Twin screw extruder drives innovation in chemical recycling research
The University of Utrecht has selected the Coperion STS 25 Mc11 twin screw extruder for a pioneering research initiative aimed at advancing chemical recycling of plastic waste. Led by Assistant Professor Dr. Ina Vollmer, the project focuses on the mechanical-chemical conversion of mixed plastics using catalysts to improve process efficiency and end-product quality.
The twin screw extruder plays a central role in the research, offering high shear and intensive mixing to distribute catalysts evenly within the plastic melt. This enables more efficient material conversion at lower temperatures – potentially reducing energy consumption in chemical recycling processes.
Unlike traditional pyrolysis, which demands high heat, the use of catalysts allows chemical breakdown of plastics to begin within the extruder. Early results from Vollmer’s team suggest this could lower the threshold for pyrolysis and lead to purer outputs with less energy input.
Coperion, in partnership with Herbold Meckesheim, will showcase its full range of plastics recycling technologies at the upcoming K 2025 trade show in Düsseldorf.
“This research holds real promise for scaling chemical recycling,” said Leonid Liber, Sales Engineer at Coperion. “We’re pleased that the STS extruder is contributing to these important developments.”
If proven effective, the catalytic process could be transferred to larger-scale systems, creating new pathways for sustainable, circular use of plastics.
This collaboration underlines the importance of academic and industrial partnerships in driving forward next-generation recycling technologies.
