Multilayer Packaging Research Articles

Mechanical Recycling of New and Challenging Polymer Systems: A Brief Overview

AbstractPollution from plastics is a major issue in the current context, prompting the scientific community to focus its efforts on recycling these materials. Mechanical recycling emerges as the most popular due to its practicality and cost‐effectiveness. In fact, with the increase in environmental awareness, the adoption of new circular economy models, stricter regulations mandating disposal and recycling, and lower costs compared to other recycling techniques, this type of recycling is taking a predominant role over other method. However, the presence of a variety of products of different polymeric nature, the introduction of new biodegradable products, and the complexity of multilayer packaging combining different polymers, without concrete solutions for recycling create a heterogeneous range of materials that leaks into the environment. The scientific literature is actively addressing these challenges, and this review aims to explore the latest strategies for enhancing the mechanical recycling of new and challenging polymer systems. Specifically, it explores the recycling of materials originally designated for landfill, incineration or composting, focusing on advancements in management of these previously overlooked and problematic system. This underexplored perspective seeks to offer new insights and innovative solutions that can transform polymer waste management and advance more sustainable recycling practices.

Modular Quantum Processor with an All-to-All Reconfigurable Router

Superconducting qubits provide a promising approach to large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing. However, qubit connectivity on a planar surface is typically restricted to only a few neighboring qubits. Achieving longer-range and more flexible connectivity, which is particularly appealing in light of recent developments in error-correcting codes, however, usually involves complex multilayer packaging and external cabling, which is resource intensive and can impose fidelity limitations. Here, we propose and realize a high-speed on-chip quantum processor that supports reconfigurable all-to-all coupling with a large on-off ratio. We implement the design in a four-node quantum processor, built with a modular design comprising a wiring substrate coupled to two separate qubit-bearing substrates, each including two single-qubit nodes. We use this device to demonstrate reconfigurable controlled-Z gates across all qubit pairs, with a benchmarked average fidelity of 96.00%±0.08% and best fidelity of 97.14%±0.07%, limited mainly by dephasing in the qubits. We also generate multiqubit entanglement, distributed across the separate modules, demonstrating GHZ-3 and GHZ-4 states with fidelities of 88.15%±0.24% and 75.18%±0.11%, respectively. This approach promises efficient scaling to larger-scale quantum circuits and offers a pathway for implementing quantum algorithms and error-correction schemes that benefit from enhanced qubit connectivity. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Impact of molecular architecture and draw ratio on enhancement of targeted mechanical properties of machine direction oriented polyethylene films produced after blown film extrusion

Conventional multi-material multi-layer flexible packaging offers excellent properties. However, it has recycling challenges, necessitating a shift to mono-material multi-layer flexible packaging for example all-polyethylene (PE) packaging which can be tailored through various synthesis and processing methods for different layers. In this work, we study how the key molecular properties (number-average molecular weight ( Mn), weight-average molecular weight ( M w), molecular weight distribution (MWD), comonomer content (short chain branching)) and machine direction orientation (MDO) process draw ratio (MDX) influence the final morphology and mechanical properties of MDO-PE films which are intended as the outer layer of mono-material all-polyethylene multi-layer flexible packaging. Five PE grades and various blends were extruded and blown into films. Selected blown films were machine direction oriented to obtain the final MDO-PE films. Furthermore, one selected PE blown film was processed at different MDO process draw ratios while keeping other process parameters constant. From the molecular properties point of view, the higher molecular weight fractions provide a higher possibility for uniform stretching whereas lower molecular weight fractions provide a higher natural draw ratio and therefore higher modulus and stiffness enhancement. Further, the results show that increasing MDO process draw ratio leads to more fibrillation and increased crystallinity. Consequently, the tensile modulus and stiffness at the higher draw ratios increase as well and are comparable to conventionally used polymers in outer layers of multilayer flexible packaging. Thus, this work demonstrates that MDO-PE films with enhanced modulus can provide sufficient stiffness for the design of outer layer of mono-material multi-layer all-PE packaging which presents higher potential for mechanical recyclability.

Formulation and Characterization of Deep Eutectic Solvents and Potential Application in Recycling Packaging Laminates.

