Chloe Zhang
Plastic is a global challenge, with around 250 million metric tons of plastic waste generated each year, and only 20% of it being recycled. Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastic at a molecular level, is an innovative way to increase recycling rates and build a more circular economy for plastics. This process reduces polymers to their original monomer form, allowing them to be re-polymerized and remade into new plastic products. Chemical recycling has been used for nylons and polyester, and the industry is working to expand its use to other resin types. However, it is important to note that chemical recycling has been criticized for its environmental health risks and limited effectiveness in reducing plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any process by which a polymer is chemically reduced to its original monomer form so that it can eventually be processed (re-polymerized) and remade into new plastic materials. |
| Benefits | Chemical recycling provides the potential for infinite recyclability. It helps overcome the limits of traditional recycling and helps manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of how and where recycled plastics can be used. |
| Use Cases | Chemical recycling has long been used for nylons and polyester fiber in carpets. It is also used for non-wearable polyester and fleece products in the clothing industry. |
| Companies Using Chemical Recycling | Shaw Industries Group, Resinate Materials Group, Patagonia, BASF |
| Technologies | Pyrolysis, gasification, dissolution |
| Concerns | Chemical recycling is an environmental health risk and will not solve the plastic crisis, according to a report by GAIA's global network. More than 50% of carbon in the plastic is lost in the process. |
| At-Home Recycling Steps | Know which plastics can be recycled, set up a collection system, clean and sort plastics, find a local recycling program, and reuse and repurpose plastics. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of chemical recycling
Chemical recycling breaks down plastic waste into its constituent molecular parts, directly affecting the chemistry of its polymers. This allows for the production of recycled plastic with virgin plastic properties, also known as "recyclate", which can be used in demanding applications such as food contact. This is a significant advantage over mechanical recycling, which often results in lower-quality plastics that are downcycled into less valuable products. Chemical recycling can also handle contaminated and mixed-polymer waste streams that are unsuitable for mechanical recycling.
The process of chemical recycling involves using heat, chemical reactions, or both, to break down plastics into raw materials for new plastic, fuel, or other chemicals. There are several chemical recycling technologies available, including pyrolysis, gasification, hydro-cracking, depolymerisation, and solvolysis. These technologies can break down the long hydrocarbon chains in plastics into shorter hydrocarbon fractions or monomers, which can then be fed back into the plastic production process as secondary raw materials.
Overall, chemical recycling represents a positive step towards reducing disposed waste and contributing to a circular economy for plastics. It has the potential to produce very high-quality recycled plastic, indistinguishable from new plastic, and can be a key building block in the transition towards a more sustainable future.
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How to recycle plastic at home
Recycling plastic at home is a great way to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. However, it can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Here is a detailed guide on how to recycle plastic at home:
Know Your Plastics
Not all plastics can be recycled at home. Some plastics can only be recycled through specialized programs or facilities. The first step is to identify which plastics are recyclable. Look out for the resin identification code, usually a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in a triangle of looped arrows, often stamped on the item's base. Generally, the lower the number, the easier it is to recycle. For example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), often coded as #1, is commonly used for soda bottles, water bottles, and food packaging and is widely recyclable.
Collection and Sorting
Set up a collection system for your recyclable plastics at home. Clean the plastics, ensuring that food containers are rinsed to prevent contamination. Sort your plastics by type if required by your local recycling program. Some facilities may require you to separate them into categories like PET, HDPE, etc.
Find a Local Recycling Program
Check your local government's website or contact your local waste management facility to find a suitable recycling program. Some cities offer curbside recycling, while others may require you to drop off your sorted plastics at a recycling center.
Reuse and Repurpose
Before sending your plastics for recycling, consider ways to reuse and repurpose them. For instance, plastic bags can be used as trash can liners or for storing items. You can also get creative and try making new items from your collected plastics.
Melting and Molding
If you want to take your plastic recycling to the next level, you can try melting and remolding your plastics at home. This process is known as "plastic welding." However, it is important to note that melting plastics will produce fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, so ensure you work in a well-ventilated area. You can cut the plastics into small chunks and melt them in a metal container in your oven at around 350°F (176°C). You can then mold the melted plastic into new shapes or objects.
Remember, recycling policies and capabilities vary by region, so it is essential to understand the specific guidelines provided by your local authorities.
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Chemical recycling methods
Plastic waste has become a significant global challenge, with around 250 million metric tons generated each year. However, only about 20% of this plastic is recycled, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to promote a more circular economy for plastics. One approach is chemical recycling, which offers the potential for infinite recyclability.
Chemical recycling, also known as advanced recycling, involves breaking down plastic polymers into their individual monomer building blocks through chemical transformation. This process allows the recovery of fundamental building blocks, which can be endlessly re-polymerized to create new plastic materials with virgin resin qualities. Chemical recycling methods, such as pyrolysis and gasification, play a crucial role in overcoming the limitations of traditional recycling and expanding the applications of recycled plastics.
