Collecting plastic waste is only part of the recycling challenge – innovative solutions are needed to transform it into high-quality secondary raw material. To achieve this, we have launched a new research project in partnership with the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC).
“Our goal is to improve the quality of recycled plastics so that they can replace a larger share of virgin materials. To do this, we are exploring new technological solutions that can enhance plastic properties during the recycling process itself,” says Lukas Razgūnas, Head of Technology Development at our company.
The project is led by Dr Genrik Mordas of FTMC. The research team will investigate how laser light can be used to break down microscopic impurities present in plastic. The aim is to reduce their negative impact on the quality of the final recycled material.
The research focuses on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) selected from our recycling facility. LDPE is commonly used to manufacture fruit and vegetable bags, garbage bags, packaging materials, and greenhouse films. Improving the quality of this recycled material could significantly expand its potential applications in new products.
Today, achieving high-quality recycled plastics often requires additional additives or limiting the proportion of recycled content in the final product. Our objective is to help industry increase the use of recycled raw materials, reduce the need for chemical additives, and maintain high product quality at the same time.
As noted by Algirdas Blazgys, CEO of our company, research projects like this contribute to the development of green technologies and provide a foundation for the growth of an innovation-driven economy in our country.
