PROCESS FOR PREPARING A POLYMERIC COMPOSITION COMPRISING A POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE RESIN

Description

1 / 115 PROCESS FOR PREPARING A POLYMERIC COMPOSITION COMPRISING A POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE RESIN

[0001] This disclosure relates to a process for preparing a polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Background of the Invention

[0002] The challenge of disposing of accumulated plastic waste and the corresponding environmental issues have received widespread attention from the public and professionals. Therefore, the recycling of plastic materials has become an important topic, where plastic waste can be transformed into resources for new plastic products. Thus, environmental and economic aspects can be combined in the recycling and reuse of plastic materials.

[0003] Although plastic recycling began in the mid-1990s with the implementation of collection systems that allow for more targeted collection and separation of plastic materials from other household waste, the reuse of plastic material from recycled plastics is still limited. So-called post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic material generally contains mixtures of different plastics and a wide range of contaminants. Methods have been developed to further purify post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic material.

[0004] Post-consumer recycled materials obtained from mechanical recycling facilities, which include sorting by color and chemical structure, followed by an intensive washing process, still exhibit Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 8 / 124 2 / 115 several disadvantages, since purification is limited to the surface of the polymer particles and none of the substances present in most of the particles can be removed. Extrusion and degassing / aeration can be used to partially remove larger loads, for example, by melt filtration, and reduce volatiles, respectively. Mechanical recycling processes are generally known and described, for example, in WO2022 / 200588 and WO2022 / 200587.

[0005] However, even with current advanced mechanical recycling technology, properties such as the amount of filler content, the presence of specific metals, color, volatiles, and odor can hinder applications that require higher purity polymeric materials.

[0006] Solvent-based recycling provides post-consumer recycled polymers with higher purity levels. For example, WO2017 / 003798A1 describes a process for dissolving post-consumer polymers, in which polymers with relatively low contaminant levels are prepared. Other solvent-based recycling processes are described in WO2022 / 128490A1 and WO2022 / 128488A1. However, these contaminant levels may still not allow the use of recycled polymers in all applications, and processes for better contaminant removal are necessary.

[0007] The demand for high-quality recycled materials is very strong and is increasing due to the voluntary sustainability targets set by many companies. In addition, there is a regulation coming soon establishing a percentage target for recycled materials to be incorporated into the final product. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 9 / 124 3 / 115

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for processes that provide high-purity post-consumer recycled materials that can be used in a variety of applications. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin that meets the needs described above.

[0010] Consequently, the present invention provides a process for preparing a polymeric composition, particularly a melt-processed polymeric composition, comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprising the steps of M) pre-treating a plastic raw material by subjecting the plastic raw material to a mechanical recycling process, preferably carried out by screening, sorting by at least one of the following polymer types, shape and / or color of the polymer article, shredding and, optionally, cleaning, for example, washing, of the plastic raw material to obtain a pre-treated plastic raw material; S) subjecting pre-treated plastic raw material to a solvent-based recycling process to obtain post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, achieved by dissolving a plastic raw material comprising polypropylene in a solvent and separating the undissolved components and soluble impurities, wherein step S) comprises Sa) a dissolution step in which the pre-treated plastic raw material is brought into contact with a dissolving solvent. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 10 / 124 4 / 115 a dissolution temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolution pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one, preferably one, crude polymer solution, wherein the dissolution solvent is chosen from organic solvents comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C, to obtain at least one crude polymer solution; (Sb) optionally an adsorption step by placing the crude polymer solution obtained in step Sa) in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and Sc) a polymer recovery step (from at least one crude polymer solution from step Sa) or from at least one refined polymer solution) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction; and C) process by melting the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin obtained in step S), wherein step C) comprises Ca) to further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, and

[0011] Cb) process the purified polymer fraction by melting to obtain the said polymer composition.

[0012] It has been discovered that by dissolving a pre-treated (mechanically) plastic feedstock in a dissolving solvent chosen from organic solvents comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75 °C and 250 °C to recover a purified polymer fraction and subsequently melt-processing the purified polymer fraction with subsequent separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, the removal Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 11 / 124 5 / 115 of impurities such as limonene and hexanal (which can create odor problems) is improved. Brief Description of the Figures

[0013] Figure 1 shows the relationship between the ethylene content (C2) of polypropylene resins and the ethylene content of the crystalline fraction of the respective resins (C2(CF)) for examples IE1 and IE2, compared with a variety of virgin PP resins. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0014] For the purposes of this description and subsequent claims, the term post-consumer waste refers to objects that have completed at least one first cycle of use (or life cycle), i.e., that have already fulfilled their first purpose. The term virgin refers to newly produced materials and / or objects before their first use, which have not yet been recycled. The term recycled, as used herein, refers to materials reprocessed from recycled waste.

[0015] The present invention provides a process for preparing a polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Process for preparing the polymer composition Plastic raw material

[0016] Post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as described herein, may be obtained from plastic feedstock, preferably comprising plastic waste, such as post-consumer waste, comprising at least polypropylene.

[0017] The plastic raw material may comprise mixtures of polymers comprising at least polypropylene, in particular Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 12 / 124 6 / 115 mixtures of polyolefins, and more particularly mixtures of polypropylene and other polyolefins and / or other polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), additives used in the formulation of the plastic material(s), as well as impurities related to use, originating from the life cycle of plastic materials and objects and / or originating from the waste collection and sorting circuit, these compounds being considered collectively as impurities. The plastic raw material may also include other contaminants, such as paper, cardboard, wood, textiles, metal(s), glass, sand, etc., originating from the other constituents of the original plastic objects.

[0018] The aforementioned plastic raw material may therefore contain impurities. The aforementioned plastic raw material may contain up to 50% by weight of impurities, preferably up to 20% by weight of impurities, more preferably up to 15% by weight, as 1 to 10% by weight of impurities of the total weight of the plastic raw material. A specific example of impurities contained in the plastic raw material are additives. The additives used in plastics are organic or inorganic compounds, such as fillers, colorants, pigments, plasticizers, property modifiers, flame retardants, etc.

[0019] In particular, the plastic raw material comprises polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and their copolymers, in particular mixtures of polyolefins. According to this disclosure, the plastic raw material typically comprises at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 80%. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 13 / 124 7 / 115 by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, such as 80 to 90% by weight, of polyolefins, of the total weight of the plastic raw material. The plastic raw material preferably comprises at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, such as 80 to 90% by weight, of polypropylene, of the total weight of the plastic raw material. Recycling Process

[0020] The desired post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene resin of the polymer composition is prepared from a plastic feedstock, as discussed herein, by a recycling process comprising a combination of mechanical recycling process steps and solvent-based recycling (SbR) process steps.

[0021] Consequently, the present invention relates to a process for providing a polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as defined herein in terms of its properties, wherein the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and therefore also the polymeric composition is obtained from a plastic raw material, the process comprising the steps of M) pretreating a plastic raw material by subjecting the plastic raw material to a mechanical recycling process, comprising screening, sorting by at least one of the following polymer types, polymer article forms and / or color, shredding and, optionally, cleaning, for example, washing, of the plastic raw material to obtain pretreated plastic raw material and, optionally, melting of the pretreated plastic raw material; Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 14 / 124 8 / 115 S) subjecting pre-treated, optionally melted, plastic raw material to a solvent-based recycling process to obtain post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, preferably carried out by dissolving a plastic raw material comprising polypropylene in a solvent and separating undissolved components and soluble impurities, wherein step S) comprises Sa) a dissolution step in which the pre-treated plastic feedstock is brought into contact with a dissolving solvent at a dissolving temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolving pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one, preferably one, crude polymer solution, wherein the dissolving solvent is chosen from organic solvents comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C to obtain at least one crude polymer solution; (Sb) optionally an adsorption step by placing the crude polymer solution obtained in step Sa) in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and Sc) a polymer recovery step (from at least one crude polymer solution from step Sa) or from at least one refined polymer solution) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction; and C) process by melting the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin obtained in step S), wherein step C) comprises Ca) to further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, and Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 15 / 124 9 / 115 (b) process by melting the purified polymeric fraction to obtain the aforementioned polymeric composition.

[0022] Throughout this publication, pressures are indicated as absolute pressures (abs).

[0023] Advantageously, the process comprises the following steps: Ma) To provide a plastic raw material, preferably comprising plastic waste, such as post-consumer waste, comprising at least polypropylene; Mb) to sift the plastic raw material to create sifted plastic waste material comprising at least polypropylene having only articles with a longer dimension in a defined range, such as from 30 to 400 mm; Mc) classify the sieved waste plastic material using one or more classification systems, whereby the sieved waste polymer material is at least classified by polymer type, polymer article shape and / or color, thus generating classified polypropylene recycling material that is subjected to steps Md) and beyond; Md) shred the classified polypropylene recycling material to form a flaked polypropylene recycling stream, wherein the flakes preferably have a longer dimension of 2.5 to 20 mm to obtain a pretreated plastic feedstock; Sa) a dissolution step involving bringing the pre-treated plastic feedstock into contact with a solvent to obtain at least a crude polymer solution; and then S-E1) optionally a step to separate the insoluble matter in order to obtain at least a clarified polymer solution and Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 16 / 124 10 / 115 an insoluble fraction; (b) an adsorption step of impurities by contact with a solid adsorbent to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; Sc) a polymer recovery step, to obtain at least a solvent fraction and a purified polymer fraction; Ca) to further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, and (b) process by melting, preferably melt extrusion and / or pelletizing, the purified polymer fraction, preferably with additives added in the molten state, to obtain a melt-processed polymer composition, preferably melt extruded and / or pelletized, comprising post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Mechanical recycling pre-treatment (M)

[0024] The plastic raw material comprising at least polypropylene is first pre-treated by a mechanical recycling process, wherein said mechanical recycling process preferably comprises the following steps: Ma) To provide a plastic raw material, preferably comprising plastic waste, such as post-consumer waste, including polypropylene; Mb) to sift the plastic raw material to create sifted plastic waste material comprising polypropylene having only articles with a longer dimension within a defined range; Mc) classify the screened plastic waste material using one or more classification systems, where the screened polymer waste material is at least classified by type Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 17 / 124 11 / 115 of polymer, shape of the polymeric article and / or by color, thus generating classified polypropylene recycling material that is subjected to steps Md) and beyond; Md) shred the sorted polypropylene recycling material to form a flaked polypropylene recycling stream, wherein the flakes preferably have a longer dimension of 2.5 to 20 mm to obtain pre-treated flaked polypropylene recycling material. Me) optionally clean the pre-treated polypropylene flake recycling material one or more times with a gaseous and / or aqueous cleaning medium, whereby gravitational principles are applied to separate the flakes from the medium to obtain clean pre-treated polypropylene recycling material; (Mf) optionally separate the clean pre-treated polypropylene recycling material into a light fraction and a heavy fraction of polypropylene recycling material to obtain pre-treated heavy fraction polypropylene recycling material; and (Mg) optionally, further classify the pre-treated heavy fraction polypropylene recycling material or, if step Mf) is absent, pre-purified and cleaned polypropylene recycling material by means of one or more optical classifiers comprising NIR and / or optical sensors, classifying one or more target polypropylenes by removing any flakes containing material other than the target polypropylene(s) and / or flakes of undesirable color (e.g., natural, black, etc.), producing even more purified pre-treated polypropylene recycling material; Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 18 / 124 12 / 115 Mh) optionally melt extrude, and optionally pelletize, the pre-treated polypropylene flake material obtained from the last step performed in steps Md) to Mg), to obtain melt extruded, optionally pelletized, pre-treated polypropylene recycling material.

[0025] Melt-extruded polypropylene recycling material, optionally pelletized and pre-treated, or if step Mh) is absent, additionally purified pre-treated polypropylene recycling material or, if step Mg) and beyond are absent, pre-purified heavy fraction polypropylene recycling material or, if step Mf) and beyond are absent, clean pre-treated polypropylene recycling material, or if step Me) and beyond are absent, pre-treated flake polypropylene recycling material can then be used as plastic feedstock for the solvent-based recycling process described above.

[0026] As discussed above, pretreated polypropylene recycling material is preferably fed to the dissolution stage Sa) of the solvent-based recycling process as a melt feed, in which the flakes or melt-extruded form, e.g., pellets, of the pretreated polypropylene recycling material are melted before being fed to the dissolution stage Sa). The temperature of the molten polypropylene feed is preferably equal to or higher than the dissolution temperature in stage Sa). More preferably, the temperature of the molten polypropylene feed is higher Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 19 / 124 13 / 115 at the temperature in the Sa stage). The melt feed can be carried out continuously, as the melt feed can be pressurized to match the pressure in the dissolution stage. However, batch operation is also possible, although less desirable. Step Mb) of screening the plastic raw material

[0027] According to this disclosure, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material comprises a screening step (Mb) of the plastic raw material. The screening is carried out to remove fractions of excessive and insufficient size, resulting in a screened recycled plastic material containing only articles with the largest dimension in a defined range, for example, up to 400 mm. Preferably, the largest dimension is from 30 to 400 mm, more preferably from 50 to 100 mm. Mc stage) of classifying the sieved plastic material

[0028] According to this disclosure, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material comprises a Mc) classification step of the sieved residual plastic material by means of one or more classification systems, in which the sieved residual polymeric material is classified by at least one of the following: polymer type, polymeric article shape and / or color, thus generating a recycling stream of pretreated polypropylene.

[0029] Preferred sorting systems include near-infrared (NIR) and / or optical sensors, which sort at least by polymer type, polymer article shape and / or color, thus generating a sorted polypropylene recycling material that is subjected to steps Md) and later. In step Mc), the sieved residual plastic material is preferably Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 20 / 124 14 / 115 classified at least by color and, optionally, also by type of polyolefin and / or shape of the article. The classified polypropylene material is preferably enriched with polypropylene and may comprise any desired mixture of polypropylene objects, the objects being colored and / or colorless, flexible and / or rigid.

[0030] The term “article format”, as used herein, refers to the shape and form of the articles present in the residual polymeric material. Such articles may be present, inter alia, in the form of films, bags and pouches, which may be considered flexible articles, and, inter alia, in the form of molded articles, such as food containers, skin care product containers and plastic bottles, which may be considered rigid articles. Commercial optical sorters, such as Tomra Autosort, RTT Steinert Unisort and Redwave Pellenc, are able to separate so-called rigid articles from so-called flexible articles by means of their aerodynamic properties (i.e., a gas flow is normally applied to the flow and rigid articles will fall with a different arc than flexible articles), converting flows containing such articles into so-called rigid and flexible flows.

[0031] In the Mc classification stage), non-polypropylene materials are preferably separated, including polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, metals, paper and wood.

[0032] In the Mc sorting stage), preferably, white and natural waste materials are separated so that substantially only waste materials of non-white and / or colors are removed. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 21 / 124 15 / 115 non-natural materials, less preferable for direct reuse, remain in the sorted polypropylene recycling stream. In this context, natural means that the objects are of a natural color. This means that essentially no pigments (including carbon black) or colorants, such as dyes or paints, are included in the objects. On the other hand, white means that white pigments are included in the objects. Md stage) of shredding the separated polypropylene recycling stream

[0033] According to the present disclosure, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material comprises a step (Md) of shredding the separated recycled polypropylene material to form a polypropylene flake recycling stream. Preferably, the flakes have a maximum dimension of 2.5 to 20 mm, more preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0034] The generated pretreated recycled polypropylene flake material is suitable for the solvent-based recycling process as pretreated plastic feedstock or for steps Me) and later. This classified polypropylene material comprises any homogeneous mixture of colored and uncolored polypropylene articles, as well as heterogeneous mixtures of flexible and rigid polypropylene objects. Step Me) of cleaning the polypropylene flake recycling stream

[0035] According to this disclosure, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material comprises a step Me) of cleaning the recycled polypropylene flake material one or more times with a gaseous and / or aqueous cleaning medium, whereby the Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 22 / 124 16 / 115 Gravitational principles are applied to separate the flakes from the medium to generate a clean polypropylene recycling material to obtain a pre-treated polypropylene recycling stream.

[0036] The clean pre-treated polypropylene recycling material generated is suitable for the solvent-based recycling process as pre-treated plastic feedstock or for steps Mf) and beyond).

[0037] Stage Me) preferably includes: M-e1) washing the flaked polypropylene recycling material one or more times with an aqueous washing solution to obtain suspended polypropylene recycling material and removing the aqueous washing solution and, optionally, any material not floating on the surface of the aqueous washing solution from the suspended polypropylene recycling material, thus generating a washed polypropylene recycling stream; and M-e2) dry the washed polypropylene recycling stream, thus obtaining dry polypropylene. Mf stage) of separating the pre-treated polypropylene recycling stream

[0038] According to the present description, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material optionally comprises a step (Mf) of separating the pre-treated, optionally cleaned, recycled polypropylene material into a light fraction and a heavy fraction from the polypropylene recycling stream. The separation is preferably carried out by a windsifter. Alternatively, the separation can be carried out based on the aerodynamic properties of the particles (such as flakes, for example, separating fine, light and flexible flakes from heavy, coarse and rigid flakes). In the step of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 23 / 124 17 / 115 sorting (Mf), preferably, fine, light and flexible flakes are separated so that substantially only rigid polypropylene objects remain in the separated polypropylene recycling stream. Preferably, the subsequently separated pre-purified recycled polypropylene material comprises 65 to 100% by weight of rigid polypropylenes of the total quantity of pre-purified recycled polypropylene material.

