The Vinyloop process developed by Solvay has proved to be the only recycling method available for regenerating the PVC contained in composite structures. Until now, it has been impossible to recover it using traditional methods. It allows the PVC compound to be separated from the other materials such as polyester fibres, natural textiles, metals, rubber, polyolefins and many others.
This recycling is based on the principle of selectively dissolving the PVC using a solvent that is constantly turning in a closed circuit. The average PVC compound content in the waste must be at least 70%.
This initiative forms part of the Vinyl 2010 ( the European association that represents the PVC industry ) voluntary programme, which is committed to achieving a major increase in the rate of recycling by 2010.
The plant in Ferrara, Vinyloop® Ferrara, is a partnership between three companies:
SolVin: joint venture (75% Solvay, 25% BASF), one of the largest PVC producers in Europe with the most extensive range of products
Ferrari Textiles: manufacturer of tarpaulins. In Ferrara, a specific Texyloop pilot unit will be added to the industrial line, in order to separate valuable fibers from the not less valuable regenerated PVC compound. Ferrari textiles will collect and provide the tarpaulins to recycle.
The quantity of recycled PVC waste by the Vinyloop process in Ferrara demonstrates its growing success:
Today, Vinyloop is able to recycle the PVC from various applications:
from cable waste (PVC mixed with rubber, fibers,other plastics)
end of life flooring material (PVC and glass fibre)
roofing membranes (PVC with polyester web)
blister packaging (PVC laminated with PE)
wastes from post consumer window recycling and agricultural sheets (PVC and soil)
