As an industry, chemical recycling is still a relatively new kid on the block. Even so, it has already emerged as an area of much discussion, both in Europe and elsewhere.
One reason for this is the fact that chemical recycling is not just one technology: it is an umbrella term for a range of very different processes. And, for the most part, these technologies have not yet been implemented on a truly commercial scale, although developments in this direction continue to move swiftly forward. Investments in new projects and collaborations are announced almost weekly, while demand for the output of these technologies currently far outstrips supply.
Amid these developments, important regulatory issues, too, remain to be sorted in order for these technologies to be able to fully fulfil their promise in terms of their contribution to the circular economy.
It is fair to say that chemical recycling is one of the most dynamic areas in the chemicals and plastics industry today. It is also one with the potential to effectively address the challenge posed by the vast amount of plastic waste generated around the globe.
In fact, as John Sewell, secretary-general of Chemical Recycling Europe said: "Chemical recycling is becoming an essential part of the solution for plastic waste, in achieving the recycling targets facing us and in implementing circularity in the plastics value chain.”
At the upcoming annual conference of Chemical Recycling Europe, organised this year around the theme ‘An Industry for the European Circular Economy’, these and other issues will be explored and discussed. The speaker lineup at the event features experts from across the value chain, who will present on key trends and themes impacting on the industry today and in the future. Topics of focus include scaling to support targets; mass balance acceptance and implementation across member states; and feedstock complexity and solutions, all with as underlying theme the goal of closing the loop for the plastics industry through chemical recycling technologies.
Stakeholders from all areas of the plastics industry - including chemical recyclers, European policymakers, polymer producers, waste management, brand owners, recyclers - will attend the conference to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the latest technological developments and advancements, engage in in-depth discussion and to network.
‘An Industry for the European Circular Economy’ takes place 13-14 October 2020 at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel, Brussels, Belgium. Click here for more information or to register.