Chemical Recycling in Circular Economy

You know what they say: one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. That is especially true when it comes to plastic waste. Instead of letting it pile up in landfills or pollute our oceans, we can use chemical recycling to turn that trash into treasure.

*A recycle ♻️ ping pong table made from plastics.

So, what exactly is chemical recycling? It is a process that breaks down plastic waste into its building blocks, so we can use those building blocks to make new materials. It is like taking apart a lego set and using the pieces to make a new creation.

Chemical recycling has some major benefits over traditional recycling methods. For one, it can handle a wider range of plastic waste, including mixed and contaminated plastics.

Chemical recycling can also produce higher-quality feedstocks than mechanical recycling. That means we can make higher-quality products from recycled plastic, like durable clothing or sturdy building materials.

Plus, it is more efficient than traditional recycling methods because it doesn’t require melting and reforming the plastic, which can be energy-intensive.

Despite these advantages, it is a complex process that requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and chemical reactions. Plus it can be more expensive than traditional recycling methods. But as the technology develops, the cost is expected to decrease.

So, what is the bottom line? Chemical recycling is a promising way to turn plastic waste into something valuable, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It is not without its challenges, but it’s an important tool in creating a more circular economy for plastics. So let's all raise recycled plastic glass to chemical recycling!