Advanced Mechanical Recycling Technology network for high-quality plastics recycling
Efficient and high-quality recycling of plastic waste
– through progress in mechanical recycling
The “Advanced Mechanical Recycling” (AMR) technology network at IKV brings together stakeholders from science and industry to jointly develop innovative solutions for the technologically advanced recycling of plastic waste. The focus is on the further development of traditional mechanical recycling processes into industrially applicable technologies that can also process mixed and heavily contaminated plastic streams into high-quality recyclates.
Aims of the network
The AMR technology network pursues the goal of practical research and technology transfer:
- significantly increase the quality of recyclates,
- increase the recycling rate, particularly from household waste,
- and energy-efficient alternatives to chemical recycling.
Research is carried out along the entire value chain: from collection and sorting to cleaning and the use of recyclates in new products – even under strict requirements, e.g. in the packaging sector.
Mechanical recycling
What is Advanced Mechanical Recycling?
Advanced Mechanical Recycling (AMR)
uses a combination of state-of-the-art technologies along the entire process chain – from sorting and cleaning to reprocessing – and thus clearly sets itself apart from traditional mechanical recycling.
In contrast to conventional processes, AMR also processes household and commercial waste that was previously difficult to recycle or could only be recycled into simple products into higher quality recyclates
Central process steps
- Sorting by polymer types and colors
Use of the latest sensor technology for more precise separation (e.g. PE, PP, PET) - Shredding, washing, de-inking, compounding
Multi-stage cleaning, removal of printing inks, adjustment of material properties - Extrusion, pelletizing and decontamination of the recycled pellets
Production of new plastic granules, ready for use in a wide range of applications
Why Advanced Mechanical Recycling?
- Ensuring the required recyclate availability and quality
- Increased recyclability even for mixed waste
- Contribution to achieving the EU recycling targets (e.g. PPWR)
- Cost efficiency and low carbon footprint compared to chemical recycling
AMR is a future-proof, sustainable component of the circular plastics economy.
Current projects in the network
Several initiatives and projects are part of the AMR technology network:
LOOPCYCLING – Closing the loop together
© IKVWith LOOPCYCLING, IKV is driving forward the industrial use of mechanical recycling for plastics. The aim is to increase the quality and efficiency of recycling processes and thus make high-quality recyclates available for demanding applications.
Since the beginning of 2025, the project has been connecting companies along the entire value chain – from raw material manufacturers to processors and brand owners – and creating a platform for regular knowledge exchange, practice-oriented workshops and joint development projects.
Follow up project AMR for Rigids
Design guidelines for PCR injection moulded parts
Post-consumer recyclates often consist of mixtures of different polyolefins with inhomogeneous flow properties and impurities. The aim of the project is to systematically investigate the influence of these factors on material segregation in the injection molding process. On this basis, design criteria are developed that enable reliable product development with PCR materials.
If you are interested, please contact:
Pia Fischer, M. Sc.
Research assistant
sustainable injection moulding technologies
Optimisation of the surface quality of recycled parts
The recirculation of painted components can lead to inhomogeneous material properties and limited coatability in the resulting recyclate stream. The planned project will investigate how processing steps such as filtration and degassing as well as process engineering approaches such as tool polishing or variothermal process control affect surface quality and coatability. The aim is to establish correlations between material purity, processing and the subsequent surface properties of recycled parts.
If you are interested, please contact:
Research assistant
Pia Fischer, M. Sc.
sustainable injection moulding technologies
Join in – become part of the network
The AMR technology network is open to all interested parties who wish to become involved in the further development of mechanical plastics recycling.
Whether you are a research institute, mechanical engineering company, recycler or user: your perspective is in demand.
Benefit from the professional exchange, joint projects, regular workshops and active technology transfer at IKV.
