VTT develops device for processing problematic waste

The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland's cylindrical extruder promises to revolutionise the processing of recyclable materials and thereby promote circular economy business.

The extruder can be used, for example, to turn problematic textiles and plastics as well as food waste into pellets, said a press release.

The first prototype has already exceeded the industrial steering group's expectations during initial testing. VTT is currently looking for a partner to commercialise the technology.

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

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

"Commercialising the device would create completely new possibilities both in terms of waste processing and novel material combinations", explained VTT's Principal Scientist Tomi Erho.

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