[0039] The generated pre-treated heavy fraction recycled polypropylene material is suitable for the solvent-based recycling process as pre-treated plastic feedstock or for the Mg) and subsequent steps. This classified polypropylene material comprises any mixture of colored and colorless polypropylene articles enriched in rigid polypropylene objects. Step Mg) of additional screening

[0040] According to the present description, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material optionally comprises an additional screening step (Mg) of the recycled heavy fraction polypropylene material or, in the absence of the Mf step), the recycled polypropylene material pretreated by means of one or more optical classifiers with NIR and / or optical sensors, classifying one or more target polypropylenes. In the screening step (Mg), preferably, any flakes containing material other than the target polypropylene(s) and / or flakes of undesirable color (e.g., natural, black, etc.) are removed to produce an additional recycled stream of purified pretreated polypropylene.

[0041] The pre-treated and purified recycled polypropylene material generated is suitable for the recycling process based on Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 24 / 124 18 / 115 of solvent as a raw material for pre-treated plastic or for the Mh step) and beyond. Mh stage) of melt extrusion

[0042] According to this disclosure, the pretreatment of the plastic raw material optionally comprises a melt extrusion step (Mh) of the pretreated polypropylene material in flake form. The melt extruded plastic raw material may optionally be pelletized. The Mh) step provides the pretreated polypropylene material in melt extruded form, optionally as pellets.

[0043] The Mh) step is preferably carried out in an extruder, which can be a single or twin screw extruder, which can be fed by one or more loss-in-weight (LIW) feeders, but also by a so-called preconditioning unit (PCU), well known to those skilled in the art. The dimensionless flow rate Q in this extruder can be calculated with: Q = tr [kg / s] / (md [kg / m3] * sd [m] * ss [s-1]) where tr is the extruder transfer rate, sd is the screw diameter and ss is the screw speed, is 0.75 - 0.20, preferably 0.10 - 0.15.

[0044] The target melting temperature is 190 - 270°C, preferably 200 - 250°C and even more preferably 200 - 230°C.

[0045] The pre-treated polypropylene material can optionally be degassed to remove moisture and reduce VOCs during its extrusion.

[0046] Degassing can be done through up to three, particularly two, degassing ports, such as a port of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 25 / 124 19 / 115 degassing for top degassing and a degassing port for side degassing, these ports being part of the extruder. The pressure at the degassing ports can be in the range of 0.5 kPa to 75 kPa abs, preferably from 1 kPa to 50 kPa abs, and even more preferably from 1 kPa to 10 kPa abs, obtained with a suitable vacuum system containing one or more vacuum pumps.

[0047] The melt-extruded pre-treated polypropylene material can optionally be melt-filtered downstream of the extruder.

[0048] Fusion filtration can be carried out with a continuous fusion filtration device, such as the so-called Erema laser filters or an Ettlinger / Maag ERF filter, or a Britas band filter. The filtration level is generally in the range of 50 to 500 µm, preferably 50 to 250 µm, and even more preferably 50 to 150 µm.

[0049] Optionally, the pressure for melt filtration is provided by one or more melt gear pumps, which, as is well known to those skilled in the art, allow efficient pressurization with low energy input and thus reduce the melt temperature and the risk of polymer degradation.

[0050] The pre-treated, melt-treated, preferably melt-extruded and / or optionally pelletized polypropylene recycling material generated is suitable for solvent-based recycling processes.

[0051] The recycled pre-treated polypropylene material may preferably have a polypropylene content above 90%, preferably above 95% based on the total weight of the material. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 26 / 124 20 / 115 recycling of pre-treated polypropylene.

[0052] Recycled pre-treated polypropylene material may still contain up to 1.5% by weight of inorganic contaminants, such as talc, chalk, TiO2 and pigments, up to about 5% by weight of polyethylene and small amounts, for example, below 0.4% by weight, of other polymers such as PA, PET, EVA or PVC, and odor-causing substances such as limonene, n-hexanal, toluene and other odor-causing substances.

[0053] Pre-treated polypropylene recycling material can be analyzed for its polypropylene and contaminant content before subjecting the material to the solvent-based recycling process using the NIR flake analyzer. Solvent-based recycling process S)

[0054] The post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin of the present invention is obtained by a recycling process comprising, after the mechanical recycling process M), as discussed above, a solvent-based recycling process S) to recycle plastic raw material, comprising plastic waste, as post-consumer waste, comprising polypropylene, by dissolving the polypropylene in a solvent, under specific temperature and pressure conditions, optionally followed by placing the resulting polymer solution in contact with an adsorbent solid. Generally, the dissolving solvent should be capable of dissolving polyolefins, in particular polypropylene. Therefore, preferably, the dissolving solvent is a non-polar solvent or a mixture thereof. Therefore, the solvent is preferably a hydrocarbon or a mixture of hydrocarbons. More preferably, the dissolving solvent is a paraffinic solvent or Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 27 / 124 21 / 115 a mixture of paraffinic solvents due to the paraffinic nature of polyolefins ('Similia similibus solventum').

[0055] Preferably, the solvent-based recycling process S) for purifying a pretreated plastic feedstock comprises, and preferably consists of: Sa) a dissolution step, as specified above, involving placing the pre-treated plastic raw material obtained from the mechanical recycling process in contact with a solvent to obtain at least a crude polymer solution; and then S-E1) optionally a step to separate the insoluble matter in order to obtain at least a clarified polymer solution and an insoluble fraction; S-E2) optionally a washing step, by contact with a dense solution, to obtain at least a washing effluent and a washed polymer solution; S-E3) optionally an extraction step, by contact with an extraction solvent, to obtain at least one extracted polymer solution and spent solvent; (Sb) an adsorption step of the impurities by contact with a solid adsorbent to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and finally Sc) a polymer recovery step (from at least one refined polymer solution) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction.

[0056] By way of example, the solvent-based recycling process S) comprises: Sa) a dissolution step involving bringing the plastic raw material into contact with a dissolving solvent, at a Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 28 / 124 22 / 115 dissolution temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolution pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, the dissolution solvent being chosen from at least one organic solvent comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C, to obtain at least one crude polymer solution; (Sb) an adsorption step by placing the crude polymer solution obtained in step Sa) in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and then Sc) a polymer recovery step (from at least one refined polymer solution) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction.

[0057] As a preferred example, step S) of the solvent-based recycling process comprises, and preferably consists of: Sa) a dissolution step involving bringing the plastic feedstock into contact with a dissolving solvent, at a dissolving temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolving pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, the dissolving solvent being chosen from at least one organic solvent comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C, to obtain at least one crude polymer solution; S-E1) a step to separate the insoluble matter in order to obtain at least one clarified polymer solution and an insoluble fraction; S-E2) optionally a washing step, by contact with a dense solution, to obtain at least one washing effluent and a Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 29 / 124 23 / 115 washed polymer solution; S-E3) optionally an extraction step, by contact with an extraction solvent, to obtain at least one extracted polymer solution and spent solvent; (b) an adsorption step involving placing the clarified polymer solution obtained in step S-E1), or optionally the washed polymer solution from step S-E2) or the polymer solution extracted from step S-E3), in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and then Sc) a polymer recovery step (from at least one refined polymer solution) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction. Dissolution stage Sa)

[0058] According to the present disclosure, the process comprises a dissolution step (Sa), in which the pre-treated plastic feedstock is brought into contact with a dissolving solvent at a dissolution temperature between 100 °C and 300 °C and a dissolution pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one, preferably one, crude polymer solution. Specifically, this step advantageously allows the dissolution of at least part and preferably all of the polymers, preferably polypropylene.

[0059] The term dissolution should be understood as any phenomenon that leads to the production of at least one polymeric solution, that is, a liquid comprising polymers dissolved in a Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 30 / 124 24 / 115 solvent, more particularly in the dissolving solvent. One skilled in the art is fully aware of the phenomena involved in the dissolution of polymers, which comprise at least the mixing, dispersion, homogenization and disentanglement of polymer chains and, more particularly, of thermoplastic chains.

[0060] During and after the completion of the dissolution step Sa), the pressure and temperature conditions allow the dissolution solvent, at least partly and preferably all of it, to remain in liquid form, while the soluble fraction of the raw material, in particular the target polymers, preferably the target thermoplastics and preferably the target polypropylene, and at least part of the impurities, are advantageously dissolved, at least partially and preferably completely. The contact between the dissolution solvent and the pre-treated plastic raw material to dissolve, at least partially and preferably completely, the polymers of the pre-treated plastic raw material in the dissolution solvent can be carried out in one line and / or one piece of equipment and / or between two pieces of equipment.Thus, step Sa) advantageously involves at least one dissolution apparatus and, optionally, at least one raw material preparation device, a mixing device and / or a transport device. These apparatus and / or devices may be, for example, a static mixer, an extruder, a pump, a reactor (e.g., a stirred vessel), a co-current or counter-current column, or a combination of lines and apparatus. Devices for transporting, particularly fluids such as gases, liquids or solids, are well known to those skilled in the art. In this way... Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 31 / 124 25 / 115 without limitation, the transport devices may comprise a compressor, a pump, an extruder, a vibratory tube, a screw conveyor or a valve. The equipment and / or devices may also comprise or be combined with heating systems (e.g., a furnace, a heat exchanger, a heating system, etc.) to achieve the conditions necessary for dissolution.

[0061] The dissolution stage (Sa) is fed at least with pre-treated plastic feedstock, in particular in the form of one or more pre-treated plastic feedstock streams, and with the dissolution solvent, in particular in the form of one or more dissolution solvent streams, advantageously by means of one or more conveying devices. The pre-treated plastic feedstock stream(s) may be different from the dissolution solvent stream(s). Part or all of the plastic feedstock may also feed the Sa) stage as a mixture with part or all of the dissolution solvent, the remainder of the solvent and / or feedstock, where appropriate, possibly feeding the Sa) stage separately.During the placement of the pre-treated plastic raw material in contact with the dissolving solvent, the dissolving solvent is advantageously at least partially, and preferably entirely, in liquid form, while the pre-treated plastic raw material, comprising polymers, in particular thermoplastics such as polyolefins and, notably, polypropylene, may be in solid or liquid form, optionally comprising suspended solid particles. The pre-treated plastic raw material may also optionally be injected into the dissolving equipment, such as... Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 32 / 124 26 / 115 a mixture with the dissolving solvent, in the form of a suspension in the dissolving solvent, the preparation and injection of the suspension possibly being continuous or in batches.

[0062] Preferably, step Sa) includes at least one extruder and one dissolution apparatus. In this case, the pretreated plastic feedstock feeds the extruder in such a way that, at the extruder outlet, at least part and preferably all of the target polymers, in particular the target polypropylene, included in the feedstock are in molten form. The pretreated plastic feedstock is then injected, at least partially in molten form, into the dissolution apparatus. The pretreated plastic feedstock, at least partially in molten form, can also be pumped by means of a pump dedicated to viscous fluids, often known as a melt pump or gear pump. The advantage of the pretreated plastic feedstock being (at least partially) in molten form is the faster and more homogeneous dissolution of the pretreated plastic feedstock in the solvent.In this way, the residence time in the dissolution stage can be reduced and dissolution is facilitated. The pretreated plastic feedstock, at least partially in molten form, can also be filtered at the extruder outlet by means of a filtration device, optionally in addition to the melt pump, to remove coarser particles; generally, the mesh of this filter is between 10 microns and 1 mm, preferably between 20 and 200 microns. Preferably, stage Sa) includes an extruder into which the dissolving solvent is injected, advantageously at several points, so as to promote shearing and thus intimate mixing between the dissolving solvent and the pre-treated plastic feedstock. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 33 / 124 27 / 115 treated, which contributes to the dissolution of polymers, particularly polypropylene.

[0063] The dissolving solvent used in the dissolution step (Sa) is an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. Preferably, the dissolving solvent is chosen from organic solvents comprising, and preferably consisting of, one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75 °C and 250 °C, preferably between 80 °C and 220 °C, and more preferably between 80 °C and 180 °C. Solvents with higher boiling points generally require lower process pressures and are therefore advantageous in terms of energy consumption. Furthermore, lower process pressures are preferable as they allow for safer process control. The boiling point of the dissolving solvent should be understood as the boiling point of said dissolving solvent at atmospheric pressure (in particular, equal to 0.1 MPa).The dissolving solvent comprises, and preferably consists of, one or more hydrocarbons, preferably one or more alkanes, containing between 6 and 12 carbon atoms and very preferably between 6 and 10 carbon atoms, for example, selected from cyclohexane and heptane isomers.

[0064] In some embodiments, the dissolving solvent comprises or consists of at least one n-alkane, preferably selected from C7, C8, C9 and C10 n-alkanes, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the dissolving solvent comprises or consists of at least one cycloalkane selected from C6, C7, C8, C9 and C10 cycloalkanes, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the dissolving solvent comprises or consists of at least one isoalkane selected from Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 34 / 124 28 / 115 C7, C8, C9 and C10 isoalkanes, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the dissolving solvent comprises or consists of at least one n-alkane, preferably selected from C7, C8, C9, C10 n-alkanes and mixtures thereof, at least one cycloalkane, preferably selected from C6, C7, C8, C9, C10 cycloalkanes and mixtures thereof, and / or at least one isoalkane, preferably selected from C7, C8, C9, C10 isoalkanes and mixtures thereof.

[0065] Preferably, the dissolving solvent, which is an organic solvent, preferably a hydrocarbon, has a critical temperature between 90 and 400 °C, preferably between 200 and 390 °C and more preferably between 250 and 350 °C, and a critical pressure between 1.5 and 5.0 MPa abs, preferably between 2.0 and 4.3 MPa abs and preferably between 2.4 and 4.2 MPa abs. According to a specific embodiment, the boiling point of the dissolving solvent is above 75 °C, preferably between 80 °C and 220 °C, more preferably between 80 °C and 180 °C, and / or the solvent comprises, and preferably consists of, an alkane containing at least 7 carbon atoms. Advantageously, the dissolution is carried out at a dissolution temperature between 100 °C and 300 °C and at a dissolution pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs.More specifically, the temperature and pressure evolve throughout the Sa stage, starting from ambient conditions, i.e., a temperature of the pre-treated plastic raw material between 10 and 30 °C and atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa), until the dissolution conditions are reached, more specifically the dissolution temperature and the dissolution pressure. In particular, the dissolution temperature is between 100 and 300 °C, preferably between 150 and 250 °C, and... Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 35 / 124 29 / 115 The dissolution pressure is between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, preferably between 1.5 and 15.0 MPa abs, and very preferably between 2.0 and 10.0 MPa abs. Very advantageously, upon completion of step Sa), the dissolved polymer stream is at the dissolution temperature and dissolution pressure. According to a specific embodiment of the dissolution step Sa), the dissolution pressure is between 1.5 and 2.4 MPa abs, preferably between 1.7 and 2.2 MPa abs. In this very specific embodiment, water that may be present in the pre-treated plastic feedstock (in the case of a wet plastic feedstock) can then be vaporized and removed during and / or before dissolution by degassing, for example, from localized openings, in particular, in the dissolution line and / or in the equipment, notably in the extruder.When this specific embodiment of the dissolution step Sa) is carried out, the plastic raw material treatment process according to the present description does not include the optional washing step SE2) with a dense solution, in particular with an aqueous solution. Limiting the temperature in step Sa) to a temperature less than or equal to 300 °C, preferably less than or equal to 250 °C, allows preventing or limiting the thermal degradation of polymers, in particular polypropylene. Preferably, the dissolution temperature is greater than or equal to the melting point of the polymers, in particular thermoplastics and, more particularly, polypropylene, in order to promote their dissolution. Preferably, the temperature in the dissolution step Sa) is less than or equal to the critical temperature of the dissolution solvent, in order to avoid the formation of a supercritical phase during the dissolution step Sa), which could interrupt the dissolution. In parallel, the pressure of... Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 36 / 124 30 / 115 Dissolution pressure is greater than the saturated vapor pressure of the dissolving solvent at the dissolving temperature, so that the dissolving solvent is at least partially, and preferably entirely, in liquid form at the dissolving temperature. Advantageously, the dissolving pressure is greater than or equal to the critical pressure of the dissolving solvent, so as to allow, in particular, the recovery step Sc) under conditions in which at least part of the solvent is in supercritical form, without it being necessary to considerably increase the pressure between the Sa) step, particularly between the outlet of the Sa) step and the Sc) step. In the case where the dissolving pressure in the Sa) step is greater than or equal to the critical pressure of the dissolving solvent, the dissolving temperature will be lower than the critical temperature of the dissolving solvent, so as to keep the dissolving solvent at least partially in liquid form.Very advantageously, the dissolution temperature and pressure conditions achieved in step Sa) are adjusted so that the mixture (dissolving solvent + target polymers) is a single-phase mixture. Preferably, the weight ratio between the pre-treated plastic feedstock and the dissolving solvent is between 0.01 and 5.0, more preferably between 0.05 and 3.0, and even more preferably between 0.10 and 1.0.

[0066] Advantageously, the aforementioned dissolution step (Sa) is carried out for a residence time between 1 and 600 minutes, preferably between 2 and 300 minutes, and most preferably between 2 and 180 minutes. Residence time is understood to be the residence time at the dissolution temperature and pressure, i.e., the time of application of the pre-treated plastic raw material with the Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 37 / 124 31 / 115 dissolving solvent at the dissolving temperature and pressure, in step Sa). Advantageously, the dissolving solvent used in step Sa) comprises, and preferably consists of, a supply of fresh solvent and / or a recycled solvent stream obtained from the recovery step (Sc). Optionally, the treatment process may include an intermediate adsorption step S-a'), situated during the dissolving step Sa) or directly downstream of the dissolving step Sa), comprising the introduction of a solid adsorbent, preferably as alumina, silica, silica-alumina, activated carbon or bleaching earth (e.g., bleaching earth), in the form of divided particles, into the crude polymer solution obtained at the conclusion of step Sa) or optionally during the dissolving step Sa).The adsorbent solid can then be removed during one of the optional intermediate purification steps, for example, during an optional step S-E1) of separating insoluble matter and / or an optional washing step SE2). This optional step S-a') of adsorption in the presence of adsorbent solid in divided form makes it possible to optimize the purification of the polymer solution.

