Japanese electronics firm develops revolutionary plastic recycling technology

Matsushita says that it has come up with the solution to the problem of how to dispose of plastics containing brominated flame retardants. The plastic is crushed and then heated to 160-200ºC until it becomes soft. This is a relatively low temperature, which means that the physical characteristics of the plastic is not damaged, says Matsushita.

A solvent is then added that melts only the flame retardants, which are separated them from the plastic using the company’s newly developed kneading technology. The plastic can then be moulded into the shape required for the new product.

Matsushita says that it plans to release a commercial version of the technology during the 2003/4 financial year.