VTT develops device for processing problematic waste; seeks partner to commercialise

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a cylindrical extruder that promises to revolutionise the processing of recyclable materials and thereby promote circular economy business. The extruder can be used, for example, to turn problematic textiles and plastics as well as food waste into pellets. It says the first prototype has already exceeded expectations during initial testing. VTT is also currently looking for a partner to commercialise the technology.

VTT’s research scientists have been testing the prototype’s performance with, for example, pieces of plastic film, mixed plastic waste, various kinds of textiles and bread. In addition to recycling, the device has been used to produce long fibre composites, and it can also be utilised in food and feed processing.

Behind the idea for the novel extruder is VTT’s Research Scientist Hannu Minkkinen, who discovered that materials can rotate around the device’s hollow cylinder. The device was designed and the prototype built with funding from Business Finland’s and VTT’s funding instrument for commercialisation of research results.

“Commercialising the device would create completely new possibilities both in terms of waste processing and novel material combinations”, explains VTT’s Principal Scientist Tomi Erho.

“Many textile recycling processes are only suitable for products containing homogeneous fibres. However, textiles are often made of a mix of fibres, and many products are comprised of different layers. The new extruder opens up a revolutionary opportunity to recycle mixed textiles and materials without having to separate fibres or components. We have successfully tested the device, for example, for recycling pillows without removing the filling in the course of a project called Telaketju with funding from Business Finland”, says Senior Scientist Pirjo Heikkilä from VTT.

The diameter of the extruder screw determines the size of the feed throat and also the kinds of materials that the device is capable of processing. The first prototype has a screw diameter of 30 cm instead of the 3-4 cm typically found in conventional devices of the same output.

The large diameter combined with a shallow screw channel makes it possible to mix different components of problematic, porous and lightweight materials and to make the mixed mass compatible with the next stage of the production process.

VTT adds that benefits compared to traditional extruders are the following:

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