[0067] The crude polymer solution obtained at the conclusion of the dissolution step Sa) comprises at least the dissolving solvent, polymers, in particular the target polymers that the present disclosure seeks to recover purified, dissolved in the dissolving solvent. In general, the crude polymer solution also comprises soluble impurities that are also dissolved in the dissolving solvent. Optionally, it may also comprise insoluble impurities or compounds in suspension. The crude polymer solution Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 38 / 124 32 / 115 obtained at the conclusion of step Sa) may optionally also comprise polymers, in addition to the target polymers (i.e., other than polypropylene), for example, in molten form. Optional step S-E1) for separating insoluble matter.

[0068] The treatment process may optionally also include a step (S-E1) of separating the insoluble matter by solid-liquid separation, to advantageously obtain at least a clarified polymer solution and an insoluble fraction. The insoluble fraction advantageously comprises at least a portion, and preferably all, of the insoluble impurities, notably those suspended in the crude polymer solution obtained in step Sa).

[0069] When incorporated into the process according to the invention, the insoluble matter separation step S-E1) is located between the dissolution step Sa) and the polymer recovery step Sc), and upstream or downstream of the adsorption step Sb), preferably upstream of the adsorption step Sb). When the optional insoluble matter separation step S-E1) is located downstream of the adsorption step Sb), the adsorption step Sb) corresponds to the intermediate adsorption step S-a').

[0070] The S-E1) separation step therefore enables the removal of at least some, and preferably all, of the particles of compounds insoluble in the dissolving solvent under the temperature and pressure conditions of the Sa) step, which may be present in suspension in the crude polymer solution obtained in the Sa) step or in an optional Sa') step. The insoluble impurities removed during the optional SE1) separation step are, for example, pigments, Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 39 / 124 33 / 115 mineral compounds, packaging waste (glass, wood, cardboard, paper, aluminum) and insoluble polymers.

[0071] When performed, this S-E1 separation step allows for advantageously limiting operational problems, particularly clogging and / or erosion, in subsequent process steps, while simultaneously contributing to the purification of the plastic raw material.

[0072] When incorporated into the process, the S-E1) step of separating insoluble matter is advantageously carried out at a temperature between 100 and 300 °C, preferably between 150 and 250 °C, and at a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, preferably between 1.5 and 15.0 MPa abs, and very preferably between 2.0 and 10.0 MPa abs. Very advantageously, the optional S-E1) step of separating insoluble matter is carried out under the temperature and pressure conditions of dissolution, i.e., under the temperature and pressure conditions at the outlet of the Sa) step.

[0073] When incorporated into the process, the S-E1) step for separating insoluble matter is preferably fed with the crude polymer solution obtained in the Sa) step or obtained from an optional intermediate adsorption step S-a'). According to another embodiment, the optional S-E1) step may be fed with a washed polymer solution obtained from an optional washing step S-E2).

[0074] When incorporated into the process, the aforementioned step S-E1) advantageously includes a section comprising at least one item of solid-liquid separation equipment, for example, a separator flask, a decanter, a centrifugal decanter, a centrifuge, a filter, a sand filter, a stream separator. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 40 / 124 34 / 115 parasites, an electrostatic separator, a triboelectric separator, preferably a decanter, a filter, a sand filter and / or an electrostatic separator. The removal of the insoluble fraction may be facilitated by equipment to transport and / or remove traces of solvent that may be present in the insoluble fraction, for example, a conveyor, a vibratory tube, a screw conveyor, an extruder or a stripper. Step S-E1) may therefore include equipment to transport and / or remove traces of solvent to remove the insoluble fraction.

[0075] According to a specific embodiment of the optional S-E1 step), the S-E1 step of insoluble matter separation includes at least two, and generally less than five, solid-liquid separation devices in series and / or in parallel. The presence of at least two solid-liquid separation devices in series allows for improved removal of insoluble matter, while the presence of devices in parallel allows for management of the maintenance of said devices and / or unclogging operations.

[0076] Certain insoluble compounds, notably certain pigments and mineral fillers, conventionally added during polymer formulation, may be introduced in the form of particles smaller than 1 µm. This is the case, for example, with titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, and carbon black. According to a specific embodiment of the optional step SE1), the aforementioned step S-E1) for separating insoluble matter advantageously includes an electrostatic separator, which allows for the efficient removal of at least some, preferably all, of the insoluble particles smaller than 1 µm. According to another specific embodiment of the optional step S-E1), Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 41 / 124 35 / 115 The S-E1 stage of separating insoluble matter includes a sand filter to remove particles of different sizes, particularly particles smaller than 1 µm.

[0077] Depending on the nature of the raw material, the polymer solution feeding the S-E1 stage), preferably the crude polymer solution, may optionally also comprise a second liquid phase, for example, consisting of molten polymers. According to another specific embodiment of the optional S-E1 stage, the S-E1 stage advantageously includes equipment for separating this second liquid phase, preferably by means of at least one three-phase separator. Adsorption stage (Sb)

[0078] The treatment process according to this disclosure optionally comprises an adsorption step (Sb) to obtain at least one refined polymer solution. The refined polymer solution obtained at the conclusion of step (Sb) advantageously comprises the target polymers that this disclosure seeks to recover in purified form and dissolved in the dissolution solvent.

[0079] The adsorption step Sb) is advantageously carried out downstream of the dissolution step Sa) and upstream of the polymer recovery step Sc). The adsorption step Sb) is preferably carried out upstream or downstream of an additional purification step. For example, it can be carried out upstream of an optional step S-E1) and / or S-E2) and correspond, in particular, to the optional intermediate adsorption step S-a'). It can also be carried out, for example, upstream or downstream of an optional extraction step S-E3). Thus, the adsorption step Sb) Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 42 / 124 36 / 115 is carried out by placing the polymer solution that feeds the Sb step), in particular the crude polymer solution obtained in the Sa step), the clarified polymer solution obtained in the optional SE1 step, or the washed polymer solution obtained in the optional SE2 step, or even the extracted polymer solution obtained in the optional S-E3 step, in contact with one or more adsorbents.

[0080] The aforementioned adsorption step Sb) advantageously includes an adsorption section operated in the presence of at least one adsorbent, preferably solid, and in particular in the form of a fixed bed, an entrained bed (or suspension, i.e., in the form of particles introduced into the stream to be purified and carried along by this stream) or in the form of a boiled bed, preferably in the form of a fixed or entrained bed. The adsorbent(s) used in step Sb) is / are preferably an alumina, a silica, a silica-alumina, an activated carbon, a decolorizing earth or mixtures thereof, preferably an activated carbon, a decolorizing earth or mixtures thereof, preferably in the form of a fixed or entrained bed, the stream circulation possibly being ascending or descending.

[0081] Advantageously, the adsorption step Sb) is carried out at a temperature between 100 and 300 °C, preferably between 150 and 250 °C, and at a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, preferably between 1.5 and 15.0 MPa abs, and very preferably between 2.0 and 10.0 MPa abs. Very advantageously, the adsorption step Sb) is carried out under the dissolution temperature and pressure conditions, i.e., at the dissolution temperature and dissolution pressure reached in step Sa). Preferably, in step Sb), the hourly space velocity (or HSV), which corresponds to the ratio between Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 43 / 124 37 / 115 the volumetric flow rate of the polymer solution feeding step Sb) and the volume of adsorbent, is between 0.05 and 10 h-1, preferably between 0.1 and 5.0 h-1.

[0082] The adsorption section of step Sb) may, according to another embodiment, consist of adding adsorbent particles to the polymer solution, in particular to the crude polymer solution, said particles possibly being separated from the polymer solution by means of a removal step of the adsorbent particles located downstream of said adsorption section. The removal of the adsorbent particles may then advantageously correspond to a step S-E1) of separation of insoluble matter or to the washing step S-E2. Such an implementation of the adsorption step Sb), by means of the introduction of adsorbent particles followed by solid / liquid separation, advantageously corresponds to the optional intermediate adsorption step S-a'), described earlier in this description. Step Sc) of polymer recovery

[0083] According to the present disclosure, the process comprises a polymer recovery step (Sc) to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction to obtain the polymer composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. The polymer recovery step (Sc) advantageously includes at least one solvent recovery section, preferably between one and six solvent recovery sections, more preferably two, three, four or five solvent recovery sections. The polymer recovery step (Sc) is fed with the refined polymer solution or, optionally, with the extracted polymer solution. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 44 / 124 38 / 115

[0084] The polymer recovery step (Sc) is therefore primarily aimed at, at least partially, preferably predominantly, separating the solvent(s), in particular the dissolving solvent, contained in the polymer solution feeding the Sc step), i.e., the refined polymer solution or, optionally, the extracted polymer solution, in order to recover the polymers, at least partially, preferably predominantly and, more preferably, totally, free from the dissolving solvent and other solvent(s) used in the process that may still be present in the polymer solution feeding the Sc step), for example, the extraction solvent.The term predominantly should be understood as meaning at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, very preferably at least 95%, relative to the weight of the solvent(s) contained in the polymer solution feeding the Sc step), in particular the dissolving solvent and, optionally, the extraction solvent contained in the refined polymer solution or, optionally, the extracted polymer solution feeding the Sc step). Any method for separating the solvent from the polymers known to those skilled in the art may be carried out, in particular any method that allows a phase change of the polymers or the solvent(s). The solvent(s) may be separated, for example, by evaporation and / or flash devolatilization, stripping, demixing, density difference and, in particular, decantation or centrifugation, etc.In a preferred embodiment, the polymers are recovered in at least one recovery section. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 45 / 124 39 / 115 of solvent, particularly two, three or four solvent recovery sections, by evaporation and / or flash devolatilization at a temperature in the range of 100 to 300 °C, preferably 110 to 275 °C, more preferably 150 to 250 °C, and at a pressure in the range of 10 Pa to 4 MPa abs, preferably 0.1 kPa to 4 MPa abs, particularly 0.1 kPa to 2 MPa abs.In a specific embodiment, the polymer recovery step (Sc) includes three or four flash devolatilization solvent recovery sections, wherein a first flash devolatilization is carried out at a temperature within the range of 110 to 275 °C and at a pressure within the range of 0.8 kPa to 2 MPa abs, particularly 0.1 MPa to 2 MPa abs, a final flash devolatilization is carried out (i.e., respectively a third or fourth flash devolatilization) at a temperature within the range of 110 to 275 °C and at a pressure within the range of 0.1 kPa to 1 MPa abs, particularly 0.1 kPa to 0.1 MPa abs, and intermediate flash devolatilization(s) is / are carried out at a temperature within the range of 110 to 275 °C and at a pressure between the pressure of the first flash devolatilization and the last flash devolatilization, and such that The pressure decreases from the first to the last instantaneous devolatilization.To protect the recycled polypropylene resin from thermal degradation, thermal stabilizers (e.g., Irganox 1076 and / or Irgafos 168) can be advantageously added to the refined polymer solution resulting from step Sb) before separating the solvent(s) from it in step Sc).

[0085] The purified polymer fraction obtained may correspond to a concentrated polymer solution or to solid polymers. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 46 / 124 40 / 115 purified.

[0086] According to a particular embodiment of this disclosure, at least a portion of the purified polymer fraction obtained at the conclusion of step Sc) can be recycled in the dissolution step Sa), to undergo another treatment cycle in order to increase the purification efficiency of the polymer.

[0087] After solvent separation from step Sc), the solvent content is normally less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 2% by weight and more preferably less than 1% by weight of the total weight of the purified polymer fraction. Melting process, step C)

[0088] The purified polymeric fraction comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin obtained from step Sc) of the solvent-based recycling process is subjected to the following steps: Ca) further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, preferably by evaporation (referred to here as degassing) and / or flash devolatilization of the solvent; (b) process the purified polymer fraction by melting, preferably melt extrusion and / or pelletizing, preferably also including the addition of additives, to form a melt-processed recycled polypropylene product, preferably melt extruded and / or pelletized; (c) Optionally aerate the recycled polypropylene product to remove volatile organic compounds, thus generating an aerated, melt-processed recycled polypropylene product, preferably melt-extruded and / or pelletized. to obtain a polymeric composition, that is, a composition Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 47 / 124 41 / 115 polymeric melt-processed material comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin as disclosed herein. Step Ca) of further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction

[0089] According to the present disclosure, the process comprises further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, preferably by evaporation and / or devolatilization of the solvent by methods known to those skilled in the art. After solvent separation, the solvent content is normally less than 2,000 ppm, preferably less than 1,000 ppm and, more preferably, less than 500 ppm of the total weight of the purified polymer fraction.

[0090] This additional solvent separation (degassing) step from the purified polymer fraction helps remove residual contaminants with high boiling points, such as limonene, n-hexanal, toluene, and other odorous active substances.

[0091] Step Ca) of further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction can be carried out simultaneously with step Cb) of melt processing of the purified polymer fraction. Thus, further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction can be carried out during the melt processing of the purified polymer fraction.

[0092] In preferred embodiments, further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction is carried out during the melt processing of the purified polymer fraction in an extruder with degassing ports (as described below), the extrusion preferably being carried out at a temperature within the range of 220 to 280 °C, preferably 240 °C. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 48 / 124 42 / 115 at 270 °C, and with a pressure at the degassing ports within the range of 0.5 kPa to 0.1 MPa abs, preferably 1 kPa to 50 kPa abs, more preferably 1 kPa to 10 kPa abs.

[0093] Generally, the solvent content of the melt-extruded purified polymer fraction after said degassing may be within the range of 100 to 500 ppm, such as 300 to 500 ppm, based on the total weight of the purified polymer fraction. Step Cb) of the melt processing of the purified polymer fraction

[0094] According to the present disclosure, the process comprises melt processing, preferably melt extrusion and / or pelletizing, of the purified polymer fraction, preferably comprising the addition of additives, to form a melt-processed recycled polypropylene product, preferably melt extruded and / or pelletized, such as the melt-processed polymer composition of the present disclosure, comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin of the present disclosure. Optional additives may be added in the molten state or in the solid state to be melted within the molten polymer, preferably in the molten state.

[0095] Stage Cb is preferably carried out in a single or twin screw extruder, preferably combined with a suitable pelletizing system. The extruder may be designed for degassing (as described above) and, optionally, mixing with additives such as polymer stabilizers. The extruder screw speed may be in the range of 50 to 500 rpm. The dimensionless flow rate, Q, of the extruder may be in the range of 0.02 to 0.15, preferably 0.03 to 0.12, more preferably of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 49 / 124 43 / 115 0.03 to 0.10. The target melting temperature of the purified polymer fraction is generally within the range of 190 to 280°C, preferably 220 to 280°C, and more preferably 240 to 270°C.

[0096] In embodiments where the purified polymer fraction is melt-extruded, the extruder may include up to four, as well as two or three, degassing ports for top and / or side degassing. The absolute pressure at the degassing ports may be in the range of 0.5 kPa to 0.1 MPa abs, preferably 1 kPa to 50 kPa abs, more preferably 1 kPa to 10 kPa abs, which may be achieved with a suitable vacuum system, for example, with one or more vacuum pumps.

[0097] Degassing can be improved by adding 0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the weight of the purified polymer fraction, of a degassing agent, such as an alcohol (e.g., ethanol or isopropanol), supercritical carbon dioxide, water, or any combination thereof. The degassing agent is preferably water. The degassing agent(s) can be injected into the extruder under pressure with suitable pumps. In embodiments where the extruder includes three degassing ports, the range of 0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the weight of the purified polymer fraction, of a degassing agent, such as water, is preferably added to the second and third degassing ports, respectively.

[0098] Pelletizing the melt-processed polymer composition can be carried out using a suitable pelletizing system, well known to those skilled in the art, for example, selected from underwater, filament or irrigation pelletizing systems. Optionally, a gear melt pump. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 50 / 124 The 44 / 115 can be used to overcome the pressure drop in the pelletizer die plate, in order to avoid excessive energy input due to pressurization with the extruder and, consequently, the increase in molten mass temperature and the risk of polymer degradation. This can be particularly advantageous for high-throughput lines with large die plates, generating substantial pressure drop (e.g., > 30 bar). The gear melt pump can also prevent reverse filling of the extruder screw(s) and flooding of the degassing ports, which can result in ineffective degassing and, in the worst case, line shutdown. Step Cc) of aeration of recycled polypropylene product

[0099] According to the present disclosure, the process may comprise aerating the recycled polypropylene product to remove any remaining volatile organic compounds, thereby generating an aerated, melt-processed recycled polypropylene product, preferably melt-extruded and / or pelletized, such as the polymer composition of the present disclosure, comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin of the present disclosure. Aeration may be carried out by heating the recycled polypropylene product to a temperature above 100°C, such as in the range of 110 to 130°C.

