T. Mumladze “Recovery of aluminum and polymers from composite packaging waste (CPW): technological aspects” doctoral dissertation defence

Thesis defense

Author, Institution: Tamari Mumladze, Kaunas University of Technology

Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004

Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Gintaras Denafas (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)

Dissertation Defence Board of Environmental Engineering Science Field:
Prof. dr. Jolanta Dvarionienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004) – chairperson
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Violeta Kaunelienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Kuchta (Hamburg University of Technology, Germany, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Prof. Dr. Violeta Makarevičienė (Vytautas Magnus University, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Prof. Dr. Dainius Martuzevičius (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)

The dissertation defence was held remotely.

The doctoral dissertation is available at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas).

Annotation:

Composite packaging waste (CPW), such as food packaging and pharmaceutical blister packaging, is generally the most significant part of packaging waste which is mainly composed of multilayer laminated plastic sheets on aluminum foil. Between 2007 and 2018, the volume of packaging waste generated in the EU was estimated at 79±1.25 million tons per year, which makes this type of waste one of the most serious problems to the environment.

Nowadays, manufacturers are facing a challenge which is reflected in the fact that they want to package their products cheaply, with quality and efficiency. As a result, the market demand for composite packaging has increased, and, over time, it has become popular among consumers.

Due to the complex structure of the packaging material, the recycling process is complicated; in addition, the recycling of this type of waste is carried out by only a few companies. Also, it should be noted that they are focused on recovering only one type of product. However, the available research has shown that it is possible to separate almost all components, and the quality of the recovered materials is close to the quality of the primary products, which increases their reuse in various industries. The aim of the thesis was to determine the technological feasibility and conditions for recovering aluminum and polymers from food and medicine packaging waste by using the solvent separation method. Because each material in this packaging saves significant natural resources, creating and developing a complete recycling mechanism is essential. This, in turn, will exert a positive impact on the environment and the economy.

February 28 d. 13:00

Kauno technologijų universiteto disertacijų gynimo salė (K.Donelaičio g. 73-403)

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