Alta Scuola Politecnica (ASP) and Greenchemicals are teaming up once again, following the recognition obtained last year with ORACLE, the project dedicated to food-grade XPS recycling that received the Best ASP Project Award 2024.
This year, the new research challenge developed by students from Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino, together with our team, is called REINHOLDS – REcycle INnovative of Tetrapak® for HalOgen-free fLame-retarDant.
The goal: exploring whether the LDPE+polyAl fraction from Tetra Pak® waste can be extruded and fully converted into aluminium hydroxide — a valuable halogen-free flame retardant.
Turning packaging into an opportunity
To understand the REINHOLDS concept, it helps to look at the structure of Tetra Pak®, one of the most widely used packaging solutions for food and beverages. It is a multilayer material composed of paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and aluminium, designed to ensure lightweight transport, product protection and long shelf life.
Today, the paper fibres are already easily recovered and reused, while the polyAl fraction (LDPE + aluminium) remains the most challenging part to valorize.
REINHOLDS focuses exactly on this fraction:
extruding the LDPE+polyAl residue to generate aluminium hydroxide, a widely used halogen-free flame retardant, with potential applications for example in the cable industry.
A research direction that combines circular economy, material science and a positive environmental impact.
Who is working on the project?
The REINHOLDS team includes six ASP students — Riccardo Sandon, Matteo Capolli, Eleonora Esposito, Sophie Vigè, Sophie Gorrex and Marco Urro — coordinated by Professors Lidia Castoldi (Politecnico di Milano) and Fabio Alessandro De Orsola (Politecnico di Torino).
The experimental phase takes place at our Polichem R&D and production facility in Garlasco (Pavia), supported by our technical team:
Micaela Lorenzi (CEO), Barbara Chinello (R&D and Technical Manager), and Valentina Pelliccioli (Regulatory and R&D Technician).
A key industrial partner is also involved:
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Crosspolimeri Group – experts in cable compounds, including Crosspolimeri SpA, Crosspolimeri AG Schweiz, Eurocompound Srl and ReCross Srl
A truly multidisciplinary project
REINHOLDS goes well beyond laboratory research. The team is also working on:
• assessment of the chemical feasibility
• technical evaluation of the extrusion process
• cost analysis
• identification of industrial applications
• discussions with recyclers and stakeholders
• market analysis of halogen-free flame retardants
• development of a possible business model
This reflects the core purpose of ASP: engaging students in multidisciplinary innovation projects in collaboration with companies, leveraging skills in engineering, chemistry, economics and innovation management.
Looking ahead
The research will continue until the final presentation in September 2026, and the early findings already show promising potential.
Greenchemicals strongly believes in this project because it represents a concrete example of how recycling, innovation and sustainability can work together.
In short: what makes REINHOLDS unique
♻️ Turns the PE-Al fraction of Tetra Pak® into a high-value resource
🔥 Produces aluminium hydroxide, a market-relevant halogen-free flame retardant
🧪 Connects university, industry and applied research
🌍 Aligns with the sustainability needs of the plastics sector
🏆 Builds on the success of ORACLE, awarded Best ASP Project 2024
To stay updated on the project, follow us on LinkedIn or visit our website.
For any questions, feel free to reach out at info@greenchemicals.green