Learn about the de-inking process at Deink Brasil, a Valgroup partner

There are factors that hinder the plastic recycling process, such as the presence of ink on printed packages. Because of this, packages with ink attract little interest from cooperatives, recyclers and collectors, resulting in recyclable material not being reinserted into the productive chain, and ending up in landfills or, when wrongly discarded, in nature.

Deink Brasil, Valgroup’s partner, has brought to Brazil an innovative recycling technology which allows the total removal of inks from plastics of post-industrial and post consumption origin.

The process called de-inking, patented in 21 countries, results in printing-free raw material with characteristics similar to those of virgin plastic, adding value to the recycled resin and providing an immense advance for reverse logistics and the circular economy.

But how does this technology work?

The paint removal process was developed based on the addition of chemicals to an aqueous solution in a “closed loop” system for water recovery, without any use of solvents or environmentally harmful chemicals. There are 4 stages before reaching granulation:

Grinding → stage in which the film reels are transformed into flakes

De-inking → here 100% of the ink contained in the film is removed

Washing → removal of chemical residues

Drying → because humidity can hinder the granulating process

Granulating

Water Treatment System

GRINDING > DE-INKING > WASHING > DRYING > GRANULATION

What can be de-inked?

Flexible plastics, rigid plastics, and plastics that have gone through the printing process, whether they are post-industrial or post-consumer, all can be de-inked. For example:

Rigid trimmings

Flexible trimmings

Silk printed bottles

Plastic labels

Bumpers

Deink Brazil also has used its expertise in developing a water treatment system, enabling an economically and environmentally viable process. The de-inking solution and the water for washing are continuously reused within the system.

The technology, sustainable from start to finish, is in full synergy with Valgroup’s innovative and sustainable ND, drives the company to achieve its goal to recycle 100% of the volume produced by 2040.