In a recent op-ed written by Tom Brown, the Chief News Correspondent at ICIS, it was argued that ‘mechanically recycled polymers' share of the total market is set to increase in the coming decades but penetration, defined as domestic recycling production versus total polymer demand, is likely to remain limited through to 2050’. In his piece, Brown referred to comments made by Egor Dementev, the ICIS analytics EMEA team lead for plastics recycling, at the EPCA annual conference in Berlin and quoted him as saying:
“The penetration rates still stay quite limited, as lots of plastics applications such as polymer flexibles and textiles are intrinsically difficult to recycle mechanically.”
In response, Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO at Nexam Chemical, now points out that the conversation should be broader. Nexam is a manufacturer of additives that enhance the properties of mechanically recycled polymers and improve quality and durability, allowing recycled plastics to retain strength and flexibility—challenges traditionally faced by mechanical recycling.
“It’s not about choosing between chemical or mechanical recycling—both will be essential for a sustainable future. Advances in both areas are already making strides, and Nexam Chemical’s technology plays a crucial role in addressing key challenges in mechanical recycling by adding small amounts of reactive chemistry.
Mechanical recycling is industrially established, with notable quality improvements—for example polyolefins with food-grade approval are now nearly within reach. It would seem that the referred ICIS study underestimates the technology advancements in machinery, materials and processes meeting higher material requirements. While chemical recycling still faces industrial and energy challenges, mechanical recycling has significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions and limit fossil dependency increasingly on a short time scale. At Nexam Chemical, we see major potential in mechanical recycling and are prepared to contribute to chemical recycling when it becomes more efficient and viable.”
With the help of the company’s reactive chemistry, mechanically recycled polymers can be upgraded for use in higher-end applications.
“High-quality recycled plastic can reduce reliance on expensive virgin materials, providing a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative," Törnqvist writes.
"In the recycling debate, we need to look at all complementary recycling methods. No single technology will solve the plastics industry’s challenges alone; a balanced, inclusive strategy is essential.”