Raw Materials - Recycler, Chemical Industry, and Plastic Manufacturer

Chapter 10 deals with the recyclate production based on technologies currently in use and under development. Depending on the technology used, recyclates are produced as a secondary raw material for further processing by various players such as mechanical recyclers, the chemical and plastics manufacturing industries. The fundamental technological principles of mechanical recycling of plastic waste are shown in Sect. 10.1. The various pre-treatment processes are covered in detail, as well as extrusion, melt filtration, odor removal and process water treatment. Beyond the technological description, the outlook draws conclusions on the further development of mechanical recycling in a changing economic and regulatory environment. Section 10.2 gives an overview of the quality improvement methods of recycled plastics to obtain recyclates for closed-loop and high-value applications. Key steps for high-grade materials in the thermal transformation process from regrind to recyclate compound are smooth processing, degassing steps to remove volatiles, and the addition of stabilizers to avoid polymer degradation and maintain the properties. Additives such as tailor-made products for restabilization, compatibilizers, chain-extenders or odor-reducing agents are described in terms of their functionality and significance for quality improvement of recyclates. Section 10.3 provides an up-to-date overview of the development status of various chemical recycling processes, including the overlap with physical recycling processes. Based on the current input and output capacities of chemical and physical recycling plants in Europe, estimates of future capacity development in Europe and the world are made based on investment announcements. In Sect. 10.4, the reader will find a case study of how a global chemical company is pursuing its own strategy to actively shape and participate in the circular economy to become a future supplier of circular feedstocks. Time, capital investments, and organizational changes are outlined based on published communication. This demonstrates that ambitious timelines are key to establishing a circular economy based on business models.