Zero Waste Europe releases a study on Chemical Recycling
This report is looking into the state of implementation of the technologies in the European context and giving policy recommendations to ensure Chemical Recycling complements, rather than jeopardises, a real Circular Economy.
Mechanical recycling is well-established in Europe. However, plastics cannot be mechanically recycled without losing their properties and quality. Hence, chemical recycling could be a big potential to solve plastic waste issues. However, most chemical recycling technologies are in a pilot stage and potential roll-out at industrial scale can only be expected from 2025-2030.
The report notes that chemical recycling is not a universal remedy but could be a complementary solution to mechanical recycling. However, mechanical recycling should always be the first choice to materially recover plastic. Therefore, additional actions have to follow like the design for reuse and recycling.
Link to the full report