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) show promising abilities for the delamination of multilayer packaging films that are used in food packaging and in pharmaceutical blister packs. Due to the complexity of their structure, the recycling of such materials is a challenging task, leading to the easiest or cheapest disposal option of either landfill or incineration. Towards the development of 'green' solvents for efficient waste management and recycling, this research focuses on the preparation of a range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic DESs based on carboxylic acids in combination with various naturally derived aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds as well as amino acids. Chemical and physical characterization of the solvents was undertaken using differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry, and density measurements for the determination of their properties. Subsequently, batches of solvent were tested against different types of consumer packaging to evaluate the ability of the DES to delaminate these structures into their component materials. The laminate packaging waste products tested were Al/PE, PE/Al/PET, Al/PE/paper, and PVC/PE/Al. Separated films were collected and studied to further examine the effect of solvent delamination on the materials. Depending on the DES formulation, the results showed either partial or full delamination of one or more of the packaging materials, albeit there were challenges for certain solvent systems in the context of delivering a broad delamination efficiency. Variables including temperature, agitation rate, mixing time, and solvent ratios were investigated via a Design of Experiments process to assess the effects of these parameters on the delamination outcome. The results showed that the DESs presented in this research can offer an efficient, low-energy, affordable, and green option for the delamination of laminate packaging materials.

Delamination and Evaluation of Multilayer PE/Al/PET Packaging Waste Separated Using a Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent.

This research concerns the development and implementation of ground-breaking strategies for improving the sorting, separation, and recycling of common flexible laminate packaging materials. Such packaging laminates incorporate different functional materials in order to achieve the desired mechanical performance and barrier properties. Common components include poly(ethylene) (PE), poly(propylene) (PP), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), as well as valuable barrier materials such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) and aluminium (Al) foils. Although widely used for the protection and preservation of food produce, such packaging materials present significant challenges for established recycling infrastructure and, therefore, to our future ambitions for a circular economy. Experience from the field of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has been leveraged to develop novel green solvent systems that delaminate multilayer packaging materials to facilitate the separation and recovery of high-purity commodity plastics and aluminium. This research focuses on the development of a hydrophobic DES and the application of a Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology to investigate the effects of process parameters on the delamination of PE/Al/PET laminate packaging films. Key variables including temperature, time, loading, flake size, and perforations were assessed at laboratory scale using a 1 L filter reactor vessel. The results demonstrate that efficient separation of PE, Al, and PET can be achieved with high yields for material and solvent recovery. Recovered plastic films were subsequently characterised via Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to qualify the quality of plastics for reuse.

The influence of Multi-Layer Plastic Packaging (MPP) on the high-temperature performance of asphalt binders and mixtures using wet and dry mixing methods

ABSTRACT High temperatures, combined with heavy traffic loads, increase the risk of permanent deformation and reduce the useful lifespan of pavements, leading to a greater need for maintenance and rehabilitation activities throughout the pavement's service life. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of recycled thermoplastic additives, specifically Multi-Layer Plastic Packaging (MPP) materials, in enhancing the high-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures. MPP materials, including types such as Polyester, Polyethylene, Nylon, and Metalized Polyester, were used for binder modification in asphalt mixtures. The modification was conducted using both wet and dry methods. The physical and rheological properties of the modified binders were assessed at high temperatures to determine their impact on stiffness and resistance to permanent deformation. The results indicate that MPP materials significantly improve the high-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures by enhancing binder stiffness and resistance to permanent deformation, with the wet method proving more effective than the dry method. These findings highlight the need for developing practical guidelines for incorporating MPP materials in asphalt production in the future and underscore the importance of comprehensive studies on maintenance, rehabilitation, and overall pavement lifecycle costs.

