VTT White paper

High quality recycled plastics through advanced mechanical recycling

Advanced mechanical recycling makes it possible to produce stable, high quality recycled plastics for even the most demanding uses.

Recycled plastics have often been difficult to use because their quality changes from batch to batch. This white paper explains how VTT’s mechanical recycling approach solves this challenge with real time measurement and smart process control. These tools help keep material properties steady throughout production, which means recycled plastics can now be used in applications that previously required only virgin materials. The paper also looks at the regulations and market changes that are increasing the need for reliable, traceable and high quality recycled materials.

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10 pages
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2 case examples
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Introducing in-line quality monitoring

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Content summary

This white paper explains how advanced mechanical recycling helps produce stable, high quality recycled plastics that meet strict industry and regulatory requirements. It describes how real time in line monitoring and adaptive process control reduce variation in recycled materials, enabling their use in demanding applications such as automotive parts and packaging. The publication also presents case examples showing how multilayer films and mixed municipal solid waste can be upgraded into valuable recyclates, demonstrating the growing potential of circular plastics solutions.

Contents:

  • Why consistent quality is the key challenge in mechanical recycling
  • How in line monitoring and adaptive rheology control improve recycled plastics
  • Case examples from multilayer film and municipal solid waste recycling
  • How EU regulations drive the need for traceable high quality recyclates
  • Future opportunities using advanced in line spectroscopy and predictive control 
Person driving a car

Key findings

  • How are EU regulations changing quality and traceability requirements for recycled plastics?
  • Can in-line monitoring and process control eliminate batch-to-batch variation in recycled plastics?
  • Which feedstocks can advanced mechanical recycling upgrade and what applications do they qualify for?
  • How does data-driven processing prepare your operation for digital product passports and EU compliance across the plastic value chain? 

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Who is this for?

This white paper is designed for professionals working with plastics recycling, processing and material quality who need consistent and traceable recycled materials for advanced applications.  

  • Recyclers improving the quality and stability of recycled plastics  
  • Plastics converters and extrusion operators using recycled feedstock in production  
  • Compounders developing reliable recycled polymer blends for high value products  
  • Manufacturers in automotive, packaging and other sectors increasing recycled content  
  • Sustainability and compliance teams working with traceability and digital product data  
  • R&D teams creating new circular plastics solutions and advanced processing methods 
FAQ

Authors

Jani Pelto
Principal Scientist
Ilkka Rytöluoto
Senior Scientist