) provided to the participants in small quantities (in the lower kilogram range) for their own quality control.

Finally, the information will be presented at a network event and compiled in a report or data collection and made available to the participants.