Unearthing waste resources: Nano‐adsorbents from complex packaging waste for fluoride detoxification of water

AbstractThis study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Al2O3 nanoparticles derived from multilayered packaging (MLP) waste, specifically postconsumer coffee capsules, and evaluates their efficacy in fluoride adsorption from aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile thermal degradation technique followed by leaching and precipitation processes. Characterization techniques, including inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy, XRF, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope, confirmed the formation of γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles with a cubic crystal structure. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.60 mg/g. Kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo‐second order model best described the adsorption process, indicating a complex multistep mechanism involving both physisorption in the initial rapid adsorption and chemisorption in the latter slower phase. The Freundlich–Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for equilibrium data suggesting a complex adsorption mechanism involving both homogeneous and heterogeneous surface interactions. The presence of competing anions, particularly carbonate and phosphate, significantly affected the adsorption efficiency. This research demonstrates the potential of upcycling MLP waste into valuable adsorbents for wastewater treatment applications, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

Application of interlayer perforation and installation of transparent elements in the technology of duplicated decorative polymer films

Objectives. To develop technologies for producing multilayer films of transparent thermoplastic polymers; to study methods of modifying their supramolecular structure; and to determine their optical properties by means of optical-polarization methods for the use of modified films as decorative and design materials in modern architecture.Methods. Industrial samples of polystyrene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride films from various manufacturers (Don Polimer, Vektor, and Sibur) were the objects of the study. The optical properties of the films were studied by means polarized-light spectrophotometry. In order to modify the supramolecular structure of the polymers, the surfaces of the films were treated under isometric conditions with volatile solvents or their aqueous solutions. Parts of the layers of multilayer films were removed by cutting with a punching knife using a press or with a manual device for perforating printing materials.Results. The spectral characteristics of multilayer films of several transparent thermoplastic polymers in polarized light were determined. The study showed that a wide palette of colors and contrasting images can be obtained by mechanically removing part of the layers of multilayer films. The phenomenon of pseudo-disappearance of the outermost layer was discovered after treatment of a stack of films under isometric conditions with volatile solvents or their aqueous solutions.Conclusions. Based on the example of large-scale production thermoplastics, it was shown that a combination of technological methods of stacking, perforation, and local plasticization of films of transparent thermoplastic polymers can produce pleochroic multicolor materials for a range of human activities. The possibility of hidden coding of information on multilayer packaging materials, and its visualization and instrumental reading in polarized light was confirmed by color differential and contrast of 150 and 60 units, respectively. It was also shown that several monochrome tones of different lightness and brightness can be obtained by varying the number of layers or perforating the films in multilayer materials.

IR-spectroscopic analysis of interaction with multi-layer paper and cardboard containing synthetic fibers with printing inks

An IR spectroscopic analysis of the printing and technical properties of new types of multilayer packaging paper and cardboard containing waste polyacrylonitrile fiber and their interaction with printing inks was carried out. The preference for using multilayer composite paper and cardboard for the printing and paper industries is shown. It has been established that the tensile strength of paper does not depend on the strength of individual components, but on the strength of the paper structure formed during its production. When the paper contained 20% waste modified polyacrylonitrile, maximum optical density was achieved with a minimum thickness of the ink layer, that is, saturated prints were obtained with minimal consumption of printing ink.

Lifetime prediction of copper pillar bumps based on fatigue crack propagation

2.5D package realizes the interconnection of multiple dies through Si interposers, which can greatly improve the data transmission rate between dies. However, its multi-layer structure and high package density also place higher reliability requirements on the interconnection structure. As a key structure for interconnection, copper pillar bump (CPB) has small size, high heat generation, and thermal mismatch with silicon chips. The thermal fatigue failure of CPB has gradually become the main failure mode in 2.5D package. Due to the small size of CPB and the large proportion of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers, the lifetime prediction method of spherical solder joints is no longer suitable for CPB. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a fatigue lifetime prediction method for CPB. This paper establishes a method for obtaining the lifetime of CPB based on the basic theory of fatigue crack propagation. Using the extended finite element simulation method, the crack propagation lifetime of CPB under thermal cycling was obtained, and the influence of different IMC layer thickness on the fatigue lifetime of CPB was analyzed. The results indicated that the fatigue lifetime of cracks propagating in the IMC layer is lower than that of cracks propagating in the solder layer, and an increase in the thickness of the IMC layer leads to a significant decrease in the fatigue lifetime of CPB. The lifetime prediction method for CPB proposed in this paper can be used for reliability evaluation of 2.5D package, and has certain reference value for the study of the lifetime of CPB.