[0100] After aeration, the solvent content is normally less than 300 ppm by weight, preferably less than 200 ppm by weight, more preferably less than 100 ppm by weight. Generally, the solvent content after aeration can be in the range of 20 to 100 ppm by weight, based on the total weight of the recycled polypropylene product. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 51 / 124 45 / 115

[0101] According to the present disclosure, a particular embodiment relates to a process for preparing a polymer composition comprising, preferably at least 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, said process comprising the steps of M) Pre-treatment of a plastic raw material by subjecting the plastic raw material to a mechanical recycling process, comprising screening, sorting by at least one of the following polymer types, polymer article forms and / or color, shredding and, optionally, cleaning, for example, washing, of the plastic raw material to obtain a pre-treated plastic raw material and, optionally, melting of the pre-treated plastic raw material; S) subjecting the optionally melted pre-treated plastic raw material to a solvent-based recycling process to obtain post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, carried out by dissolving a plastic raw material comprising polypropylene in a solvent and separating undissolved components and soluble impurities, wherein step S) comprises Sa) a dissolution step in which the pre-treated plastic feedstock is brought into contact with a dissolving solvent at a dissolving temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolving pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one, preferably one, crude polymer solution, wherein the dissolving solvent is chosen from organic solvents comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C to obtain at least one crude polymer solution; (Sb) optionally an adsorption step placing the solution Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 52 / 124 46 / 115 of crude polymer obtained in step Sa) in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and (Sc) a polymer recovery step to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction in at least one solvent recovery section, particularly two or three solvent recovery sections, by evaporation and / or flash devolatilization at a temperature within the range of 100 to 300 °C, preferably 110 to 275 °C, and at a pressure within the range of 10 Pa to 4 MPa abs, preferably 0.1 kPa to 4 MPa abs, particularly 0.1 kPa to 2 MPa abs; and C) process by melting the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin obtained in step S), wherein step C) comprises Ca) to further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, and (b) melt processing the purified polymer fraction, wherein further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction is carried out during melt processing of the purified polymer fraction in an extruder with degassing ports at a temperature within the range of 220 to 280 °C, preferably 240 to 270 °C, and at a pressure at the degassing ports within the range of 0.5 kPa to 0.1 MPa abs, preferably 1 kPa to 50 kPa abs, more preferably 1 kPa to 10 kPa abs, to obtain said polymer composition. The composition of the polymer Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 53 / 124 47 / 115

[0102] This disclosure presents a process for preparing a polymer composition. The polymer composition provided by the process, according to this disclosure, preferably comprises a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. The polymer composition is a melt-processed polymer composition, preferably melt-extruded.

[0103] Advantageously, the polymer composition provided by the process according to the present invention comprises at least 95% by weight, preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, and even more preferably at least 99% by weight, of a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin of the total weight of the polymer composition. In some embodiments, the polymer composition provided by the process according to the present invention comprises a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin as the only polymeric component. According to another embodiment, the polymer composition consists essentially of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. In this case, the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin represents all the polymeric material present in the entire composition.

[0104] It is understood that additives, such as polymeric stabilizers, in a low content of up to 5% by weight, preferably up to 3% by weight, more preferably up to 2% by weight, even more preferably up to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, may be present in the polymeric composition. In one aspect of the present description, the polymeric composition consists of a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and, Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 54 / 124 48 / 115 optionally, polymeric additives at these low concentrations. Generally, additives at a low concentration of up to 5% by weight do not significantly alter the properties of the polymeric composition. In particular, the properties described in this description are not significantly altered by the addition of additives. This means that the described properties, which are based on the total weight of the polymeric composition, generally show similar, or in some cases even identical, values ​​if measured directly on post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Examples of additives are primary antioxidants, such as a sterically hindered phenol, including octadecyl 3-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] (e.g., Irganox 1076), 2,2'-thiodiethylenebis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (e.g., Irganox 1330FF), 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2(4',8',12'-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-ol (e.g., Irganox E 201) and secondary antioxidants such as phosphites (e.g., Irgafos 168) or phosphonites.

[0105] Preferably, the content of compounds contained in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as described below, is similar to or at least not greater than in the respective polymer composition, preferably in the melt-processed polymer composition. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene resin

[0106] According to the present invention, post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR) resin refers to a resin comprising at least one post-consumer recycled polypropylene, i.e., polypropylene obtained from post-consumer waste. Preferably, the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises at least 80% by weight and, preferably, up to 100%. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 55 / 124 49 / 115 by weight, such as 80 to 99% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, and more preferably at least 95% by weight, of at least one post-consumer recycled polypropylene, i.e., polypropylene obtained from post-consumer waste, of the total weight of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

[0107] Thus, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin has already completed at least one first cycle of use (or life cycle), that is, it has already fulfilled its first purpose. Post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin is different from virgin polypropylene resin, that is, a newly produced material that has not yet been recycled. Post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin is also different from industrial waste, that is, manufacturing scrap, which normally does not reach the consumer.

[0108] The post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR) resin of the polypropylene composition provided by the process according to the present invention is preferably prepared from plastic feedstock, preferably comprising plastic waste, such as post-consumer waste, comprising at least polypropylene, by a process comprising mechanical recycling step(s) and solvent-based recycling step(s), in combination with melt processing steps, as discussed herein.

[0109] In general, virgin polymeric materials and mechanically recycled polymeric materials can be easily differentiated based on the absence or presence of contaminants. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 56 / 124 50 / 115 such as limonene, fatty acids, paper and / or wood and other contaminants, or, in general, in its ash content. Polypropylenes can also be differentiated in relation to the origin of the materials by the possible presence of non-polyolefinic polymers, such as polystyrene and / or polyamide. However, the present post-consumer recycled resin is comparable to virgin polypropylenes in many of these conventional differentiating characteristics.

[0110] The post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin of the polymeric composition provided by the process according to the present description can be distinguished from virgin polypropylene, preferably, by an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of the crystalline fraction (CF), being in the range of [C2 - 3.4] to [C2 - 0.2]% by weight, more preferably from [C2 - 3.0] to [C2 - 0.6]% by weight and, even more preferably, from [C2 - 2.4] to [C2 - 1.2]% by weight, of the total weight of the crystalline fraction of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein. C2 herein represents the value obtained for the ethylene content of the respective polymer, as described further below.

[0111] In other words, the ethylene content (C2(CF)) of the crystalline fraction (CF) is preferably, in % by weight of the total weight of the crystalline fraction of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, [-3.4 + C2] < C2(CF) < [-0.2 + C2], more preferably [-3.0 + C2] < C2(CF) < [-0.6 + C2] and most preferably [-2.4 + C2] < C2(CF) < [-1.2 + C2].

[0112] Similarly, the polymeric composition resulting from the present process can be differentiated from virgin polypropylene (compositions) preferably by an ethylene content (C2(CF)) of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 57 / 124 51 / 115 crystalline fraction (CF), being in the range of [C2 - 3.4] to [C2 - 0.2]% by weight, more preferably from [C2 - 3.0] to [C2 - 0.6]% by weight and even more preferably from [C2 - 2.4] to [C2 - 1.2]% by weight of the total weight of the crystalline fraction of the polymeric composition.

[0113] As can be seen in Figure 1, the relationship between the ethylene content of the crystalline fraction and the ethylene content of the polymer sample differs between recycled polypropylene polymers (SbR products) and virgin polypropylene polymer.

[0114] The polymeric composition provided by the process according to the present invention can be further distinguished from mechanically recycled polypropylene (compositions) by the gamma phase content, measured by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It has been found that recycled polypropylene obtained through a solvent-based recycling process generally contains a much lower gamma phase content in the crystalline structure (measured by WAXS) than the corresponding recycled polypropylene obtained through a mechanical recycling process.

[0115] Preferably, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises, based on the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, and determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, and even more preferably at least 90% by weight, and preferably up to 100% by weight, of one or more propylene (co)polymer components. The term propylene (co)polymer component(s) refers to propylene homopolymer component(s) and / or propylene copolymer component(s). Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 58 / 124 52 / 115

[0116] Also preferably, the polymer composition comprises, based on the total weight of the polymer composition and determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight and even more preferably at least 90% by weight and preferably up to 100% by weight of one or more propylene (co)polymer components.

[0117] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises 0 to 1% by weight of non-polyolefinic polymers, of the total weight of the polymer composition, as determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. More preferably, polyamide (PA) and / or polystyrene (PS) polymers are not determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in the polymer composition. Even more preferably, PET and / or PVC are not determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in the polymer composition. Most preferably, none of the following: PA, PS, PET and PVC is determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in the polymer composition.

[0118] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises 0 to 1% by weight of non-polyolefinic polymers, relative to the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. More preferably, polyamide (PA) and / or polystyrene (PS) polymers are not determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Also preferably, PET and / or PVC are not determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. More preferably, PA, PS, PET and PVC are not determinable by FTIR spectroscopy in Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 59 / 124 53 / 115 post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin.

[0119] Post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, and therefore also the polymer composition, preferably comprises a mixture, such as a polymer blend, of one or more propylene (co)polymer components, comprising propylene homopolymer components and / or propylene copolymer components.

[0120] The expression “propylene homopolymer” denotes a propylene polymer consisting of at least 99.0% by weight, preferably at least 99.5% by weight, more preferably at least 99.8% by weight of propylene monomeric units, based on the total weight of the propylene polymer, determined by quantitative 13C{1H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In one embodiment, only propylene monomeric units are detectable in the propylene homopolymer.

[0121] Based on its crystal structure, a propylene homopolymer can be present as an isotactic, syndiotactic, and / or atactic propylene homopolymer.

[0122] The term propylene copolymer refers to a propylene polymer generally comprising propylene monomeric units and other comonomical units, preferably ethylene comonomical units and / or one or more alpha-olefin comonomical units with 4 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably ethylene comonomical units. Preferably, the content of propylene monomeric units in the propylene copolymer is at least 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the propylene copolymer, determined by quantitative 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, or alternatively, 70% by mole, with Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 60 / 124 54 / 115 based on the total molar content of the propylene copolymer, determined by quantitative ^CpH NMR spectroscopy.

[0123] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises less than 12% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight and more preferably less than 9% by weight and, typically, at least 0.1% by weight of an ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined by cross-fraction chromatography (CFC) analysis, as described herein.

[0124] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises less than 12% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight and more preferably less than 9% by weight and typically at least 0.1% by weight of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined by cross-fractional chromatography (CFC) analysis, as described herein.

[0125] The ethylene comonomer content, based on the total weight of the ethylene propylene rubber and determined by the infrared detector, can be in the range of 15 to 50% by weight.

[0126] The polymer composition may further comprise up to 10% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight, and even more preferably up to 4% by weight, of one or more ethylene (co)polymer components, comprising ethylene homopolymer components and ethylene copolymer components comprising ethylene monomer units and one or more alpha-olefin(s) comonomer units having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined by quantitative 13C{1H}-NMR spectroscopy. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 61 / 124 55 / 115

[0127] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises up to 10% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight and, most preferably, up to 4% by weight, of one or more ethylene (co)polymer components, comprising ethylene homopolymer components and ethylene copolymer components comprising ethylene monomer units and one or more alpha-olefin(s) comonomer units having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined by quantitative 13C{1H}-NMR spectroscopy.

[0128] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises, based on the total weight of the polymer composition and determined by cross-fraction chromatography (CFC) analysis, as described herein, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 0.5% by weight, of high crystalline fraction ethylene polymer (HCF) and / or 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, preferably 2.0 to 3.5% by weight, of low crystalline fraction ethylene polymer (LCF).

[0129] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises, based on the total weight of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and determined by cross-fraction chromatography (CFC) analysis as described herein, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 0.5% by weight, of high crystalline fraction ethylene polymer (HCF) and / or 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, preferably 2.0 to 3.5% by weight, of low crystalline fraction ethylene polymer (LCF).

[0130] Since a direct determination of the propylene (co)polymer or ethylene (co)polymer content is not possible, the contents of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 62 / 124 56 / 115 weight is determined from the equivalent calibration ratio for isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) homopolymer.

[0131] The propylene (co)polymer components are preferably of a high degree of crystallinity, as defined below. However, less crystalline or non-crystalline copolymer components may also be present in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and therefore also in the polymer composition.

[0132] Preferably, the polymer composition comprises a crystalline fraction (CF), in an amount of 85 to 95% by weight, more preferably 87 to 94% by weight and, most preferably, 88 to 93% by weight, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0133] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises a crystalline fraction (CF), in an amount of 85 to 95% by weight, more preferably 87 to 94% by weight and even more preferably 88 to 93% by weight, of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0134] The less crystalline or non-crystalline copolymer components constitute the majority of the soluble fraction (SF) and are preferably present in an amount of 5 to 15% by weight, more preferably 6 to 13% by weight, and even more preferably 7 to 12% by weight, of the total weight of the polymeric composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein. In particular, they are present in an amount of 5 to 15% by weight, more preferably 6 to 13% by weight, and even more preferably 7 to 12% by weight, of the total weight of the polymeric composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 63 / 124 57 / 115 more preferably, 7 to 12% by weight of the total weight of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0135] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises an ethylene (C2) content, in an amount of 1.5 to 10.0% by weight, preferably 2.0 to 8.0% by weight, and more preferably 2.0 to 7.0% by weight, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0136] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises an ethylene (C2) content, in an amount of 1.5 to 10.0% by weight, preferably 2.0 to 8.0% by weight, and more preferably 2.0 to 7.0% by weight, of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0137] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises an ethylene content of the crystalline fraction (C2(CF)), in an amount of 0.3 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 4% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight, of the total weight of the crystalline fraction of the polymer composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0138] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises an ethylene content of the crystalline fraction (C2(CF)), in an amount of 0.3 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 4% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight, of the total weight of the crystalline fraction of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 64 / 124 58 / 115

[0139] In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises an ethylene content of the soluble fraction (C2(SF)), in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 30% by weight, of the total weight of the soluble fraction of the polymer composition, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0140] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin comprises an ethylene content of the soluble fraction (C2(SF)), in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 30% by weight, of the total weight of the soluble fraction of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0141] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, comprises an intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction (IV(SF)) in the range of 0.8 to 3.0 dl / g, preferably 0.9 to 2.5 dl / g, and more preferably 1 to 2 dl / g, determined according to the Crystex analysis described herein.

[0142] Advantageously, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, comprises a molecular weight ratio of the soluble fraction (SF) to the molecular weight of the ethylene polymer (PE): Mw(SF) / Mw(PE) greater than 2, and preferably less than 5, determined by Cross-Fractional Chromatography (CFC) analysis, as described in this document. Higher Mw(SF) / Mw(PE) values ​​mean that the composition is clean of high molecular weight ethylene polymer fractions, while the EPR (extracellular polymer) fraction is free of high molecular weight ethylene polymer fractions. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 65 / 124 59 / 115 ethylene-propylene) of high molecular weight is maintained. Due to the high intrinsic viscosity of EPR, positive properties are conferred to the composition.

[0143] Preferably, the molecular weight (Mw) (weight average) of the soluble fraction (SF) of the polymeric composition, particularly of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined by cross-fraction chromatography (CFC) analysis as described herein, is in the range of 100 to 350 kg / mol, more preferably from 110 to 200 kg / mol and even more preferably from 120 to 180 kg / mol.

[0144] Preferably, the molecular weight (Mw) (weight average) of the ethylene (PE) polymer of the polymeric composition, particularly of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, determined by cross-fractional chromatography (CFC) analysis as described herein, is in the range of 20 to 100 kg / mol, more preferably 25 to 80 kg / mol and even more preferably 30 to 60 kg / mol.

[0145] The present polymer composition, particularly the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, is advantageously almost free of polyethylene, as described by the low C2 content in the TREF fraction between 70 and 95°C and the high PEP / EEE ratio.

[0146] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, comprises, for the Temperature Elevation Fractionation (TREF) fraction eluting between 70 and 95 °C, in which high molar mass PE, EP copolymer and low molecular weight i-PP are eluting, a low ethylene content below 34% by weight of C2, Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 66 / 124 60 / 115 preferably less than 30% by weight of C2, more preferably less than 25% by weight of C2 and even more preferably less than 16% by weight of C2 and also preferably more than 2.5% by weight, determined by Cross Fractionation Chromatography (CFC) analysis described herein.

[0147] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, comprises a comonomer sequence distribution ratio at the PEP / EEE triad level greater than 0.3, preferably greater than 0.4, as determined by the quantitative 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy described herein. EEE represents an ethylene block of the triad, while PEP represents a propylene-ethylene-propylene block. Contaminants

[0148] The polymer composition comprising post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin provided by the process according to this disclosure is characterized by a very low contaminant content. This allows its use in a variety of applications. Preferably, the metal content of the polymer composition, particularly of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, is very low. For some contaminants, the content in the polymer composition, particularly in the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, is lower than in virgin polypropylene polymers. In particular, the content of metals used in cocatalysts is reduced.

[0149] The present polymeric composition preferably has a very low ash content, comparable to that of virgin polypropylenes. Preferably, the content of other contaminants Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 67 / 124 61 / 115 is also very low. The contaminant levels for the polymer composition are described below. The contaminant levels in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin are equally low, i.e., they are contained within the same maximum levels and ranges as post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin.

[0150] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has an ash content of up to 0.07% by weight, more preferably up to 0.06% by weight and, even more preferably, up to 0.05% by weight of the total weight of the polymer composition, as determined by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), as described herein. In other words, the ash content is preferably in the range of 0 to 0.07% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 0.06% by weight and, even more preferably, from 0 to 0.05% by weight of the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0151] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin preferably has an ash content of up to 0.07% by weight, more preferably up to 0.06% by weight and, even more preferably, up to 0.05% by weight of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, as determined by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), as described herein. In other words, the ash content is preferably in the range of 0 to 0.07% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 0.06% by weight and, even more preferably, from 0 to 0.05% by weight of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin.

[0152] Thus, the ash content of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, and therefore also of the polymer composition, provided by the process according to this disclosure, Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 68 / 124 62 / 115 is generally very low. Ash content is indicative of the purity of a material. Generally, these low ash contents are only obtained for virgin polymers and not in recycled materials. The high purity of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and the polymer composition provided by the process according to this disclosure allows the use of the polymer composition in a variety of applications. For example, use is possible in applications where contaminants may negatively affect the production or handling of an article. Furthermore, use is possible in applications where recycled polymers are not yet approved by regulations due to undefined levels of contaminants (e.g., in the food industry). Consequently, the polymer composition provided by the process according to this disclosure allows the application of recycled polymers in areas where their application may not yet have been possible.

