Up to 75% of plastic waste generated by healthcare facilities is flexibles, often composed of multi-material laminates, which are a problem for recyclers. This project aims to shed light on the physical properties mixed flexibles will have when processed with different types/amounts of compatibilizers. The end goal is to help recyclers better understand these materials and their value and better determine potential opportunities for resale markets. Learn more at https://www.hprc.org/single-post/2018/03/12/Healthcare-Plastics-Recycling-Council-Begins-Mixed-Flexibles-Recyclability-Assessment. Presented at SPC Advance, 2018.

1. Mixed Flexibles Recyclability Assessment:
Blending Trials, Material Analysis, and End-Market Applications
in Collaboration with the University of Massachusetts – Lowell.
SPC Advance 2018 | Multi-Material Film Recovery Workshop
September 27, 2018 | Boston, MA

2. Why Healthcare
Plastics…
• 14,000 tons per day waste
• 20-25% plastics
• 85% noninfectious
The Opportunity:
1,000,000 tons/year

3. 3
What is HPRC?
HPRC is a private, technical coalition of
industry peers across healthcare, recycling
and waste management industries seeking
to improve recyclability of plastic products
within healthcare.
Vision
All healthcare plastics are
safely and effectively
recycled and widely
accepted as a valuable
resource.
Mission
Collaborate across the
value chain to inspire and
enable the healthcare
community to implement
viable, safe, and cost-
effective recycling
solutions for plastic
products and packaging.

4. A Value Chain Approach to
Inspire and Enable Recycling
of Healthcare Plastics
Plastics Sourcing
Product &
Packaging Design
Manufacturing
Warehousing
Distribution
Purchasing &
Receiving
Product Use
Waste Collection &
Processing
Collection
Sorting
Processing
FEEDBACK LOOP

5. Corporate Members
5
Our Members
Advisory Board Strategic Partners

6. Common Recyclable
Healthcare Plastics
6
PP PP, PET, PETG, PS
PP or PVC“Blue Wrap” PP
PP, PET, HDPE
Tyvek® (HDPE) with PP Tray

7. Flagship Project: Product Design
Improving Recyclability
and Market Value
Work Product:
Design Guidelines for
Optimal Healthcare
Plastics Recycling
Looks at product and
packaging design
features that inhibit
post-use recycling
potential.
Articulates desirable
design practices and
less desirable design
practices.
Avoid multiple material
types used within one
discrete product
Avoid paper tapes or
labels attached directly to
products
Avoid metalized plastics
and paper/film packaging
combinations
Allow for the identification
and removal of product
residue
Minimize the use of
pigments in products
Desirable Design
Practice
Less Desirable Design
Practice

8. Flagship Project: Product Use
A Helping Hand for Hospitals
Work Product:
HospiCycle
“How to” guide and
collection of tools for
establishing plastics
recycling in patient
care settings.
Looks at economic,
regulatory, resourcing
and infrastructure
considerations
Materials accredited
for healthcare
continuing education
credits.

9. Flagship Project: Disposal & Recycling
Chicago Project
Supply, Meet Demand
Seeks to demonstrate economic
viability and business model for
regional approach to recycling
healthcare plastics.
Project Partners

10. MIXED FLEXIBLES
RECYCLABILITY ASSESSMENT
10

11. 11
Mixed Flexibles
Recyclability Assessment
• Up to 75% of plastic waste generated by healthcare facilities is flexibles,
often composed of multi-material laminates and a problem for recyclers.
• Project aims to shed light on the physical properties mixed flexibles will
have when processed with different types/amounts of compatibilizers.
• End goal is to help recyclers better understand these materials/their value
and better determine potential opportunities for resale markets.
Sterilization Wrap (PP)Tyvek® (HDPE)
Film and
Laminated Packaging

12. Participating Hospitals
12
Mixed Flexibles
Recyclability Assessment
Sorting Event at Casella
September 6, 2018
Project Partners
Project Sponsors

13. Mixed Flexible
Healthcare Plastics
13
Chevron Pouches
Tyvek® (HDPE)
or Medical Paper backing
Formed (3D) Cavity Peel Packs

14. Mixed Flexible Healthcare
Plastics
14
Header BagLinear Tear Bag Vent Bag

15. • With and without
sterilization wrap
• Test two
compatibilizers
• Identify potential end
markets
15
Mixed Flexibles
Recyclability Assessment

16. Project Scope at UMass
Assessment of Real Hospital Flexible Waste
(weight fraction, composition identification)
16
Flexible samples
1. With sterilization wrap
2. Without sterilization wrap
Formulate
Model System
Compatibilizers
A. 2 grades
B. 4 Loading Percentage
– 0, 0.5, 2 and 5%
Compounding DOE, 14 compounding runs in total
Twin Screw
Extrusion
&Compounding
Injection Molding
Mechanical, Rheological, Thermal Rheological
Characterization, 14 compounds;
Mechanical, Rheological, Thermal Rheological
Composition
Analysis and
Formulation for
Model System
Compounding
Characterization
Hospital Flexible Waste
Assessment for Potential Commercial Usage
Target to complete in 6
months, starting from June

17. Complete testing results
expected by end of 2019
17
Mixed Flexibles
Recyclability Assessment

18. FOR DISCUSSION
18

19. For Discussion
Challenges / Pain Points
• Hospital collection and avoiding contamination
• Material sorting
• Technical challenges – multi-materials
• Market challenges
• Solution scalability
Quality and Quantity!
19

20. 20
For More Information:
Visit www.hprc.org
Peylina Chu
HPRC Executive Director
peylina.chu@anteagroup.com
+1 774 369 4048

21. 21
Supplemental Slides

22. Completed
22
Our Work
• Value Chain Mapping
• Design Guidelines
• HospiCycle Toolkit
• Environmental Impacts
of Recycling (LCA)
• Hospital Benchmark Survey
• RIC Position Statement
• Materials Testing
• Regional Recycling Pilot
• Case Studies
• Recycler Guidance
• Mixed Flexibles Recyclability
Assessment
• Recycler Directory
• PVC Recycling Guidance
In-Progress