Abstract: A method for removing metallic coatings from polymeric substrates is provided. The method comprises contacting a metallic-coated polymeric substrate with an aqueous solution consisting essentially of from about 0.75 to about 11.25 weight percent trisodium phosphate and from about 0.75 to about 11.25 weight percent of an alkali metal hydroxide for a period of time effective to remove the metallic coating and produce a polymeric substrate substantially free of metal constituents and binder materials. The polymeric substrate and the metal constituents present in the metallic coating are recovered and reclaimed. A composition for removing the metallic coating from a metallic-coated polymeric substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A method for removing a polymeric coating, such as a polyvinyl dichloride, latex, synthetic latex and mixtures thereof from a polymeric-coated polyester substrate, is provided. The method comprises contacting the polymeric-coated polyester substrate with an aqueous solution containing at least about 0.75 weight percent trisodium phosphate and at least about 0.75 weight percent of an alkali metal hydroxide for a period of time effective to remove the polymeric coating and produce a polyester substrate substantially free of the polymeric coating. The polyester substrate and the polymeric constituents of the coating, once separated, can be recovered for recycling. A composition for removing the polymeric coating is also provided.