RECYCOAT

RECYCOAT aims to investigate various technologies that enable the separation of the different layers present in coated or laminated (multilayer) materials (especially textiles and plastics). To this end, the aim is to develop a good design (eco-design) of either the coated/laminated product and/or the chemistry of the coating or adhesive layer. The material should be developed in such a way that maximum separation (i.e. recycling) is made possible: the different layers present in the coated/laminated material must be completely separable. Many textile and plastic products use coatings/laminates. The results of this project are widely applicable, including interior textiles (upholstery fabric, carpet, mattress fabrics, curtains), technical textiles (mattress covers, protective clothing, screen), plastic profiles (windows, doors) and aluminised films (insulation materials, packaging). 

RECYCOAT targets 1) coating companies, laminating companies, users of coated and laminated materials (textiles and plastics) 2) producers of binders, adhesives, green solvents, additives that promote separation and 3) companies active in the recycling sector. 

Concrete goals 

RECYCOAT aims to develop separation technologies by capitalising on current or new coatings or adhesives that allow all layers present in the coated/laminated material to be separated. The technologies that allow separating the layers, and thus recycling the material, should result in coated/laminated materials as a full solution so that the properties of the materials are preserved: the product may lose maximum 5% performance and maximum 5-10% more expensive (application-dependent).  

It is expected that: 

• 10 unique companies test the obtained results in their own process and product during the project; 
• 3 companies develop products based on the obtained results; 
• 5 new collaborations arise between companies in the value chain during the project; 
• 5 company-specific implementation trajectories, SME or R&D projects for further company-specific research are set up during the project; 
• 20 advices are delivered and implemented based on the knowledge acquired during RECYCOAT. 

Expected results and impact 

If successful, RECYCOAT will fuel companies' interest in recycling and encourage them to use these separation technologies. As a result, they will help support the circular economy. Indeed, the use of recyclable products is increasingly becoming a requirement for Flemish industry. The European Commission and the Flemish government have put circular economy high on their policy plan. To date, current coated and laminated materials in the textile and plastics sector are not recycled through low-level separation. RECYCOAT should lead to the disclosure of opportunities and their implementation. This will give the companies a technical lead and a recyclable alternative to current coated or laminated materials based on PVC, PU, SBR, ... The total target group of RECYCOAT is estimated at 200 companies with a total (estimated) turnover of €2,500 million. At least 50 companies of these are expected to be reached.