[0153] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a heavy metal content (w / w) of less than 10 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined as the sum of the metallic contents of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). In more preferred embodiments, cadmium, chromium, mercury and / or lead are not determinable by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF).

[0154] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin has a heavy metal content (w / w) of less than 10 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm, of the total weight of the resin, determined as the sum of the metallic contents of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) by Spectroscopy of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 69 / 124 63 / 115 X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). In more preferred embodiments, cadmium, chromium, mercury and / or lead are not determinable by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF).

[0155] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a titanium (Ti) content (w / w) of less than 100 ppm, preferably less than 50 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).

[0156] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin has a titanium (Ti) content (w / w) of less than 100 ppm, preferably less than 50 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, of the total weight of the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).

[0157] Low titanium content is indicative of low filler content (e.g., titanium dioxide) in the polymer composition.

[0158] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a content (w / w) of at least one of the following: aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca) or chlorine (Cl) of less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, of the total weight of the polymer composition, determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).

[0159] In particular, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin has a content (w / w) of at least one of aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca) or chlorine (Cl) of less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm of the total weight of the determined post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 70 / 124 64 / 115 by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).

[0160] In one embodiment, the aluminum content is less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, such as from 0 to 40 ppm, from 0 to 30 ppm or from 0 to 20 ppm, respectively. In another embodiment, the calcium content is less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, such as from 0 to 40 ppm, from 0 to 30 ppm or from 0 to 20 ppm, respectively. In another embodiment, the chlorine content is less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm and more preferably less than 20 ppm, such as from 0 to 30 ppm, from 0 to 30 ppm or from 0 to 20 ppm, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the aluminum, calcium, and chlorine content is less than 40 ppm, preferably less than 30 ppm, and most preferably less than 20 ppm, as in 0 to 40 ppm, 0 to 30 ppm, or 0 to 20 ppm, respectively. These contents apply to the polymer composition and, particularly, to post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Volatiles and emissions

[0161] Preferably, in the polymer composition, particularly after pelletization, particularly in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, provided by the process according to this disclosure, the content of compounds with a boiling point below 250 °C is very low, more preferably such compounds are below the detection limit, when determined by headspace gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (HSGC-MS) as described herein.

[0162] Advantageously, in the polymer composition, in part Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 71 / 124 65 / 115 cular after pelleting, particularly in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, the content of each of the compounds, selected from hexanal, limonene, benzene, styrene and toluene, is below the detection limit when determined by headspace gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) as described herein. Odor

[0163] The polymeric composition resulting from the process disclosed here can be characterized by an odor level of 3 or lower (analyzed according to VDA270-B3). Color

[0164] In general, a major disadvantage of recycled polymers is the high content of coloring components, which results in a colored or typically grayish appearance. Therefore, their use is strongly limited to dark products or those where appearance is not relevant.

[0165] Preferably, the content of coloring components in the polymer composition, particularly in post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, provided by the process according to this disclosure is very low.

[0166] Defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), the L*a*b* color space can be used to express the coloration of the polymer. It was modeled after a theory of color opposition which states that two colors cannot be red and green at the same time or yellow and blue at the same time. L* indicates lightness, a* is the red / green coordinate and b* is the yellow / blue coordinate. Deltas for L* (AL*), a* (Δa*) and b* (Ab*) can be positive or negative. The total difference, Delta E (Δε, also Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 72 / 124 66 / 115 Euclidean distance), however, is always positive.

[0167] The polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, advantageously has an L* value in the CIEL*a*b* color space of at least 75, preferably 86 to 97, and more preferably 89 to 97, as well as 90 to 97, determined in accordance with ISO 11664-4.

[0168] In some embodiments, the polymer composition has a color difference δε of less than 7.5, preferably less than 7.0, such as less than 6 or even less than 5.5, compared with a reference background, determined in accordance with ISO 11664-4 and using the following equation: ΔE = (DL2+Da2+Db2)0,5= [(L* - Lref)2+ (a* - aref)2+ (b* bref)2]0,5, where the reference base values ​​are: Lref = 96.01; aref = -0.29; bref = 1.79.

[0169] In some embodiments, post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin has a color difference ΔE, as defined above, of less than 6, preferably less than 5.5 and more preferably less than 5.

[0170] The color difference indicates the intensity of a component's color and is defined as the numerical comparison of the component's color with a reference background (here, a base plate with Lref = 96.01; aref = -0.29; bref = 1.79). It indicates the differences in the absolute color coordinates (CIEL*a*b* color space) and is called Delta (Δ or D).

[0171] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a CIEL*a*b* color space of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 73 / 124 67 / 115 - L* from 86 to 97, preferably from 89 to 97, as well as from 89 to 97; - a* from -0.5 to 0.0; - b* from 0.0 to 10.0, preferably from 0.0 to 5.0.

[0172] In the above embodiments, the color difference δε is very low and the compositions appear white. The L* value represents the brightness or luminosity of the composition, and a high L* value indicates that the composition is very bright. Consequently, the respective polymeric compositions with low color difference ΔΕ and / or high L* value exhibit a white and / or bright appearance, comparable to virgin propylene polymers. Therefore, they are suitable for use in white or light-colored articles where appearance is important.

[0173] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a melt flow rate MFR2 in the range of 10 to 40 g / 10 min, preferably 12 to 36 g / 10 min, more preferably 15 to 30 g / 10 min, determined in accordance with ISO 1133 at a charge of 2.16 kg, 230 °C. Optical and mechanical properties

[0174] The polymer composition, particularly the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, provided by the process according to this disclosure, has a beneficial balance of mechanical properties, in particular tensile, elongation and impact properties, and optical properties, in particular good total light transmittance.

[0175] Thus, the composition of the polymer, particularly its Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 74 / 124 68 / 115 post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, supplied by the process according to this disclosure, is characterized by its good mechanical properties and transmittance.

[0176] The polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, preferably has a total luminous transmittance measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-13 on 60 x 60 x 1 mm compression molded plates, in the range of 60 to 100%, preferably in the range of 65 to 90%, more preferably in the range of 70 to 85%.

[0177] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, preferably has a tensile modulus E measured in accordance with ISO 527-1 / -2 on a 2 mm thick compression-molded sample of type 5A Tension in the range of 1200 to 2000 MPa using a test speed of 20 mm / s, more preferably in the range of 1300 to 1900 MPa, even more preferably in the range of 1400 to 1800 MPa, most preferably in the range of 1500 to 1700 MPa.

[0178] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, preferably has a Notched Charpy Impact Strength at 23 °C measured in accordance with ISO 179-1 / 1eA using 80 x 10 x 4 mm compression molded specimens prepared in accordance with EN ISO 19069-2, in the range of 2.0 to 7.0 kJ / m2, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 6.0 kJ / m2, even more preferably in the range of 3.2 to 5.0 kJ / m2.

[0179] Alternatively or additionally, such overall performance can be expressed by optomechanical capacity:

[0180] Optometric capacity (OMA) is understood as the ratio Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 75 / 124 69 / 115 between mechanical behavior (especially impact and bending) and optical performance, i.e., opacity, where mechanical properties should be as high as possible and optical performance, such as opacity, should be as low as possible. Optomechanical capability can be determined by multiplying the Flexural Modulus by the notched impact strength, comparing this product to the haze determined on 1 mm plates. This overall performance can also be expressed by the process-focused optomechanical capability (pOMA).

[0181] The optomechanical capacity of the polymer composition, particularly of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, may be at least 50 or higher, such as 50 to 200.

[0182] In some embodiments, the process-focused optomechanical capability (pOMA) of the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, can be at least 50 or more, such as 50 to 200.

[0183] The polymer composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, provided by the process according to this disclosure, has a beneficial balance of other mechanical properties, in particular tensile, elongation and impact properties, comparable to virgin polypropylenes.

[0184] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a yield tensile strength (TSY) of at least 26 MPa, as in the range of 28 to 50 MPa, preferably at least 28 MPa, more preferably at least 30 MPa, measured in accordance with ISO 527-1 / -2 as described herein. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 76 / 124 70 / 115

[0185] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a flexibility of more than 9, preferably more than 10, as from 9 to 15 calculated as described herein.

[0186] The polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, provided by the process according to this disclosure, preferably has beneficial dynamic mechanical properties, in particular a resistance to heat detection, comparable to virgin polypropylenes.

[0187] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a heat deflection resistance of at least 97 °C, preferably in the range of 97 °C to 110 °C, more preferably in the range of 98 °C to 105 °C, determined with DMTA as described herein and expressed by the temperature at which the storage modulus E' of 400 MPa is reached (T(E' = 400 MPa)).

[0188] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a storage modulus (E', 90°C) in the range of 470 to 600 MPa, preferably in the range of 480 to 550 MPa, measured at 90°C as determined by DMTA as described herein.

[0189] In some embodiments, the polymer composition, particularly post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, has a storage modulus (E', 120°C) in the range of 210 to 350 MPa, preferably in the range of 240 to 300 MPa, measured at 120 °C DMTA as described herein.

[0190] The polymeric composition can be provided by the pro Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 77 / 124 71 / 115 access in accordance with the present invention in any of the embodiments described herein. Examples Measurement methods

[0191] The following definitions of terms and methods of determination apply to the general description of the disclosure above, as well as to the examples below, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements in the Experimental Section were performed on the recycled resin after melt processing, i.e., on the polymer composition. Melt flow rate

[0192] The melt flow rate (MFR) was determined according to ISO 1133 and is indicated in g / 10 min. The MFR is an indication of the fluidity and therefore the processability of the polymer. The higher the melt flow rate, the lower the viscosity of the polymer. In this case, the MFR2 was determined at a temperature of 230 °C and under a load of 2.16 kg. Ethylene content and propylene triad distribution by 13C NMR

[0193] Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the ethylene content of the polymers.

[0194] Quantitative 13C{1H} NMR spectra were recorded in the solution state using a Bruker Avance Neo 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz for 1H and 13C, respectively. All spectra were recorded using a 10 mm extended temperature probe optimized for 13C at 125 °C, using gaseous nitrogen for all pneumatic systems. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 78 / 124 72 / 115 Approximately 200 mg of material were dissolved in approximately 3 ml of 1,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE-d2) along with approximately 3 mg of BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol CAS 128-370) and chromium(III) acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)3), resulting in a 60 mM relaxing agent solution in solvent, as described in G. Singh, A. Kothari, V. Gupta, Polymer Testing 2009, 28(5), 475.

[0195] To ensure a homogeneous solution, after initial sample preparation in a heating block, the NMR tube was reheated in a rotary oven for at least 1 hour. After insertion into the magnet, the tube was rotated at 10 Hz. This configuration was chosen primarily for its high resolution and quantitatively necessary for accurate quantification of ethylene content. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimized tip angle, a 1-second recycling delay, and a two-level WALTZ16 decoupling scheme, as described in Z. Zhou, R. Kuemmerle, X. Qiu, D. Redwine, R. Cong, A. Taha, D. Baugh, B. Winniford, J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225 and V. Busico, P. Carbonniere, R. Cipullo, C. Pellecchia, J. Severn, G. Talarico, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128. A total of 6144 (6k) transients were acquired by spectrum.

[0196] Quantitative 13C{1H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated, and relevant quantitative properties were determined from the integrals. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene block (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using solvent chemical shift. This approach allowed comparable references even when this structural unit was not present. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 79 / 124 73 / 115

[0197] Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of ethylene were observed (as described in Cheng, HN, Macromolecules 1984, 17, 1950) and the comonomer fraction was calculated as the fraction of ethylene in the polymer relative to the total monomer in the polymer: fE = (E / ( P + E ))

[0198] The comonomer fraction was quantified using the method of WJ. Wang and S. Zhu, Macromolecules 2000, 33 1157, by integrating multiple signals across the entire spectral region in the 13C{1H} spectra. The integral regions were slightly adjusted to increase applicability across the entire range of comonomer contents found.

[0199] The incorporation of comonomer in molar percentage was calculated from the molar fraction: E [mol%] = 100 * fE

[0200] The weight percentage of comonomer incorporation was calculated from the molar fraction: E [% by weight] = 100 * ( fE * 28.06 ) / ( (fE * 28.06) + ((1fE) * 42.08) )

[0201] The comonomer sequence distribution at the triad level, i.e., the amount of EEE, EEP, PEP, PPP, EPP and EPE, was determined using the method of Kakugo, M., Naito, Y., Mizunuma, K., Miyatake, T. Macromolecules 15 (1982) 1150 by integrating multiple signals across the entire spectral region of the 13C{1H} spectra acquired using defined conditions. Crystex analysis, crystalline fraction (CF) and soluble fraction (SF)

[0202] The crystalline (CF) and soluble (SF) fractions of PCR polypropylene resins, as well as the ethylene content and viscosities Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 80 / 124 74 / 115 intrinsic values ​​of the respective fractions were analyzed using the CRYSTEX instrument, Polymer Char (Valencia, Spain) according to ISO16152-2022 - Method 2. Details of the technique and method can be found in the literature (Ljiljana Jeremic, Andreas Albrecht, Martina Sandholzer & Markus Gahleitner (2020) Rapid characterization of high-impact ethylene—propylene copolymer composition by crystallization extraction separation: comparability to standard separation methods, International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 25:8, 581-596).

[0203] The crystalline and amorphous fractions are separated by means of dissolution temperature cycles at 160 °C, crystallization at 40 °C and redissolution in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 160 °C. The quantification of SF and CF and the determination of the ethylene content (C2) are obtained by means of an integrated infrared detector (IR4) and, for the determination of intrinsic viscosity (IV), an online 2-capillary viscometer is used.

[0204] The IR4 detector is a multi-wavelength detector that measures IR absorbance in two different bands (CH3 stretching vibration (centered at approximately 2960 cm1) and CH stretching vibration (2700-3000 cm-1)) which serve to determine the concentration and content of ethylene in ethylene-propylene copolymers. The IR4 detector is calibrated with a series of 8 EP copolymers with known ethylene content in the range of 2% by weight to 69% by weight (determined by 13C-NMR) and each at various concentrations, in the range of 2 and 13 mg / ml. To find both characteristics, concentration and content of ethylene at the same time for various polymer concentrations expected during Crystex analyses, the following calibration equations were applied: Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 81 / 124 75 / 115 Conc = a + b*Abs(CH) + c*(Abs(CH))2 + d*Abs(CH3) + e*(Abs(CH3)2 + f*Abs(CH)*Abs(CH3) (equation 1) CH3 / IOOOC = a + b*Abs(CH) + c*Abs(CH3) + d*(Abs(CH3) / Abs(CH)) + e*(Abs(CH3) / Abs(CH))2 (equation 2)

[0205] The constants aae for equation 1 and aaf for equation 2 were determined using least squares regression analysis.

[0206] CH3 / 1000°C is converted to ethylene content in % by weight using the following relationship: % by weight (ethylene in EP copolymers) = 100 - CH3 / 1000TC * 0.3

[0207] The intrinsic viscosity (IV) of PCR polypropylene resin and its soluble and crystalline fractions are determined using an online dual capillary viscometer and correlated to the corresponding IVs, determined by the standard decalin method, according to ISO 1628-3. Calibration is performed with various PP EP copolymers with IV = 2-4 dL / g. The calibration curve determined is linear: IV (dL / g) = a * Vsp / c

[0208] The samples to be analyzed are weighed at concentrations of 10 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml. To avoid injecting possible gels and / or polymers that do not dissolve in TCB at 160 °C, such as PET and PA, the weighed sample was packed in a stainless steel mesh with a thickness of 0.077 mm (PM 0.077 / D 0.05 mm).

[0209] After automated filling of the vial with 1,2,4-TCB containing 250 mg / l of 2,6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) as an antioxidant, the sample is dissolved at 160 °C until complete dissolution, usually for 60 minutes, with constant stirring of 400 Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 82 / 124 76 / 115 rpm. To prevent sample degradation, the polymer solution is covered with a N2 atmosphere during dissolution.

[0210] A defined volume of the sample solution is injected into the column packed with inert support, where crystallization of the sample occurs and separation of the soluble fraction from the crystalline part. This process is repeated twice. During the first injection, the entire sample is measured at high temperature, determining the IV [dl / g] and C2 [% by weight] of the PP composition. During the second injection, the soluble fraction (at low temperature) and the crystalline fraction (at high temperature) with the crystallization cycle are measured (% by weight SF, % by weight CF, % by weight C2, % by weight C2(SF), % by weight C2(CF), IV(SF), IV(CF)), where the % by weight CF is calculated as follows: %p CF = 100 — %p SF. Cross-Fractional Chromatography (CFC)

[0211] The chemical composition distribution, as well as the determination of the molecular weight distribution and the respective molecular weight averages (Mn, Mw and Mv) at a given elution temperature (polymer crystallinity in solution) were determined by fully automated cross-fraction chromatography (CFC), as described by Ortin A., Monrabal B., Sancho-Tello J., Macromol. Symp., 2007, 257, 13-28.

[0212] A CFC instrument (PolymerChar, Valencia, Spain) was used to perform cross-fractional chromatography (TREF x SEC). A four-band IR5 infrared detector (PolymerChar, Valencia, Spain) was used to monitor the concentration. The polymer was dissolved at 160 °C for 150 minutes to a concentration of approximately 1 mg / ml. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 83 / 124 77 / 115

[0213] To avoid injecting possible gels and polymers, which do not dissolve in TCB at 160 °C, such as PET and PA, the weighed sample was packed in stainless steel mesh MW 0.077 / D 0.05 mm.

