Cleaning of waste plastic

The scCO2 extraction method with a recycle loop system efficiently removes contaminants from waste plastic, addressing inefficiencies in existing methods and meeting strict migration limits for food contact or pharmaceutical applications.

WO2026115253A2PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-04NEXTEK
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
NEXTEK
Filing Date
2025-11-26
Publication Date
2026-06-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for recycling plastic, particularly thin film plastics like HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, and PP, are inefficient and environmentally intensive, failing to meet strict migration limits for contaminants, especially volatile substances, which are challenging for food contact or pharmaceutical applications.

Method used

A method using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction with a recycle loop system, incorporating a pressure regulator, separator, and compressor, optionally with a co-solvent, to effectively remove contaminants from waste plastic by changing pressure and using phase separation to enhance extraction efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The method achieves high extraction efficiency, removing at least 95% of contaminants, particularly volatile substances, meeting food-grade standards with low CO2 usage and minimal environmental impact.

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Abstract

Methods of cleaning waste plastic using an extraction system and extraction systems for cleaning waste plastic are disclosed. The extraction system (100) may comprise an extractor vessel (102) for contacting waste plastic with a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) stream and a recycle loop fluidly connecting a scCO2 stream outlet (108) and scCO2 stream inlet (106) of the extractor vessel (102). The extractor vessel (102) and recycle loop may together form a circulation pathway for CO2.
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