Plastic Back Turns Plastic Waste into Valuable Resources in New US Partnership

With a bold mission to upcycle 100,000 tons of plastic waste by 2030, Plastic Back is setting a new standard in sustainable plastic waste management.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Plastic Back, an Israeli startup originating from research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializes in low-temperature chemical recycling has announced a strategic partnership with a U.S.-based recycler to address the growing global plastic waste crisis. Developed in collaboration with Yissum, Plastic Back's innovative approach, supported by the BIRD Foundation, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Ministry of Energy, will facilitate the establishment of the first-of-its-kind recycling facility in the U.S. This partnership aims to advance state-of-the-art chemical recycling solutions and promote sustainable waste management on a global scale.

With over 400 million tons of plastic waste produced annually worldwide—and less than 6% effectively recycled—millions of tons of waste end up in landfills or leak into the environment, contributing to an estimated resource loss of USD 120 billion per year, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Traditional recycling methods remain inadequate in managing the sheer volume of plastic waste generated.

Plastic Back’s technology, invented by Prof. Yoel Sasson and Dr. Uri Stoin of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, transforms difficult-to-treat plastics, such as PVC, into high-value byproducts that can be reintegrated into petrochemical production. By developing and testing chemical recycling units capable of processing PVC-rich waste streams, the company produces naphtha-range oils and brine solutions, both of which can be reintegrated into existing industrial processes, reducing dependency on virgin materials and traditional plastic manufacturing methods.

With a bold mission to upcycle 100,000 tons of plastic waste by 2030, Plastic Back is setting a new standard in sustainable plastic waste management.

“We see the PVC chemical recycling segment as a major opportunity,” said Tal Binder Cohen, CEO of Plastic Back. “The support from the BIRD Foundation enhances our ability to commercialize our solution in the U.S. and close the loop on difficult-to-treat PVC waste streams.”

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “BIRD Energy fosters innovative projects through partnerships between leading Israeli and U.S. companies in renewable energy. This collaboration aligns with the global movement investing billions into clean energy solutions.”

Plastic Back’s innovative process enables the chemical recycling of difficult-to-recycle plastics, such as PVC, by breaking them down into valuable products like high-value oils and brine solutions. This technology not only reduces plastic waste pollution but also decreases dependence on virgin raw materials, providing a sustainable solution for the petrochemical industry. By removing chlorine from PVC and converting it into crude oil-like substances (naphtha), which can be refined into new plastics, Plastic Back helps establish a circular economy and tackle a major environmental challenge.

“Our research focuses on transforming plastic waste into valuable resources through a highly efficient chemical process,” said Dr. Uri Stoin, from the Department of Chemistry at Hebrew University and co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development at Plastic Back. “By leveraging our scientific expertise and technological advancements, we are creating a scalable solution that can address the global plastic waste crisis and contribute to a truly circular economy.”

Plastic Back continues to lead the charge in redefining plastic waste recycling through its cutting-edge chemical processes. By converting plastic waste into valuable resources, this innovation fosters a circular economy, reduces fossil fuel dependency, and paves the way for a more sustainable future for industries and communities worldwide.

Courtesy: www.eurekalert.org