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Read MoreAdvanced recycling, also known as chemical recycling, is emerging as a promising solution. But how does it compare to mechanical recycling, and what role can it play in a sustainable future?
Most plastics are recycled mechanically through processes like washing, grinding, and remelting. While effective for certain plastics, this method struggles with mixed, contaminated, or degraded materials.
Advanced recycling breaks plastics down at a molecular level, reverting them to raw materials for new plastic products. Techniques include:
Mechanical recycling faces several obstacles:
Advanced recycling offers potential solutions by breaking plastics down into their chemical building blocks. However, it comes with challenges:
One of the main concerns with advanced recycling is the difficulty in tracking post-consumer recycled material content. Since chemically recycled plastics are virtually indistinguishable from virgin plastics, governments face logistical challenges in setting and enforcing recycling targets.
The UK’s PPT taxes packaging with under 30% recycled plastic. However, because chemically recycled plastics are mixed with virgin materials during manufacturing, measuring true recycled content is complex.
To address this, the UK government is proposing to permit the use of a Mass Balance Approach to calculate recycled content in chemically recycled plastic for PPT purposes. While the rules are not yet finalised, this method would allow businesses to allocate recycled content within their production processes, even when recycled and virgin materials are combined. This proposal aims to support the use of and investment in advanced chemical recycling technologies.
While not a silver bullet, advanced recycling can complement mechanical recycling to improve plastic waste management. If scaled effectively, it could:
However, challenges remain in ensuring its economic viability, environmental impact, and regulatory acceptance. With continued innovation, investment, and policy support, advanced recycling could become an important part of the future of plastic sustainability.
As the plastic recycling landscape evolves, businesses must stay informed about regulations like the Plastic Packaging Tax and their implications.
We offer expert compliance support to help businesses navigate these changes and implement sustainable packaging strategies.
Get in touch today to ensure your business stays compliant while contributing to a more circular economy.