Design and FEA verification of high dimensional and multi-field smart soft material

Abstract We designed a sophisticated smart soft tissue material that simulates the properties of biological soft tissue and detects three-dimensional force. Inspired by electronic skin, this material uses capacitive pressure sensors and multi-layer sensor packaging. Finite element analysis and multi-field simulation were employed for structural design and verification. The study evaluated the theory and practicality of a flexible capacitive 3D force sensor for detecting pressure and shear force. Mechanical and electrical properties were confirmed through force and electric field simulations. The 3D force detection method proved feasible, achieving sensitivity levels of 10−4 kPa −1 in the X and Y directions, and 10−3 kPa −1 in the Z direction, demonstrating the effectiveness of our design.

Investigation and Comparison of Alternative Oxygen Barrier Coatings for Flexible PP Films as Food Packaging Material

One of the EU’s ambitious goals is to ensure all plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030. However, achieving higher recycling rates, particularly in flexible multilayer food packaging, is challenging due to the combination of diverse materials. This highlights the importance of designing for recyclability and exploring alternative barrier solutions. In this study, several types of coatings, such as ORMOCER® (Fraunhofer-ISC, Würzburg, Germany) Michem® Flex B3513 (Michelman International Belgium SRL, Aubange, Belgium), and PVOH (Kuraray Europe GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany), are applied on different polypropylene substrates, including cast PP (CPP70), SiOx, and AlOx-coated PP films. The effect of double coating and optimized curing conditions of ORMOCER® on the oxygen permeability of CPP70 was also investigated. The results showed significant improvements in the barrier properties of PP/SiOx and OPP/AlOx films, and OTR values less than 0.1 cm3/m2·d·bar were achieved. It was also found that ORMOCER® and Michem® Flex B3513 could enhance the oxygen barrier property of CPP70 and the OTR value reduced by a factor of 88 and 551, respectively.

A Powerful Strategy for Carbon Reduction: Recyclable Mono-Material Polyethylene Functional Film.

Given the abundant plastics produced globally, and the negative environmental impacts of disposable plastic products throughout their life cycle, there has been significant attention drawn by the general public and governments worldwide. Mono-material multilayer packaging is a potent strategy to address the challenge of carbon emissions as it offers specific functionalities (such as strength and barrier properties) through its layers and facilitates recycling. In this study, a five-layer co-extruded polyethylene composite film LLDPE/mPE/PVA/mPE/LLDPE was taken as a model to investigate its mechanical properties and barrier properties after four recycling cycles. The result revealed that the longitudinal tensile strength and transvers tensile were, respectively, dropped from 29.66 MPa and 24.9 MPa to 21.972 MPa and 19.222 MPa after the recycling; it is shown that the film still has good mechanical properties after the recycling cycle. However, a noticeable decline in the barrier properties was observed after the second recycling. In contrast to traditional plastics, a mono-material film with a 10 wt.% circulating mass could reduce CO2 emissions by 3692.25 kg for every 1.0 ton of plastic products after four recycling cycles.

Pyrolysis conversion of multi-layer packaging waste under a CO2 atmosphere: Thermo-kinetic study, evolved products analysis and artificial neural networks modeling

Packaging waste such as beverage carton forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and its pyrolysis behavior, kinetics, and thermodynamics were studied. A four-stage decomposition process was revealed: dehydration below 200 ℃, paperboard degradation at 200–400 ℃, polyethylene devolatilization at 400–550 ℃, and inorganic decomposition at 550–900 ℃. The evolved products included furans and acetic acid during stage II, followed by the presence of 2-butene and 1-pentene in the subsequent stage. Apparent activation energy (Ea) were determined using model-free models, revealing a notable level of comparability among these results. The average Ea was 123.6 kJ/mol within α range of 0.10–0.60, increasing to 233.3 kJ/mol beyond that range. The most probable reaction mechanism was determined, with the one-dimensional model proving more reliable. An artificial neural network model was developed to predict the thermal degradation. The selected topology of 5*15*1 displayed a robust ability to predict the thermal data.

