ICIS Recycling Summit Debates Challenges to Plastics Recycling

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Circularity of Polymers: The ICIS Recyclign Conference held on November 5, 2019 at Berlin, Germany discussed various challenges faced by the global plastics recycling sector. The speakers at the summit highlighted the newly emerged ‘plastiphobia’ has had negative impact on the plastics industry.

Paul Hodges, chairman of U.K.-based International EChem reminded that the industry needs to do a lot of work within a limited period of time. In his opinion, single-use plastics will likely remain as the primary target for the next few years. He emphasized on the need for educating people to understand the necessity of recycling plastics. The setting up of local chemical recycling plants could solve the problem to a certain extent, he added.

Richard Daley, Managing Director of U.K.-based ReNew ELP noted that there exist severe challenges with regards to recycling collection and processing facilities. The insufficient collection infrastructure along with lack of market demand on account of China’s decision to ban scrap plastic imports from other countries causes serious concerns. The company is about to launch its chemical recycling line, aimed at breaking down plastics into reusable chemicals and oils.

Helen McGeough, ICIS Senior Analyst of Plastics Recycling said that plastics packaging are more complex than ever before. The brands must ensure that recycling concepts are incorporated into packaging at the design stage itself.