Pyrolysis, or "plastics to fuel," is a chemical recycling process that converts non-recycled plastics into synthetic crude oil. This oil can then be refined into valuable products like diesel fuel, gasoline, heating oil, or waxes. By using pyrolysis, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 14%, water consumption by 58%, and traditional energy use by up to 96%. Companies like BASF employ pyrolysis technology to transform plastic waste into a secondary raw material called pyrolysis oil, contributing to a more sustainable economy.
Gasification is another chemical recycling method that turns non-recycled materials from municipal solid waste into synthesis gas or "syngas." Syngas has multiple applications, including power generation, fuel production, and the creation of chemical feedstocks like ethanol and methanol. These feedstocks are then used to manufacture new plastics for consumer products. The Hefty® Energy Bag™ Program is an excellent example of gasification in action, diverting over 24 tons of plastics from landfills and putting them to better use.
In addition to pyrolysis and gasification, there are other chemical recycling methods employed by various companies. For instance, Shaw Industries Group chemically recycles nylon and polyester fiber in carpets, converting waste into valuable resources. Resinate Materials Group collects chemicals from plastic materials and promotes the practical and economical value of chemically recycled plastics. They have found high-value applications for the chemicals harvested from recycled medical plastics, such as creating coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, chemically recycles non-wearable polyester and fleece products, incorporating recycled materials into their product line.
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The future of chemical recycling
One of the critical challenges is the environmental impact of chemical recycling, which has been described as startling. This impact must be reduced, and a shift towards more sustainable practices is necessary. Strategies to achieve this include adopting reduction and reuse approaches, phasing out problematic plastics, and curbing the consumption of virgin plastic materials.
To enhance sustainability, chemical recycling should focus on using recycled and bio-based feedstock, aiming for CO2 emission neutrality. This shift requires decoupling from fossil fuel reliance, which is a significant challenge for the chemical industry. Additionally, the design of future polymers should incorporate safe and sustainable-by-design principles, making them simpler and more recyclable.
Chemical recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis and gasification, have the potential to improve overall plastic recycling rates. Pyrolysis, for example, can convert non-recycled plastics into fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14%, water consumption by 58%, and traditional energy use by up to 96%. Gasification can turn non-recycled waste into syngas, which can be used for power generation or converted into fuel or chemical feedstocks.
The development of highly efficient metal-based catalysts for chemical recycling shows promise. Using cheap and abundant metals like zinc or magnesium, these catalysts target chemicals that could serve as green alternatives to petroleum-based solvents.
To fully realise the potential of chemical recycling, collaboration is required across industries, governments, and consumers. With the right support, chemical recycling can play a significant role in creating a more circular economy for plastics, reducing pollution, and driving profitability in the plastics industry.
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The limitations of chemical recycling
Secondly, chemical recycling is a developing technology, and the relevant policy and legislation have not yet caught up. There is a lack of clarity and acceptance regarding the process, which may be discouraging investment.
Thirdly, chemical recycling is not yet widely accepted by the market and regulators. For example, any new recycling process must meet certain safety standards and requirements to be used for food-grade packaging. While mechanical recycling has been approved for some PET bottles, chemical recycling has not yet gained this approval.
Additionally, chemical recycling requires extra sorting to ensure the process works properly. This is because certain types of plastics, such as polyolefins, do not have weak monomer links, making them harder to chemically recycle. In these cases, a different process, such as pyrolysis, must be used, which requires further sorting and separation.
Finally, chemical recycling processes that use enzymes are limited by their productivity and require specific process conditions, such as the right temperature and pH, to keep the enzyme active.
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Frequently asked questions
Chemical recycling is any process by which a polymer is chemically reduced to its original monomer form so that it can eventually be processed (re-polymerized) and remade into new plastic materials.
Chemical recycling helps overcome the limits of traditional recycling. It helps manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of how and where recycled plastics can be used. It also provides the potential for infinite recyclability.
Pyrolysis, gasification, and dissolution are some examples of chemical recycling. Pyrolysis turns non-recycled plastics from municipal solid waste into a synthetic crude oil that can be refined into diesel fuel, gasoline, heating oil, or waxes. Gasification turns non-recycled materials from municipal solid waste into a synthesis gas or "syngas", which can be used for electric power generation or converted into fuel or chemical feedstock.
Traditional methods of chemical recycling are usually costly and energy or resource-intensive, which has limited their widespread use. More than half of the carbon in the plastic is lost in the process of upgrading the gas or oil outputs.
First, find out which plastics can be recycled. Then, set up a collection system in your home, such as a bin or container to collect your plastic waste. Clean and sort your plastics, and find a local recycling program that accepts your specific types of plastics.
