Avaliação e viabilidade econômica da recuperação e reuso do solvente na delaminação de embalagens multicamadas

Abstract

The delamination of multilayer packaging presents itself as a promising alternative for separating its layers and subsequently recycling the materials. However, for small sample quantities, a large volume of solvent is required for the reaction to occur satisfactorily, which increases the costs of the process and generates unnecessary waste. Given this, this study aimed to evaluate solvent recovery in laboratory tests and analyze its experimental and economic performance when reused in successive cycles. The results showed an average recovery of 80% of the solvent and satisfactory yields of the separated materials, confirming the effectiveness of the process. FTIR and NMR analyses indicated minor chemical changes in the recovered solvent, without compromising its efficiency. Thermal characterization of the polymeric films by TGA and DSC confirmed the predominant presence of biaxially oriented polypropylene, with behaviors similar to those reported in the literature. Computer simulation using SuperPro Designer software adequately represented the delamination process on an industrial scale and enabled the economic feasibility estimation of the project. The total investment (CAPEX) was 1,273,000.00 US$ and the annual operating cost (OPEX) was 694,772.64 US$. The simple payback period was 4.7 years and the discounted payback period was 8.8 years, within the 10-year analysis period. The calculated NPV was 82,605.59 US$ and the IRR was 14.66%, slightly lower than the WACC of 15%, characterizing the project as conditionally viable. Overall, the results show that solvent recovery and reuse is technically feasible and can contribute to reducing costs and environmental impacts. However, operational adjustments and optimization of the recovery system are necessary to ensure large-scale economic attractiveness.