Closed Loop Recycling of Philips TV Housing Plastics

Plastics constitute up to 30% of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The End-of-Life (EoL) treatment of these plastics is a major concern, not only because of the quantity, but also because of the presence of a complex mix of materials and additives which impede closed loop recycling with current recycling processes. As a result, a considerable amount of plastics is sent to incineration. However, to comply with the new recycling rates proposed by the recast of the WEEE directive, a higher share of plastics need to be recycled. Ideally, the recycled plastics should be reapplied in similar applications, fostering closed material loops. This paper reports on a trial in which back covers from Philips flat screen TVs (FTVs) were closed loop recycled. Within this trial, the plastic back covers were manually disassembled from the current FTVs waste stream, and remoulded to produce new back covers from 100% recycled PC/ABS with phosphorus based flame retardants. The back covers obtained meet manufacture’s strength and flammability specifications and legal hazardous substances levels. Furthermore, no clear difference was found between components made of a single material blend and of mixed plastic blends.status: publishe