Functional properties of food packaging solutions alternative to conventional multilayer systems

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the most important functional properties of multilayer and alternative packaging with improved sustainability specifically used for modified atmosphere (MAP) and chilled food products. A multilayer material with a thickness reduction, mono-PET, paper/PE-EVOH-PE, and a biopolymer for trays, together with a SiOx-coated PET, and a cellulose/PLA-based for lids were analyzed for their optical, tensile, and gas-vapor barrier properties, which were compared to those of conventional trays/lids (PET-EVOH-PE multilayer structures). All the alternative solutions showed good UV-light screening ability, together with high transparency in the visible range, and tensile properties greater than those displayed by conventional configurations. Lid alternative materials exhibited a significantly higher performance in terms of oxygen and water vapor barrier properties as compared to that displayed by conventional counterparts. The tray alternative solutions performed better than the conventional ones against CO2 and O2 permeation, with values lower than the detection limit of the instrument (0.01 cm3 m− 2 day− 1 and 0.25 cm3 m− 2 day− 1 for O2 and CO2, respectively). This study demonstrated the high potential of alternative packaging in replacing the current materials intended for storing highly perishable foods stored under MAP and cold storage.

Microstructural, mechanical, thermo‐rheological, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of coextruded tri‐layer polylactide/encapsulated geraniol/polylactide‐graphene nanoplatelets films

AbstractA sustainable polylactide (PLA)‐based multilayer food packaging film was developed to improve neat PLA films' modest mechanical, thermal, and water/gas barrier properties. To improve the desired properties and impart antimicrobial aspects to the composite films, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and geraniol (GER) were reinforced into single‐layered PLA films. The project aimed to assemble three monolayers into multilayer films (MLF) through a coextrusion process, keeping the PLA‐GER layer in the core. X‐ray diffractograms, micrographs, and roughness parameters of the films demonstrated the dispersion of GNP in the film. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed an enhancement in the thermal stability of the MLF by around 8°C when compared against single‐layer PLA films. An improvement in mechanical rigidity was supported by tensile (>87%) and rheological measurements. The polymers exhibit liquid‐like behavior in melts. Barrier properties did not improve for the MLF due to the agglomeration of GNP. The excellent antimicrobial properties of the MLFs for 3 weeks of storage at refrigerated conditions against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens were attributed to the release of GER from the film into the packed chicken samples and proved their potential for use in the food industry.

Waste Study on Flexible Food and Non-Food Packaging: Detailed Analysis of the Plastic Composition of European Polyethylene-Containing Waste Streams.

Despite extensive sorting, packaging waste often contains a mixture of different materials that make high-quality recycling difficult, especially in the case of flexible packaging. This is partly due to the widespread use of multi-layer laminates and packaging consisting of different inseparably combined materials. To improve the post-consumer recyclate quality and develop optimised recycling processes, it is important to generate a comprehensive understanding of the composition of the sorted packaging waste streams. Therefore, in this study, polyolefin sorting fractions for flexible packaging waste from three European countries are analysed in detail. By selective extraction of the different plastics, their mass fractions in the waste streams are determined. This shows that the PE-rich sorting fractions for flexible packaging are made up of 85-90% of PE, but also contain a certain proportion of foreign materials. A detailed analysis of the layer structures of various types of packaging also provides information on the prevalence of multi-layer packaging and the polymer and non-polymer materials used therein. This shows that particularly in food packaging, with 63-84% of multi-layer and 50-70% of multi-material packaging, a high proportion of foreign materials is used and introduced into the sorting fractions. These insights provide a valuable contribution to the development of recyclable packaging, potential sorting streams and recycling processes, especially with regard to the challenges of the closed-loop recycling of food packaging.