[0214] After complete dissolution of the sample, a 0.5 ml aliquot was added to the TREF column and stabilized for a time at 110 °C. The polymer was crystallized and precipitated at a temperature of 30 °C, applying a constant cooling rate of 0.1 °C / min. A discontinuous elution process is carried out using the following temperature steps: (35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 103, 106, 109, 112, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 130, 135 and 140 °C).

[0215] In the second dimension, GPC analysis, 3 Olexis PL columns and 1 Olexis Guard column from Agilent (Church Stretton, UK) were used as the stationary phase. 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB, stabilized with 250 mg / L of 2,6-Di tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) was applied as the eluent at 150 °C and a constant flow rate of 1 mL / min. The column array was calibrated using universal calibration (according to ISO 16014-2:2003) with at least 15 narrow MWD polystyrene (PS) standards in the range of 0.5 kg / mol to 11,500 kg / mol. The following Mark Houwink constants were used to convert the molecular weights of PS into PP molecular weight equivalents. Kps = 19 x 10 -3mL / g, «ps = 0.655 Kpp = 19 x 10 -3mL / g, «pp = 0.725

[0216] A third-order polynomial fit was used to fit the calibration data. Data processing was performed using the software provided by polymerChar with the CFC instrument. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 84 / 124 78 / 115 a) Calculation of the relative fraction in certain areas of molecular weight and elution temperature of iso-PP in % by weight.

[0217] To calculate the relative fraction in certain areas of molecular weight and elution temperature of iso-PP in % by weight, in the first step, the amount of iso-PP in % by weight from the CFC contour plot needs to be calculated: ISO PP in % by weight = 100 - EPR fraction - PE fraction equation D) Where EPR is the fraction with a molar mass greater than logM of 3.5 of the soluble fraction (SF) in TCB at 35 °C obtained by CFC analysis. Σ8H

[0218] fraction in % by weight EPR = .f5^J* SF equation (2) where Hj denotes the height of the signal and ejo value logM.

[0219] Due to the slight dependence of the TREF profile on the low molecular weight portion, the low molecular weight limit depends on the elution temperature (Tel). The low molecular weight limit was determined using the following formula: Low MW limit (for PE fraction) = 0.0185 * Tel + 3.1538

[0220] Taking this into account, the fraction PE is calculated using the following approach. y 99 y>8 rr nn ^l=35^J=0.0185*l+3.1538nlJ . - ~ ~ ~PEFration = ----v140V8 „------*100 equation (3)Σ1=30ς}=2nlJ Where Hij is the 2D differential distribution at the corresponding elution temperature i (Tel) and the j logM value, obtained with the corresponding data processing software.

[0221] The highly crystalline PE fraction (HCF-PE) is defined as the part of the PE fraction that elutes from 90°C to 100°C of the PE fraction. ς99 ς8 tj

[0222] HCF — PE =1=90f=™18f1+31538 lJ*10 0 equation (4)Σ1=30 ^J=2HlJ Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, p. 85 / 124 79 / 115 where Hij denotes the signal height, ia the elution temperature, and ejo the value of logM.

[0223] This fraction mainly contains homoPE and PE copolymers with very low comonomer content, below approximately 3 SCB / 1000TC (L. Wild, TR Ryle, DC Knoblauch, IR Peat, J. Polym. Sci, Polym. Phys. 20, (1982), 441-455).

[0224] Where the low crystallinity PE fraction (LCF-PE) is defined as the part of the PE fraction that elutes between 35 °C and 89 °C from the PE fraction. y89 y>8 tj . τ ΓΤ nr· i=35j=0.0185*i+3.1538 ^ ~ LCF - PE =----' 140 8 -----*10 0 Equation (5) ^i=30^j=2HiJ where Hij denotes the signal height, i the elution temperature and j the value of logM.

[0225] This fraction contains mainly the HDPE and LLDPE copolymer fraction obtained from ZN catalysts or LLDPE from SS catalysts, but also LDPE, as this type of polymer is coeluent due to its comparable amount of SCB / 1000TC. b ) Calculation of Mw(PE) (between 50 and 95 °C) and Mw (SF)

[0226] The calculation of Mw(PE) (50-95 °C) is done using the following formula: V95°CM MW(PE (50-%-)^—— equation (6) ii=50°CWi where wi is the weight fraction of the TREF fraction at temperature ie Mwi is the corresponding average molecular weight of the fraction determined by CFC analysis.

[0227] Fractions with less than 0.5% by weight are disregarded in the calculation.

[0228] Where Mw(SF) is the measured Mw value of the TREF fraction of °C determined by CFC analysis. c) Calibration of the IR5 detector to determine a number of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 86 / 124 80 / 115 short-chain branches per 1000 total carbons (SCB / 1000TC) content

[0229] The IR5 detector provides different detector signals, which have been designated as concentration signal (broad spectral band covering the spectral region from 2800 cm-1 to 3000 cm-1), methyl (CH3) signal (narrow band filter centered at 2959 cm-1) and methylene (CH2) signal (centered at 2928 cm-1). The ratio of the methyl to methylene detector signals is correlated to the total amount of methylene (CH3) per 1000 carbon atoms (CH3 / 1000TC) (A. Ortin, B. Monrabal, J. Montesinos, P. del Hierro, Macromol. Symp. 2009, 282, 65-70). The determination of CH3 / 1000TC using a detector. IR5 can be performed by calibrating the CH3 / CH2 ratio relative to the nominal CH3 / 1000TC content. A linear fit was used for this purpose.

[0230] The degree of branching of all samples in the calibration set was determined by 13C fused-state NMR, as described in K. Klimke, M. Parkinson, C. Piel, W. Kaminsky, HW Spiess, M. Wilhelm, Macromol. Chem. e Phys., 2006, 207, 382; M. Parkinson, K. Klimke, HW Spiess, M. Wilhelm, Macromol. Chem. and Phys., 2007, 208, 2128. The calibration set used for this method includes 17 different short-chain branched polyethylenes, both single-site catalyzed and Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylene-co-butene, polyethylene-co-hexene, and polyethylene-co-octene fractions, covering an overall branching level of up to 80 methyl groups per 1000 carbons (CH3 / 1000C). d) Calculation of SCB / 1000TC of the TREF fraction between 70 and 95 °C

[0231] To calculate the SCB / 1000TC content of the TREF fraction (70-95 °C), the following formula is used: Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 87 / 124 81 / 115 SCB / 1000TC (70-95 °C)=Σ. W S'T' equation (7) 2i = 50°CWi where Wi is the weight fraction of the TREF fraction at the temperature, i.e., SCB / 1000TCi is the amount of corresponding short-chain branching per 1000 total C atoms of the corresponding TREF fraction, analyzed by CFC analysis combined with a composition detector. Since most of the comonomer is ethylene in the polypropylene compound, the corresponding C2 content in % by weight can be calculated as follows: C2 content (70-95 °C) = (1 - SCB / 1000TC (70-95 °C) *3 / 1000)*100

[0232] Fractions with less than 0.5% by weight are disregarded in the calculation.

[0233] Basic references: Zhang, Macromol Symp. 282 (2009), 111-127. W. Yau, D. Gillespie, Polymer 42 (2001) 8947-8958. Monrabal, in “'Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry'', RA Meyers, Ed., John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2000. Nakano, Y. Goto, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. (1981), 26, 4217. W. Yau, Macromol. Symp. 2007, 257, 29-45. Faldi, JBP Soares, Polymer 42 (2001) 3057-3066. Ortin, B. Monrabal, J, Sancho-Tello, Macromol. Symp. 257 (2007), 13-28.

[0234] Determination of the quantity of iPP, PVC, “PA”, “PET”, PS by Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy

[0235] The determination of the components and their quantities in the recycled polymer resin is carried out by FTIR spectroscopy:

[0236] Sample preparation: All calibration samples and samples to be analyzed Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 88 / 124 82 / 115 were prepared in a similar manner, in fused pressed plates.

[0237] Approximately 2 to 3 g of compounds to be analyzed were melted at 190 °C. Subsequently, for 20 seconds, 60 to 80 bar of pressure was applied in a hydraulic heating press. Then, the samples were cooled to room temperature in 40 seconds in a cold press under the same pressure in order to control the morphology of the compound. The thickness of the plates was controlled by calibrated metal frame plates of 2.5 cm by 2.5 cm, 100 to 200 μm thick (depending on the MFR of the sample); two plates were produced in parallel at the same time and under the same conditions. The thickness of each plate was measured before any FTIR measurements; all plates were between 100 and 200 μm thick.

[0238] To control the surface of the plate and avoid any interference during measurement, all plates were pressed between two double-sided silicone papers.

[0239] In the case of powder samples or heterogeneous compounds, the pressing process would be repeated three times to increase homogeneity, pressing and cutting the sample under the same conditions described above.

[0240] Spectrometer:

[0241] A standard transmission FTIR spectrometer, such as the Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer, was used with the following configuration: • a spectral range of 4000-400 cm⁻¹ • an aperture of 6 mm, • a spectral resolution of 2 cm⁻¹ Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 89 / 124 83 / 115 • with 16 background scans, 16 spectrum scans, • a zero interferogram fill factor of 32 • strong Norton Beer apodization.

[0242] The spectra were recorded and analyzed using Bruker Opus software.

[0243] Calibration samples:

[0244] Since FTIR is a secondary method, several calibration standards have been developed to cover the desired analysis range, typically: • 0.2% by weight to 2.5% by weight for polyamide (PA) • 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight for polystyrene (PS) • 0.2% by weight to 2.5% by weight for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) • 0.1% by weight to 4% by weight for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

[0245] The following commercial materials were used for the compounds: Borealis HC600TF as iPP, Borealis FB3450 as HDPE and for the target polymers, such as RAMAPET N1S (Indorama Polymer) for PET, Ultramid® B36LN (BASF) for Polyamide 6, Styrolution PS 486N (Ineos) for High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and Inovyn PVC 263B (in powder form).

[0246] All compounds are made on a small scale in a Haake mixer at a temperature below 265 °C and in less than 10 minutes to avoid degradation.

[0247] An additional antioxidant, such as Irgafos 168 (3000 ppm), is added to minimize degradation.

[0248] Calibration:

[0249] The FTIR calibration principle is the same for all Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 90 / 124 84 / 115 the components: the intensity of a specific FTIR band divided by the plate thickness is correlated to the amount of component determined by 1H or 13C solution-state NMR on the same plate.

[0250] Each specific FTIR absorption band is chosen due to the increase in its intensity with the amount of component concentration and due to its isolation from the remaining peaks, regardless of the composition of the calibration standard and the actual samples.

[0251] This methodology is described in the publication by Signoret et al. “Changes in plastic spectra in MIR and the potential impacts on identification towards recycling”, Resources, Conservation and Recycling Journal, 2020, Volume 161, Article 104980.

[0252] The wavelength for each calibration band is: • 3300 cm-1 for PA, • 1601 cm-1 for PS, • 1410 cm-1 for PET, • 615 cm-1 for PVC, • 1167 cm-1 for iPP.

[0253] For each polymeric component i, a linear calibration (based on the linearity of Beer-Lambert's law) is constructed. A typical linear correlation used for such calibrations is presented below: xi =Aί·~T +Bi a where xi is the fractional quantity of the polymeric component i (in % by weight); Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 91 / 124 85 / 115 Ei is the absorbance intensity of the specific band related to the polymeric component i (in absorbance units au). These specific bands are: 3300 cm-1 for PA, 1601 cm-1 for PS, 1410 cm-1 for PET, 615 cm-1 for PVC and 1167 cm-1 for iPP. d is the thickness of the sample plate; Ai and Bi are two correlation coefficients determined for each calibration curve.

[0254] For each calibration standard, whenever available, the quantity of each component is determined by 1H or 13C solution-state NMR as the primary method (except for PA). NMR measurements are performed on exactly the same FTIR plates used to construct the FTIR calibration curves. Ash content

[0255] Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) experiments were performed using a Perkin Elmer TGA 8000 in accordance with ISO 11358-1 (2014). Consequently, approximately 10-20 mg of material were placed in a platinum pan. The temperature was equilibrated at 50 °C for 10 minutes and then raised to 950 °C under nitrogen at a heating rate of 20 °C / min. The ash content was evaluated as % by weight at 850 °C, based on the total weight of the starting material used. As a reference, the ash content was also measured by a furnace method according to ISO 3451-1 (1997), in which comparable results were obtained. Metal and Chlorine Content

[0256] The metal and chlorine content was determined by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). The instrument used Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 92 / 124 86 / 115 for XRF measurements was a wavelength dispersive device called Zetium (2.4 kW) from Malvern Panalytical. The instrument was calibrated with sets of polyolefin-based standards from Malvern Panalytical. The method is used to determine the quantitative content of F, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Ca, Ti, Zn, Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Ni, Cu, Ba, Br, Cl, Sb, Sn in the polyolefin matrix within defined ranges of these standards. The analyses are performed under vacuum on a plate with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. CIEL*a*b* color space values ​​and color difference analysis

[0257] Color values ​​and color difference were determined in accordance with ISO 11664-4.

[0258] In the CIE L*a*b* uniform color space, the color coordinates are: L* — the lightness coordinate; a* — the red / green coordinate, with +a* indicating red and -a* indicating green; eb* — the yellow / blue coordinate, with +b* indicating yellow and -b* indicating blue. The L*, a*, and b* coordinate axes define the CIE three-dimensional color space. The Konica / Minolta CM-3700A standard colorimeter was used for the measurement.

[0259] Approximately 20 g of cryomilled PP powder were placed in a sampling cuvette, avoiding any voids, before measurements.

[0260] The color of the IE and CE samples and the reference base color (here, a base plate with Lref = 96.01; aref = -0.29; bref = 1.79) were measured and the values ​​of each measurement were saved. The color differences (the Euclidean distance ΔE) between the sample and the reference background were calculated using the colorimetric values. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 93 / 124 87 / 115 resulting in the following equation: ΔΕ = (DL2+ Da2 + Db2)0·5= [(L* - Lref)2+ (a* - aref)2+ (b* bref)2]0·5 Headspace gas chromatography / Mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS)

[0261] The determination of selected marker substances is based on a static free space (HS) approach. This analysis uses a combination of an HS sampler with a gas chromatograph (GC) and a mass spectrometer (MS) for screening purposes.

[0262] The samples were delivered to the laboratory in sealed aluminum-lined polyethylene (PE) bags. Before analysis, the samples were cryo-ground and a 2.000 ± 0.100 g portion was weighed into a hermetically sealed 20 ml HS vial. A double determination was performed for each sample.

[0263] HS / GC / MS Parameters • HS Parameters (Agilent G1888 Headspace Sampler) Bottle equilibration time: 120 min (sample), 5 min (standard) Oven temperature: 100 °C (sample), 200 °C (standard) Circuit temperature: 110 °C (sample), 205 °C (standard) Transfer line temperature: 120 °C (sample), 210 °C (standard) Low agitation • GC parameters (Agilent 7890A GC system) Column: ZB-WAX 7HGG007-22 (30 m x 250 pm x 1 pm) Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 94 / 124 88 / 115 Carrier gas: Helium 5.0 Flow rate: 2 ml / min Division: 10:1 GC oven program: 35°C for 0.1 min °C / min up to 250°C 250 °C for 1 min • MS parameters (Agilent 5975C XL MSD inert) Acquisition method: Scan Scanning parameters: Low mass: 20 High mass: 200 Threshold: 10 • Software / data evaluation MSD ChemStation E.02.02.1431 Acquisition MassHunter GC / MS B.07.05.2479 AMDIS GC / MS Analysis Version 2.71 NIST / EPA / NIH Mass Spectrum Library (2011 version) NIST Mass Spectral Search Program Version 2.0 g • AMDIS Deconvolution Parameters Minimum matching factor: 80 Threshold: Low Scan direction: top to bottom Data file format: Agilent files Instrument type: Quadrupole Component width: 20 Adjacent peak subtraction: Two Resolution: High Sensitivity: Very high Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 95 / 124 89 / 115 Format requirements: Medium Solvent waste: 44 m / z Spinal bleeding: 207 m / z Minimum model peaks: 2 Minimum S / N: 10 Minimum peak values ​​determined: 0.5 • MSD ChemStation integration parameters Integrator: ChemStation Initial area rejection: 0 Initial peak width: 0.005 (for limonene and acetaldehyde) 0.200 (for acetic acid) Shoulder detection: off Initial threshold: 8.0 (for limonene and acetaldehyde) 10.5 (for acetic acid)

[0264] In this study, the statement below the limit of detection (< LOD) describes a condition where the peak as such is not even recognized or the matching factor is below 80 (AMDIS) or the signal-to-noise ratio (Pk-pk S / N = corrected signal / noise Pk-pk, signal-to-noise report from MSD ChemStation) of the peak in the sample run is below 3. The results refer only to the measured samples, the measurement time and the parameters applied. Standard solutions

[0265] For positive identification and comparison with the (lower) odor detection thresholds (ODT), standards were created with the defined marker substances (see Table 1). For standard 1, methanol was used as the solvent and, for standard 2, 2-butanol. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 96 / 124 90 / 115

[0266] For HS / GC / MS analysis, 5 μl of each standard were injected into a separate 20 ml HS vial, hermetically sealed and measured.

