Within the scope of a research and development project conducted by Hitit University, a 100% domestically produced recycling machine for non-biodegradable waste is being developed through a university-industry collaboration model.
The project, carried out in Çorum in collaboration between Hitit University and İZA Makina, aims to develop a recycling machine capable of distinguishing between plastic and aluminum in blister packs used as packaging materials, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
The goal is to recycle approximately 100,000 to 200,000 tons of waste products annually, returning them to industry and the economy.
Professor Dr. Mehmet Fatih Işık, a faculty member of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at Hitit University, stated that they aim to develop a new product within the framework of green industry and university-industry collaboration and to make it a commercially viable product not only for Turkey but also internationally.
Stating that Hitit University is the only university specializing in the field of 'Machinery and Manufacturing Technologies,' Işık said, "In this sense, we are implementing another project to support Çorum's industry. We believe that this product will significantly contribute to the recycling industry."
Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 tons of non-recyclable products will be recycled and reintroduced into industry and the economy annually.
Noting that they will establish a powerful automation system in the machine they will develop, Işık said:
“Thanks to this, we will be able to recycle the non-recyclable product, which is produced at the output of approximately 100,000 to 200,000 tons annually, and reintroduce it into industry and the economy. Especially when considered within the scope of our country's zero-waste project, we believe it will be a truly positive outcome due to its national and domestic nature. The recycling process for these types of products requires significant R&D work in terms of both machinery and automation. Plastic manufacturers don't accept the product because it contains aluminum. Aluminum manufacturers don't accept it because it contains plastic. The goal is to separate these and obtain raw materials that can be used by both the plastics and aluminum industries. The process we will undertake here is essentially combining a physical process with an automation process. When we differentiate these types of products, ultimately both the plastics and aluminum industries will benefit.”
These types of products are non-biodegradable in nature.
Stating that these types of products remain in a similar state for many years because they are non-biodegradable in nature and harm the environment, Işık emphasized the need for separation to ensure recycling.
The concept of zero waste and green transformation is important.
Işık continued his speech as follows:
“We need to separate this plastic and aluminum to obtain both plastic and aluminum raw materials. As a result, the damage to nature will be completely eliminated, and an economic indicator will also emerge. Of course, this will have many aspects. The concept of zero waste is very important. The concept of green transformation is very important. Of course, I think that our contribution as Hitit University to the disposal of these wastes, which are generated not only in our country but also worldwide, will be a very important result for us.”
The aim is to accelerate green transformation and reduce carbon emissions worldwide.
IZA Machinery Chairman of the Board İzzettin Akıllı said, “We want to take serious steps in university-industry cooperation and make contact with green projects around the world with concrete projects.”
Akıllı stated that they have implemented the TÜBİTAK Blister PET recycling project, adding that they have initiated a serious R&D process and aim to accelerate the green transformation and reduce carbon emissions worldwide.
Noting that they are collaborating with Hitit University in a shared work culture, both technically and academically, to produce the technology of the future of recycling, Akıllı said, “This is very valuable for us. Because the recycling sector is a sector hungry for technology, and we are aware of this, and our university is also aware of this. We are working together in a shared culture, both academically and industrially, to produce concrete solutions through R&D projects and subsequently in mass production and commercialization. Zero waste is our goal. We are trying to recycle any materials that are harmful to human health, the atmosphere, and nature and transform them into a more efficient, high-value-added product. As İZA Makine, we are aware of this. Hitit University is also aware of this. Therefore, we are moving forward together in areas of collaboration to solve these kinds of global problems.”
