Method for recycling mixed-colour polyolefin containers

A method for recycling color-mixed polyolefin containers to produce PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) granules, comprising the steps of:

• (a) color sorting the containers,
• (b) comminuting the containers into flakes,
• (c) a first washing step to remove labels from the flakes by using water at a temperature T1,
• (d) drying the flakes and labels,
• (e) separating the dried flakes from the dried labels,
• (f) a second washing step to hot wash the flakes by using an alkaline liquid at a temperature T2>80° C. to remove printing ink from the flakes,
• (g) drying the flakes,
• (h) sorting the flakes to remove color contamination and foreign polymers,
• (i) optionally preheating of the flakes in a cutter-compactor,
• (j) degassing and granulating the flakes in an extruder,
• (k) decontaminating the granules and
• (l) making the granules available for further use, wherein the first washing step (c) is carried out without cleaning additives at a temperature T1 between 60° C. and 80° C. while thermal energy is supplied.