[0267] Assuming complete vaporization of all standard substances, the concentration of each analyte in HS cG was estimated as listed in Table 1. Table 1: Calibration standards and ODTs Analyte Standard cg / ng ml-1 Target ion (m / z) (smaller) ODT / mg m-3 [1] Acetic acid Standard 1 98 60 0.001 Limonene Standard 1 32 68 0.21 Acetaldehyde Standard 2 71 44 0.0027

[0268] Data evaluation

[0269] The concentration of an analyte in H2S cG is calculated by considering the amount of substance mG and the volume of H2S available VG. mStandard cStandard _GGardardvG

[0270] Integrating the extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) yields the peak area for each analyte. The corresponding target ions are listed in Table 1. The theoretical peak area of ​​ODT (smaller) is reflected by:

[0271] Theoretical peak area ODT= Á——-^^^---* ODTCG

[0272] To estimate the relevance of the odor of an analyte in the HS above a polymer sample, the peak area of ​​an analyte Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, page 97 / 124 91 / 115 (sample) is compared with the theoretical peak area (ODT).

[0273] In addition, an odor activity factor was introduced. This factor is the fraction of the actual peak area of ​​the analyte (sample) and the theoretical peak area at the lowest ODT found in the literature [1]. A value above 1 indicates the relevance of an analyte to the odor at the given HS temperature.

[0274] „ . , .- -iiii Peak areaSample Odor activity factor = 7: Theoretical peak area UL>'

[0275] Odor VDA270-B3 The VDA 270 is intended for determining the odor characteristics of finishing materials in motor vehicles and parts in contact with air introduced into the vehicle's interior.

[0276] For this sensory test, a panel of trained and selected odor evaluators is required. Typically, 3 evaluators are used. If individual results differ by more than 2 points in a test or in pass tests, at least 5 evaluators are required, in addition to double evaluation. The room where the sensory tests are conducted is free of unpleasant odors. Furthermore, the evaluators cannot influence each other through strong odors such as cigarette smoke, perfume, food odors, or similar smells.

[0277] The sample is delivered sealed in aluminum-lined polyethylene bags. Upon arrival at the laboratory, it is stored in an open area for one week at 23 °C (+ / - 2 °C) and protected from direct sunlight and cross-contamination. For each assessor, 20 g (+ / - 2 g) of sample is weighed into a 1-liter container, which is hermetically sealed immediately after weighing.

[0278] The flasks are heated to 80 °C (+ / - 2 °C) for 2 h Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 98 / 124 92 / 115 (+ / - 10 min). Then, the vials are allowed to cool to 60 °C (+ / - 5 °C) before the sensory panel is instructed to begin the odor evaluation.

[0279] The odor of the respective sample is evaluated by each assessor according to the VDA 270 scale after lifting the bottle cap as little as possible.

[0280] The hexameric scale consists of the following degrees: Grade 1: not perceptible, Level 2: noticeable, not disturbing, Level 3: clearly perceptible, but not disturbing. Level 4: disturbing, Level 5: Highly disturbing. Grade 6: unacceptable.

[0281] Assessors remain calm during the assessment and may not influence each other by discussing individual results during the test. They also may not adjust their assessment after testing another sample.

[0282] For statistical reasons (and as accepted by VDA 270), assessors are required to use whole steps in their assessments. Consequently, the odor score is based on the average of all individual assessments and rounded to whole numbers. Charpy Notch Impact Resistance (NIS)

[0283] The Charpy notch impact resistance was determined at 23 °C according to ISO 179-1 / 1eA. Compression-molded specimens, 4 mm thick, from pellets, were prepared according to EN ISO 19069-2. The plates were then milled into 80 x 10 x 4 mm specimens. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 99 / 124 93 / 115 (type B). The notch tip has a radius of 0.25 mm and the gap used for the test is 62 mm. 9 to 10 specimens were tested and the average value is reported. Optical properties

[0284] Haze and total light transmittance were measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-13. (A-Hazemeter Method)

[0285] Brightness is measured at 20°, 60° and 85° according to ISO 2813.

[0286] The materials were compression molded into 1 mm thick plates which were then cut into 60x60x1 mm specimens for testing according to EN ISO 19069-2 standard with ISO D1 mold. Optometric capability (OMA) and process-focused optometric capability (p(MA))

[0287] Optometric ability is determined according to the formula provided below: Tensile Strength [MPa] * NIS [-¾] OMA = --------------------Opacity (1mm)[%]

[0288] Consequently, the process focused on optomechanical capacity: pOMA can be determined according to the formula below: ..... , „ „ _____ MFR. Voltage Module * (NIS + ..nn) POMA = ---------t—100Opacity (1mm) Determination of dynamic mechanical properties - tensile stress

[0289] In a dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMTA) in tensile mode, the sample is subjected to a constant load together Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 100 / 124 94 / 115 with an applied sinusoidal strain. Under sufficiently low strain, the material response is maintained within the linear viscoelastic region, which is independent of the strain amplitude. [02 90] The traction storage modulus E'(1) and the traction loss modulus E(2) are determined from the following equations E' = 2^*2“ * cosõ[pa](1) Saturday E =^.*^*sen3 [Pa](2) Saturday where Δ^ is the measured amplitude of the dynamic force, in newtons. A is the measured amplitude of the dynamic displacement, in meters. La is the distance between the clamps, in meters; b is the width of the sample, in meters; d is the thickness of the sample, in meters; and is the measured phase angle, in degrees.

[0291] The determination of the so-called damping factor is done as described in the following equation. E tan δ = -y [1] E

[0292] The characterization of the dynamic-mechanical properties is in accordance with ISO standards 6721-1, 6721-4, 6721-11. Measurements were performed on a strain / stress controlled dynamic-mechanical analyzer “Netzsch DMA 242E Artemis”, equipped with a tension sample holder for rectangular specimen geometry. Measurements were performed on rectangular samples cut from compression-molded plates produced with a “Collin 400P / M” heat press, using 200 °C and an annealing time of 300 seconds for fusion at a pressure of 5 bar, in Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 101 / 124 95 / 115, a compression pressure of 25 bar was then used for 300 seconds, and a pressure of 50 bar was applied for cooling to room temperature using a cooling rate of 15 K / min. The compression-molded plate with a geometry of 100 χ 100 χ 0.1 mm was prepared and stored for a minimum resting time of 96 hours after compression molding. The rectangular sample was prepared using a laboratory cutter to ensure a length χ width χ thickness geometry of 20 mm χ 4 mm χ 0.1 mm for sample fixation. The free tensile length was approximately 12 mm, measured with a caliper at room temperature with an accuracy of 0.05 mm. The width and thickness were measured using a suitable length gauge with an accuracy of 0.001 mm.Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was performed under an inert atmosphere using liquid nitrogen for cooling within the temperature range of -80 °C to +150 °C with a heating rate of 2 K / min, a frequency of 1 Hz, in controlled stress-strain mode with a maximum applied dynamic stress of 7.0 MPa, a static load of 0.20 MPa, and a maximum strain of 0.20%. Sample fixation was performed using a torque of 2.5 cNm on screws. Conditioning at an initial temperature of -80 °C was performed with an isothermal section of 15 minutes. The evaluation was performed using Proteus Thermal Analysis software - Version 6.1.0 for E' reading at 90 °C, 120 °C, and at an E' temperature of 400 MPa. Furthermore, the peak temperatures of the tan δ (glass transition Tg) and E'' functions were determined between -80 °C and 160 °C, using a heating rate of 2 K / min and a frequency of 1 Hz.

[0293] The Tg (glass transition temperature) was determined Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 102 / 124 96 / 115 from the loss angle curve (tan (δ)).

[0294] References: [1] Dynamic mechanical analysis: a practical introduction Kevin P. Menard © 2008 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, Dynamic Testing and Instrumentation, 71-76, 2008 Tensile Properties

[0295] The tensile properties, tensile modulus (E), elongation at yield (EAY) and tensile strength at yield (TSY) were measured at 23°C and after 96 h of conditioning, according to ISO 527-1 / -2, the samples are compression molded into 5A tensile specimens with a thickness of 2 mm, according to EN ISO 19069-2, under the following conditions: Preload: 1 N; Speed ​​preload: 0.5 mm / min; Test speed modulus: 0.5 mm / min; Test speed: 20.0 mm / min; sx for σs determination: 100%; Grip distance: 50 mm; Gauge length: 20 mm; Modulus: Secant method, Initial modulus: 0.05%; Final modulus: 0.25%. Flexibility

[0296] The Flexibility value is calculated according to the equation below: Flexibility = EAY* 100000 TSY*E Where: EAY is the elongation at yield in %, TSY is the tensile strength at yield in MPa, E is the tensile modulus in MPa, and EAY, TSY and E are determined at 23 °C according to ISO 527. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS)

[0297] The degree of crystallinity of the iPP samples was es Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 103 / 124 97 / 115 studied by performing WAXS measurements in reflection mode with a Bruker Discover D8 diffractometer equipped with a two-dimensional GADDS detector and Ni-filtered CuKa X-rays. Three measurements were performed on each sample and the corresponding results were calculated. The amorphous halo obtained from an atactic PP sample (D. Tranchida, L. Resconi L., Influence of 2,1-erythro regiodefects on the crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene, Polymer Crystallization 1 (2018) e10022) was appropriately sized and subtracted, and a crystallinity index (Xc) was quantified according to: *c — ^c ^tot is the total pattern and Ac is the area after where Atot is the area under subtraction of the amorphous halo.

[0298] Furthermore, the relative content of the b modification was calculated from the specific reflection intensities after subtraction of the amorphous halo according to Turner-Jones et al. (AT Jones, JM Aizlewood, D. Beckett, Crystal forms of isotactic polypropylene, Makromol. Chem.: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 75 (1964) 134–158): =_________________Ib (300)_________________bIa (110) + Ia (040) + Ia (130) + Ib (300) where the modification γ was calculated from the specific reflection intensities after subtracting the amorphous halo using the method developed by Pae (Pae KD, J. Polym. Sci., Part A, γ-α Solid-solid transition of isotactic polypropylene, 6, (1968) 657663): „ _ Ig (117)Kg= Ig (130) + Ig (117) Experimental

[0299] Two inventive examples (IE1 and IE2) were prepared Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 104 / 124 98 / 115 and several comparative examples (EC”).

[0300] CE1, CE2, CE3, CE5 and CE8 were produced using post-consumer packaging waste as raw material. Among them, the raw material for CE1 mainly contains flexible polyolefin items, such as films, plastic bags, etc.; while the raw material for CE2, CE3, CE5 and CE8 mainly contains rigid PP items, such as bottles, cups and trays, etc. CE1, CE2, CE3, CE5 and CE8 were obtained through a recycling process comprising the following steps: to sift the raw plastic material to create sifted plastic waste material containing only items with a maximum dimension of up to 400 mm; Separating products made of polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, metals, paper, and wood from the raw material, thus providing a post-consumer plastic material; CE1, CE2, and CE5 were obtained as light-colored fractions by separating natural (e.g., CE5) and white (e.g., CE2) products and light-colored fractions (e.g., CE1), and the unseparated material remained as a post-consumer mixed-color polypropylene recycling material with a defined color mixture (e.g., CE3A and CE3B); Subject the selected post-consumer plastic material with the defined color to wet grinding to form flaked post-consumer plastic material with a maximum dimension of up to 20 mm, wash in an aqueous solution with the aid of thermal energy to reach a temperature in the range of 35 to 95 °C and apply a residence time in the range of 1 to 20 minutes with various detergents under alkaline conditions by adding NaOH at a concentration of 1.5 to 2% by weight and, subsequently, dry to reach a final content of Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 105 / 124 99 / 115 water below 2% by weight, sieving and screening to separate specific polymeric material other than polypropylene to be recycled, as well as reducing the flake population to the ideal size range for optical sorting, sieving the <2.5 mm fraction; subjecting the thus obtained pre-treated post-consumer plastic material to further sorting to eliminate specified non-polyolefin and colored parts, producing a purified polypropylene polyolefin recycling stream; and extrusion and melt filtering, applying a melt screen size in the range of 90 and 110 µm, the material and producing the polypropylene blend in pellet form as an extruded, pelletized and recycled polypropylene product.

[0301] CE3A and CE3B were prepared from different batches of raw material.

[0302] The extruded, pelletized and recycled polypropylene products CE1, CE2, CE3A, CE3B, CE5 and CE8 had a polypropylene content of approximately 95% by weight (see Table 2 below). 1500 ppm of Irganox 1010 and 1500 ppm of Irgafos 168 were also added during extrusion to each of the comparative samples CE1, CE2, CE3A, CE3B, CE5 and CE8.

[0303] These mechanically recycled polypropylene products can be further treated in a solvent-based recycling process as described herein.

[0304] CE5B is a high purity reference resulting from the mechanical recycling after drying of polymer pellets for 4 hours at 120°C prepared from CE5.

[0305] CE4 is a commercial composition of heterophasic propylene copolymer BE170CF” obtained from Borealis AG, Austria. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 106 / 124 100 / 115

[0306] CE6 is a commercial composition of propylene random copolymer RD204CF obtained from Borealis AG, Austria.

[0307] CE7 is a commercial composition of propylene random copolymer RD734MO obtained from Borealis AG, Austria.

[0308] Inventive example IE1 was prepared from mechanically recycled CE3A (in flake form) and inventive example IE2 from mechanically recycled CE3B (in flake form) by the same solvent-based recycling process. Inventive Example 1

[0309] A pre-purified feedstock (CE3A), containing 95% by weight of polypropylene (PP), was introduced in flake form into an extruder heated to 200 °C. At the extruder outlet, the feedstock was at least partially in molten form (i.e., at least substantially all of the polyolefin material was in molten form) and was mixed with n-heptane preheated to 200 °C, with a solvent:feedstock weight ratio of 5:1. The mixture, comprising the solvent and the feedstock, was introduced into a stirred reactor, heated to 200 °C and maintained at 2.0 MPa abs, for a residence time of 1 hour. A highly homogeneous polymer solution was thus obtained.

[0310] The polymer solution is continuously removed from the stirred reactor and introduced into a static settling tank. Settling is carried out at 200 °C and 2.0 MPa.

[0311] A clear polymer solution was continuously removed from the decanter and passed through two filters in series, maintained at 200°C and with cut-off diameters of 10 pm and 1 pm, respectively (in that order).

[0312] At the outlet of the filter series, the polymer solution Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 107 / 124 Pre-purified 101 / 115 underwent an adsorption section composed of a bed of carbon particles. This adsorption step was carried out at 200 °C and 2.0 MPa, so that the weight content of carbon particles represented 6.3% of the weight of the pre-purified polymer solution.

[0313] The purified solution at the outlet of the adsorption section was then subjected to solvent-polymer separation by n-heptane vaporization, obtaining a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, which was subsequently prepared for composition IE1 by extrusion, as described below. The solvent-polymer separation was carried out in a flash devolatilization section operated at an inlet temperature of 180 °C and a pressure of 0.14 MPa. Inventive Example 2

[0314] A pre-purified feedstock (CE3B), containing 95% by weight of polypropylene (PP), was introduced in flake form into an extruder heated to 200 °C. At the extruder outlet, the feedstock was at least partially in molten form (i.e., at least substantially all of the polyolefin material was in molten form) and was mixed with n-heptane preheated to 200 °C, with a solvent:feedstock weight ratio of 5:1. The mixture, comprising the solvent and the feedstock, was introduced into a stirred reactor, heated to 200 °C and maintained at 2.0 MPa abs, for a residence time of 1 hour. Thus, a polymer solution is obtained.

[0315] The polymer solution is continuously removed from the stirred reactor and introduced into a static settling tank. Settling is carried out at 200 °C and 2.0 MPa. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 108 / 124 102 / 115

[0316] A clear polymer solution was continuously removed from the decanter and passed through two filters in series, maintained at 200°C and with cut-off diameters of 10 pm and 1 pm (in that order), respectively.

[0317] At the outlet of the filter series, the pre-purified polymer solution passed through an adsorption section composed of a bed of carbon particles. This adsorption step was carried out at 200 °C and 2.0 MPa, so that the weight content of carbon particles represented 3.2% of the weight of the pre-purified polymer solution.

[0318] The purified solution at the outlet of the adsorption section was then subjected to solvent-polymer separation by n-heptane vaporization, obtaining a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, which was subsequently prepared for composition IE2 by extrusion, as described below. The solvent-polymer separation was carried out in a flash devolatilization section operated at an inlet temperature of 180 °C and a pressure of 0.14 MPa.

