The number of chemical recycling projects around the world is on the rise

By the end of 2021, there will be more than 90 chemical recycling projects in various stages of development worldwide, according to a new trend study by German consultancy ecoprog GmbH
.
More than 20 plants are in operation, although the study says most are not commercial plants but primarily to advance knowledge of the technology
.

Chemical recycling is a controversial topic in the waste management sector
.
Proponents believe that in the future, chemical recycling will allow all kinds of plastics to be recycled without reducing recycling
.
What the various technologies have in common is that they enable the recycling of contaminated and mixed waste streams that cannot currently be mechanically recycled, thereby greatly expanding the range of potential recycled plastics
.

Critics mainly blame the high carbon dioxide emissions associated with chemical recycling
.
They are also concerned that waste streams are being diverted from more climate-friendly mechanical recycling processes for chemical treatment
.

Controversies aside, the chemical recycling sector is a dynamic one, with over 90 new projects currently planned, the vast majority in Europe
.
The research report says that the impetus for this market development comes from the potential to recycle a greater variety and quality of plastics, as well as quotas and targets for various recyclability and use of recycled content
.
However, to really have an impact on these goals, the study points out, chemical recycling must first be recognised in the waste hierarchy - something the new German Traffic Light Alliance is reported to strongly support
.
In addition, planned projects are not the same as those in execution, especially when it comes to the scale of investment required to realize a chemical recycling plant
.

Furthermore, challenges such as high energy consumption and uncertainty over various technical issues remain to be overcome
.
This is particularly relevant for the purification of depolymerization products such as pyrolysis oils from contaminants and additives
.
Discussions about the political classification of chemical recycling are another factor hindering its implementation
.

Nonetheless, the report concluded that chemical recycling is "a potential key technology for future plastic production" capable of generating "significant market share" in the coming years
.

As such, these technologies will primarily impact the business models of today's raw material producers and the mineral oil industry, which currently supplies these raw material producers with fossil materials for the plastics industry
.

This explains these companies' interest in chemical recycling, and why they are among those companies that are particularly actively exploring these technologies
.

Other active players in this field include waste management companies as well as start-ups
.