Recycling of Aluminium–Polymer Composite Packaging Waste Using Green Solvent-Based Delamination

Tamari Mumladze; Tsitsino Turkadze; Inga Bochoidze; Manana Gabidzashvili; Nino Guleishvili

doi:10.52340/atsu.2026.1.27.15

Authors

Tamari Mumladze Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia Author
Tsitsino Turkadze Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia Author
Inga Bochoidze Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia Author
Manana Gabidzashvili Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia Author
Nino Guleishvili Akaki Tsereteli State University, Kutaisi, Georgia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52340/atsu.2026.1.27.15

Keywords:

aluminium–polymer composite packaging, green solvents, delamination, multilayer waste, circular economy, Georgia

Abstract

Aluminium–polymer composite packaging waste is among the most difficult packaging streams to recycle because its multilayer structure limits the effectiveness of conventional mechanical processing and often results in landfilling or energy recovery rather than material recovery. This review examines green solvent-based delamination as a sustainable pathway for separating aluminium and polymer fractions from composite packaging waste. The paper discusses the structure of aluminium–polymer laminates, the limitations of conventional recycling, the principles of solvent-based separation, and the performance of major green solvent systems, including ethyl lactate, methyl soyate, gamma-valerolactone, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. Particular attention is given to the environmental significance of these approaches within the framework of circular economy principles and to their potential relevance for Georgia, where multilayer packaging waste remains insufficiently addressed in current waste management practices. The review demonstrates that green solvent-based delamination offers strong potential for high-purity aluminium recovery and improved valorization of polymer fractions; however, further optimization, scale-up studies, and policy support are required for practical implementation.

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