Surface adhesion and physical properties of modified TPS and PBAT multilayer film

Starch-based materials are susceptible to moisture, leading to sticking and instability. Coating with hydrophobic biodegradable materials improves their stability. This research produced multilayer biodegradable packaging based on thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS) blended with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). TPS/PBAT mixtures were produced via blown film extrusion before coating with PBAT solution. Different TPS content (up to 80 %) and types of modified cassava starch namely native starch (NS), hydroxypropylated starch (HS), acetylated starch (AS), and octenyl-succinated starch (OS) were investigated for micro and chemical structure, delamination, and PBAT coating deposition on TPS/PBAT multilayer film. IR spectra of the peak at 3300 cm−1 (O-H stretching of TPS) was absent after coating, suggesting reduced TPS content on the film surface, while 1717 cm−1 (CO from carbonyl groups of PBAT), became sharper, indicating that PBAT deposition covered the film surface. The X-ray diffractogram showed a 2θ peak located at 24.4° (starch crystallinity) in the coated NS film; however, the peak was absent in coated HS, AS, and OS films because bulky chemical-grafted modified starch prevented molecular arrangement. Hydrophilic NS showed delamination and film substrate swelling after 60 s of direct contact with a sessile drop of water, indicating poor affinity. Hydrophobic-modified AS and OS significantly improved affinity with the PBAT coating layer giving a higher contact angle (105–112°), preventing delamination and substrate swelling and indicating increased water resistance. AS and OS (60 %) had higher shrinkage (23.78 % and 47.33 %) and a thicker coating layer (11.51 and 10.35 µm) due to greater polymer-solvent interaction. Hydrophobic-modified starch successfully improved the interaction between film layers and increased PBAT deposition.

Characterization, recyclability, and significance of plastic packaging in mixed municipal solid waste for achieving recycling targets in a Swedish city

About 60% of plastic packaging in Sweden ends up in mixed municipal solid waste (MSW), which is incinerated with energy recovery. This status quo presents a missed opportunity to meet ambitious recycling targets. This study aims to provide a detailed characterization of plastic packaging in mixed MSW to assess its potential for recycling and its significance in improving the overall recycling rate. A case study involving a Swedish city was conducted wherein a sample of 5500 kg of mixed MSW from 920 households was characterized. From the 31% recycling rate, improvement of up to 59% can be achieved by diverting this misplaced plastic packaging into the existing recycling system. An additional 9% increase remains challenging to achieve due to the occurrence of non-recyclable attributes like black and multilayer packaging. The highlighted key enabler is the combination of correct household waste separation behavior and the establishment of mechanical sorting facilities to recover plastic waste from mixed MSW. These recycling potentials and associated challenges are discussed in the context of Sweden's ongoing efforts across the plastic packaging value chain. Furthermore, the importance of extended waste characterization is emphasized as a tool for identifying recycling potentials and monitoring the effectiveness of measures in enhancing circularity and resource-efficiency.

Progress in Solvent-Based Recycling of Polymers from Multilayer Packaging.

Conversion of chemical feedstocks derived from fossil fuels to virgin polymer, manufacturing of plastics in coal-dependent economies, and increasing consumption of virgin polymers for plastics packaging contribute significantly to environmental issues and the challenges we face. Nowadays, promoting sustainable development has become the consensus of more and more countries. Among them, the recycling of multilayer packaging is a huge challenge. Due to the complexity of its structure and materials, as well as the limitations of existing recycling frameworks, currently, multilayer packaging cannot be commercially recycled thus resulting in a series of circular economy challenges. It is undeniable that multilayer packaging offers many positive effects on products and consumers, so banning the use of such packaging would be unwise and unrealistic. Developing the appropriate processes to recycle multilayer packaging is the most feasible strategy. In recent years, there have been some studies devoted to the recycling process of multilayer packaging. Many of the processes being developed involve the use of solvents. Based on the recycled products, we categorised these recycling processes as solvent-based recycling, including physical dissolution and chemical depolymerisation. In physical dissolution, there are mainly two approaches named delamination and selective dissolution-precipitation. Focusing on these processes, this paper reviews the solvents developed and used in the last 20 years for the recycling of polymers from multilayer packaging waste and gives a summary of their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, product quality, ease of processing, and environmental impact. Based on existing research, one could conclude that solvent-based recycling methods have the potential to be commercialised and become part of a standard recycling process for polymer-based multilayer packaging. The combined use of multiple solvent-based recycling processes could be a breakthrough in achieving unified recycling of multilayer packaging with different components.