Plastics waste recycling
Plastics waste recycling involves the transformation of collected and sorted plastic waste into new materials or products through mechanical, chemical or biological processes. It focuses on converting discarded plastics into reusable resources, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimising their environmental impact. Key methods include mechanical recycling (melting and reshaping), chemical recycling (breaking down polymers into monomers) and advanced techniques like pyrolysis or enzymatic degradation. By closing the loop on plastic use, recycling supports circular economy principles, reduces landfill dependency and promotes sustainable resource management.
- Mechanical recycling
Mechanical recycling involves, for instance, shredding, melting and reprocessing plastic waste into new products with minimal alteration of the structure of the polymeric backbone of the plastic. It offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for sustainable material reuse. Mechanical recycling avoids the production of new polymeric material and the subsequent use of raw resources. However, it generally comes at the cost of reduced mechanical properties due to the presence of remaining additives or contaminants, as well as to the inherent degradation of polymeric material during previous use.
Mechanical processing of used plastic
Mechanical processing of used plastic includes sorting, washing, shredding and extruding to transform waste into pellets or flakes for the direct manufacture of new products. It maintains material integrity while reducing the environmental impact of used plastic.
Pre-consumer plastic to product
Pre-consumer plastic to product involves recycling manufacturing scraps or defective items directly into new products. This minimises waste and resource use while maintaining material quality and sustainability.
Post-consumer plastic to product (use of recycled polymer)
Post-consumer plastic to product transforms collected and processed waste into new items using recycled polymers. In addition to reducing landfill dependency, it also promotes circularity in sustainable manufacturing.
Recycled polymers in healthcare
Recycled polymers in healthcare are used for non-sterile items like containers, trays and packaging. They combine sustainability with functionality while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.
Recycled polymers in packaging
Recycled polymers in packaging create sustainable solutions for bottles, films and containers. They reduce reliance on virgin plastics, maintaining durability and performance for consumer and industrial use.
Recycled polymers in cosmetics
Recycled polymers in cosmetics are used for bottles, jars and caps, offering eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with sustainability trends in the beauty and personal care industry.
Recycled polymers in electronics
Recycled polymers in electronics are used for casings, components and insulation. They provide sustainable alternatives that meet technical requirements while reducing environmental impact.
Recycled polymers in textiles
Recycled polymers in textiles create fibres, fabrics and accessories that offer sustainable alternatives for fashion and industrial applications while reducing plastic waste and the environmental footprint.
Recycled polymers in construction
Recycled polymers in construction are used for insulation, panels and composites. They offer sustainable, durable and lightweight alternatives that enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Recycled polymers in agriculture
Recycled polymers in agriculture are used for mulch films, plant pots and irrigation systems to provide durable and eco-friendly solutions that support sustainable farming practices.
- Plastic to feedstock
Plastic to feedstock involves processing waste plastics into raw materials for industrial use, such as pellets or flakes, enabling their reuse in manufacturing while reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis thermally decomposes plastic waste in the absence of oxygen, converting it into oil, gas or char for use as feedstock in chemical production or energy generation.
Chemolysis
Chemolysis uses chemical reactions such as hydrolysis or glycolysis to break down plastics into monomers or other valuable chemicals. This, in turn, means they can be reused as feedstock for new polymer production.
Gasification
Gasification converts plastic waste into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) through high-temperature partial oxidation, providing a versatile feedstock for energy or chemical synthesis.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction thermally or chemically converts plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons, producing feedstock for fuels, chemicals or new plastics. This offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based resources.
Catalytic cracking
Catalytic cracking breaks down plastic waste into smaller hydrocarbons using heat and catalysts, producing valuable feedstock for fuels, chemicals or new polymers. It enhances both recycling efficiency and sustainability.
Enzymatic depolymerisation
Enzymatic depolymerisation uses microorganisms, bacteria, fungi or engineered enzymes to break down plastics into monomers or smaller molecules, enabling their recovery and reuse as sustainable feedstock.
Depolymerization into original monomer
This process involves breaking down plastics into their base monomers through chemical or biological processes, enabling their reuse for producing new polymers with minimal quality loss.