[0319] To simulate the solvent removal efficiency of a devolatilization and / or degassing extruder, both IE1 and IE2 were cryo-ground into powder and dried overnight for approximately 16 hours at 90°C using a vacuum of approximately 10 mbar abs (1 kPa abs). Pellets were produced from the cryo-ground and dried polymer powder using a small-scale extruder due to the low quantity of cryo-ground powder. The small-scale extruder is a 16 mm diameter screw extruder without a degassing option. The extruder was operated at 200 rpm and a flow rate of 1 kg / h. 1500 ppm of each stabilizer was added. Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 109 / 124 103 / 115 Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168. Thus, the IE1 and IE2 pellets (melt-processed polymer composition) contained at least 99% by weight of post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin and approximately 0.3% by weight of additives, based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The pelletized samples were analyzed without any additional agitation or devolatilization step. The properties of the polypropylene samples by PCR are indicated in Table 2 below. Table 2: General properties of comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP Flexible PP (light color) Rigid PP (white) Rigid PP (mixed color) Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin PP Natural rigid PP Natural rigid PP powder pellets C7 content before drying (ppm) ~1000 * nmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnm C7 content after drying (ppm) < 10* nmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnm MFR (g / 10min, 18* 19 35 10 nm 16 26 13 12 14 Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 110 / 124 104 / 115 IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 230°C / 2.1 6kg) PA (% by weight, FTIR) ndndnd 0.2 ndndndnmnmnd PS (% by weight, FTIR) ndndndndndndnd 0.1 nmnmnnd PET (% by weight, FTIR) ndndndndndndnmnmnd PVC (wt%, FTIR) ndndndndndndndnmnmnd iPP theory (wt% FTIR) 95.4* 95.4 96, 4 94.5 93.2 94 93.7 nmnm 96 Wt. 6 5.7 5.3 7 5.6 8.7 nmnm Petition 870260088742, of 28 / 08 / 2026, p. 111 / 124 105 / 115 IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 C2 (% by weight, Crystex) 3.5 * 3.5 3.3 5.2 5.9 7.7 5.4 7.5 nm 4.2 C2(CF) (% by weight, Crystex) 1.5 * 2.1 1.3 4.5 3.2 6.2 3.2 1.5 nm 3.8 C2(SF) (% by weight, Crystex) 24.1 * 21.7 23.7 16.1 27.1 26.2 27.7 39.1 nm 17.7 SF (% by weight, Crystex) 8.7 * 8.6 10.6 7.8 10.6 9.4 11.1 16.3 nm 7.1 CF (wt%, Crystex) 91.3* 91.4 89, 4 92.2 89.4 90.6 88.9 83.7 nm 92.9 IR (SF) (dl / g, Crystex) 1.4 * 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.4 1.7 1.7 2.5 nm 1.0 PE (HCF) (wt%, CFC) 0.3 * 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.8 1.0 0.7 nmnm PE (LCF) (wt%, CFC) 2.8 * 2.7 2.2 4.8 3.6 4 3.5 2.4 nmnm Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 112 / 124 106 / 115 IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 EPR (wt%, CFC) 7.1 * 7.1 8.7 5.5 8.4 7.4 9.6 15.9 nmnm Mw(SF) (kg / mol) 138 * 130 132 109 130 147 170 192 nmnm Mw(PE) (kg / mol, 50-95°C) 59* 54 42 85 137 102 148 115 nmnm Mw(SF) / M w(PE) 2.3 * 2.4 3.1 1.3 1.0 1.4 1.1 1.7 nmnm SCB / 1000 TC CFC (7095°C) 304*301 317 212 271 207 230 175 nmnm C2 (wt%) CFC (7095°C) 8.5 * 9.7 4.9 36.4 18.7 37.9 31.1 47.5 nmnm * measured on a powder sample before melt processing (i.e., extrusion)

[0320] The following abbreviations are used in all tables here: nd = not determinable, that is, less than the detection limit and / or less than the quantification limit; nm = not measured LOQ = limit of quantification LOD = Limit of Detection Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 113 / 124 107 / 115

[0321] From Table 2, the general properties of the inventive examples (IE1, IE2) can be seen when compared with other samples of recycled polypropylene (i.e., CE1 to CE3) and virgin polypropylene (CE4). Table 3: Contaminants in the comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP flexible PP (light color) Rigid PP (white) Rigid PP (mixed color) Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin PP Natural rigid PP Natural rigid PP powder pellets Ash content (% by weight, ISO 3451-1) 0.02* 0.02 0.00 0.6 1.5 1.0 1.14 0.03 0.10 0.07 Ash content (% by weight, TGA) 0.00* 0.00 0.00 0.65 nm 1.0 1.21 nm nm 0.00 Ti (ppm, XRF) < 5 (LOQ) * 6 6 1944 5828 4090 2833 < 2 (LOD) nm 30 Al (ppm, XRF) 16* < 8 (LOQ ) < 8 (LOQ) 130 136 116 215 45 nm 57 Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 114 / 124 108 / 115 IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 CE8 Ca (ppm, XRF) 11* 12 12 1109 1487 1359 1957 24 nm 88 Cl (ppm, of Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb) nd* ndndndnd 19 17 ndnmnd * measured on a powder sample before melt processing (i.e., extrusion)

[0322] Table 3 shows that the contaminant content is quite reduced in the inventive examples (IE1, IE2) compared with other recycled polypropylene samples (i.e., CE1 to CE3). Some contaminants are present in lower levels than in virgin polypropylene (i.e., CE4). Table 4: Emission properties of the comparative and inventive examples. IE2 Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 115 / 124 109 / 115 Hexanal pg / m3 < 3.49 (LOD)* < 3.49 (LOD) < 4.31 (LOD) 8, 91 11.5 11.4 Limonene pg / m3 < 0.32 (LOD)* < 0.32 (LOD) < 0.39 (LOD) 8.4 42.8 10 Benzene pg / m3 < 0.06 (LOD)* < 0.06 (LOD) < 0.08 (LOD) < 0.07 (LOD) < 0.08 (LOD) < 0.08 (LOD) Styrene pg / m3 < 0.08 (LOD)* < 0.08 (LOD) < 0.05 (LOD) < 0.05 (LOD) 0.8 < 0.07 (LOD) Odor (VDA 270) 3* 3 3 3 nm (very high emission for testing) nm * measured on a powder sample before melt processing (i.e., extrusion)

[0323] The LOD was estimated using a signal-to-noise threshold of 3 and multiplying it by the concentration of the pattern divided by the signal-to-noise level of the corresponding pattern analysis. signal-to-noise ratio threshold

[0324] In Table 4, it can be observed that emissions are quite reduced in the inventive examples (IE1, IE2), both in the form of resin powder and in the melt-treated pelletized form, when compared to other recycled polypropylene samples (CE3A, CE3B, CE5B). Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 116 / 124 110 / 115 Table 5: Color properties of comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE2 CE3A CE5 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP Rigid PP (white) Rigid PP (mixed color) PP (natural color) pellet* powder L* 89.6 92.9 95.1 92 57.5 88.9 um* -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -1.4 14.7 -2.3 b* 4.4 4.6 4.4 6.4 10.8 6.2 (DL2+Da2+Db2) 0.5 6.9 4.2 2.7 6.2 42.3 8.3 * Sample was generated from compression plate

[0325] From Table 5, it can be observed that the significantly reduced coloration in the inventive examples (IE1, IE2) is significantly less colored when compared to the recycled polypropylene and CE3A samples and at a similar level to CE2 and CE5, where all except white and natural, respectively, were separated. Table 6: Properties of comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE1 CE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP Flexible PP (light color) Rigid PP (white) Rigid PP (mixed color) Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin PP Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 117 / 124 111 / 115 Powder pellets EEE (% by weight NMR) 2.2* nm 2.3 5.9 4.6 7.5 4.9 6.2 PPP (% by weight NMR) 91.0* nm 90.1 88.8 88.4 85.7 87.1 81.3 PEP (% by weight NMR) 1.3* nm 1.3 0.8 1.3 1.2 1.4 2.1 PEP / EEE 0.56* nm 0.55 0.13 0.29 0.16 0.28 0.35 EPR (% by weight, CFC) 7.1* 7.1 8.7 5.5 8.4 7.4 9.6 15.9 Mw(SF) (kg / mol) 138* 130 132 109 130 147 170 192 Mw(PE) (kg / mol, 50-95°C) 59* 54 42 85 137 102 148 115 Mw(SF) / Mw(PE) 2.3* 2.4 3.1 1.3 1.0 1.4 1.1 1.7 SCB / 1000TC CFC (7095°C) 304* 301 317 212 271 207 230 175 C2 (wt%) CFC (7095°C) 8.5* 9.7 4, 9 36.4 18.7 37.9 31.1 47.5 *measured on a powder sample before melt processing (i.e., extrusion)

[0326] From Table 6, the general properties of the inventive examples (IE1, IE2) can be observed when compared Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 118 / 124 112 / 115 with other samples of recycled polypropylene (i.e., CE1 to CE3A) and virgin polypropylene (CE4). Table 7: Optical and mechanical properties of the comparative and inventive examples. IE2 CE3B CE4 CE6 CE7 CE5 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin PP Random virgin PP Random virgin PP (natural color) MFR2 pellets (g / 10min, 230°C / 2.16kg) 35 25 13 8 8 12 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 1617 1714 1382 1368 1320 1654 Charpy notched impact resistance (kJ / m2) 3.63 5.59 8.33 3.19 3.51 4.6 Opacity 100 nm 100 82 87 100 Total luminous transmittance 75.5 nm 71.8 88.3 89.5 72.1 OMA 59 19 115 53 53 76 pOMA 64 20 117 55 54 78

[0327] As can be seen from the data in Table 7, the optics of the present invention (IE2) shows values ​​similar to those of virgin polymers of similar composition (CE4) compared to other recycled materials of similar composition (CE3B), while it is similar to CE5, which requires the separation of all the Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 119 / 124 113 / 115 colors, excluding natural ones. Despite the high opacity, it is possible to obtain a surprisingly high total light transmittance for the IE2. Table 8: Other mechanical properties of the comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE3A CE3B CE4 CE5 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP Rigid PP (mixed color) Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin PP m PP (natural color) MFR2 pellets (g / 10min, 230°C / 2.16kg) nm 35 nm 25 13 12 Tensile Modulus, E (ISO 527-2 / 1A, MPa) 1580 1617 1606 1714 1382 1654 Yield Tensile Strength, TSY (MPa) 31.6 30.1 25.3 24.9 25.6 28.7 Elongation at yield, EAY, (%) 6.25 5.24 3.44 3.17 4.61 4.46 Flexibility 13 11 8 7 13 9 Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 120 / 124 114 / 115

[0328] As can be seen from the data in Table 8, the flexibility parameter indicates an improvement in the mechanical properties of SbR IE1 and IE2 materials compared to their mechanically recycled references CE3A and CE3B, respectively (increase of 57-62%). This parameter is similar to that which can be obtained by a virgin heterophasic PP reference CE4; which would indicate that this material is similar to virgin in this respect. Table 9: Dynamic mechanical properties of the comparative and inventive examples. IE2 CE3B CE4 CE7 pellets Material / Parameter SBR-based PP Rigid PP (mixed color) Virgin heco PP Random virgin PP E' (90°C) (MPa) 493.5 463.6 532.4 345.4 E' (120°C) (MPa) 256.4 203.5 272.4 128.3 T(E' = 400 MPa) (°C) 100.3 96.2 103.8 83.9 Tg (PP Matrix) (°C) 2.9 3.6 3.8 -0.3

[0329] As can be seen from the data in Table 9, the composition provided by the present invention (IE2) exhibits similar E' (120°C) and T (E' = 400 MPa) values, suggesting similar dimensional stability at elevated temperature, as virgin polymers (CE4) compared to other recycled materials (CE3B). Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pages 121 / 124 115 / 115

[0330] IE1, IE2 and CE8 pellets were analyzed by WAXS to determine the degree of crystallinity (Xc), as well as the content of the beg phases of the crystal structure (the remaining phase being the phase).

[0331] The melting temperature (Tm) and crystallization temperature (Tc) of the samples were determined by DSC (10 K / min). Table 10: WAXS data from comparative and inventive examples. IE1 IE2 CE8 Material / Parameter SBR-based PP SBR-based PP natural PP pellets ± 0.002 0.090 ± 0.001 0.260 ± 0.004 Tm [°C] 161.5 161.9 158.4 Temperature [oC] 121.0 121.2 120.8

[0332] As can be seen in Table 10, each of the samples IE1 and IE2 contain significantly less gamma phase (Ky) than the mechanically comparable sample CE8.

[0333] Sample CE8 was determined to have an ash content of 0.07% by weight (ISO 3451-1), MFR of 14 g / 10 min (a 230°C / 2.16 kg), C2 content of 4.2% by weight (Crystex) and C2(CF) content of 3.9% by weight (Crystex). Petition 870260088742, dated 08 / 28 / 2026, pp. 122 / 124

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Process for preparing a polymeric composition comprising a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, characterized in that it comprises the steps of M) pre-treating a plastic raw material by subjecting the plastic raw material to a mechanical recycling process, comprising sieving, sorting by at least one of polymer type, polymer article form and / or color, grinding and, optionally, cleaning, for example, washing, of the plastic raw material to obtain a pre-treated plastic raw material;S) subjecting pre-treated plastic raw material to a solvent-based recycling process to obtain post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin, carried out by dissolving a plastic raw material comprising polypropylene in a solvent and separating the undissolved components and soluble impurities, wherein step S) comprises Sa) a dissolution step in which the pre-treated plastic raw material is brought into contact with a dissolving solvent at a dissolving temperature between 100°C and 300°C and a dissolving pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one, preferably one, crude polymer solution, wherein the dissolving solvent is chosen from organic solvents comprising one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 75°C and 250°C, to obtain at least one crude polymer solution;Sb) optionally an adsorption step by placing the crude polymer solution obtained in step Sa) in contact with at least one adsorbent, at a temperature between 100 and 300°C and a pressure between 1.0 and 20.0 MPa abs, to obtain at least one refined polymer solution; and Sc) a polymer recovery step to obtain at least one solvent fraction and one purified polymer fraction; and C) melt processing the post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin obtained in step S), wherein step C) comprises Ca) further separating the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, and Cb) melt processing the purified polymer fraction to obtain said polymer composition.

2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: Ma) providing a plastic raw material, preferably comprising plastic waste, such as post-consumer waste, comprising polypropylene; Mb) sieving the plastic raw material to create sieved plastic waste material comprising polypropylene having only articles with a longer dimension in a defined range, such as from 30 to 400 mm; Mc) separating the sieved plastic waste material by means of one or more separation systems, wherein the sieved polymeric waste material is at least separated by polymer type and / or by color, thus generating separated polypropylene recycling material that is subjected to steps Md) and beyond;Md) shredding the classified polypropylene recycling material to form a flaked polypropylene recycling stream, wherein the flakes preferably have a longer dimension of 2.5 to 20 mm to obtain a pre-treated plastic feedstock; Sa) a dissolution step involving contacting the pre-treated plastic feedstock with a solvent to obtain at least a crude polymer solution; and then S-E1) optionally a step to separate the insoluble matter to obtain at least a clarified polymer solution and an insoluble fraction; Sb) an adsorption step for impurities by contact with an adsorbent solid to obtain at least a refined polymer solution; Sc) a polymer recovery step, to obtain at least a solvent fraction and a purified polymer fraction; Ca) further separate the solvent from the purified polymer fraction;(b) process by melting, preferably melt extrusion and / or pelletizing, the purified polymer fraction, preferably with additives added in the molten state, to obtain a melt-processed polymer composition, preferably melt extruded and / or pelletized, comprising post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin.

3. A process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises cleaning pre-treated polypropylene flake recycling material one or more times with a gaseous and / or aqueous cleaning medium, whereby gravitational principles are applied to separate the flakes from the medium to obtain clean pre-treated polypropylene recycling material.

4. Process, according to any of the claims 1 Petition 870250076207, of 08 / 27 / 2025, pp. 137 / 144 4 / 6 to 3, characterized in that it comprises Mf) separating clean pretreated polypropylene recycling material into a light fraction and a heavy fraction to obtain pretreated heavy fraction polypropylene recycling material.

5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises (Mg) further classifying pre-treated heavy fraction polypropylene recycling material or, if step Mf) is absent, pre-purified and cleaned polypropylene recycling material by means of one or more optical classifiers comprising NIR and / or optical sensors classifying one or more target polypropylenes by removing any flakes containing material other than the target polypropylene(s) and / or flakes of undesirable color (e.g., natural, black, etc.), producing further purified pre-treated polypropylene recycling material.

6. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises melt-feeding the pre-treated plastic raw material to the dissolution step Sa) as a melt feed, preferably a continuous melt feed.

7. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dissolving solvent in step Sa) is chosen from organic solvents, preferably comprising, and preferably consisting of, one or more hydrocarbons with a boiling point between 80 and 220°C, preferably between 80°C and 180°C. Petition 870250076207, dated 08 / 27 / 2025, pp. 138 / 144 5 / 6 8. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the dissolution step Sa), the dissolution temperature is between 150 and 250°C, and / or the dissolution pressure is between 1.5 and 15.0 MPa abs and / or the dissolution pressure is between 1.5 and 2.4 MPa abs, preferably between 1.7 and 2.2 MPa abs.

9. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mechanical recycling pretreatment (M) includes the melting, at least partially, of the pretreated plastic raw material before subjecting it to the solvent-based recycling process (S).

10. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that step Ca) includes further separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction, preferably by evaporation and / or flash devolatilization of the solvent, to obtain a solvent content of less than 2,000 ppm, preferably less than 1,000 ppm and more preferably less than 500 ppm, of the total weight of the purified polymer fraction.

11. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the plastic raw material comprises up to 50% by weight of impurities, preferably up to 20% by weight of impurities, more preferably up to 15% by weight, such as 1 to 10% by weight of impurities, of the total weight of the plastic raw material.

12. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plastic raw material comprises at least 60% by weight, Petition 870250076207, dated 08 / 27 / 2025, page 139 / 144 6 / 6 more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, such as 80 to 90% by weight, of polypropylene, of the total weight of the plastic raw material.

13. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the additional separation of the solvent from the purified polymer fraction Ca) is carried out during the melt processing Cb) of the purified polymer fraction in an extruder with degassing ports at a temperature within the range of 220 to 280 °C, preferably 240 to 270 °C, and at a pressure at the degassing ports within the range of 0.5 kPa to 0.1 MPa abs, preferably 1 kPa to 50 kPa abs, more preferably 1 kPa to 10 kPa abs.

14. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that step Sc) comprises the recovery of polymers in at least one solvent recovery section, particularly two, three or four solvent recovery sections, by evaporation and / or flash devolatilization at a temperature within the range of 100 to 300 °C, preferably 110 to 275 °C, and at a pressure within the range of 10 Pa to 4 MPa abs, preferably 0.1 kPa to 4 MPa abs, particularly 0.1 kPa to 2 MPa abs.

15. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the polymer composition comprises at least 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition, of a post-consumer recycled polypropylene resin. Petition 870250076207, dated 08 / 27 / 2025, pp. 140 / 144

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