Chemical and physico-chemical recycling of plastic waste

Over the past few decades, global markets have seen a sharp increase in the use of plastics. In 1950, plastics production stood at around 1.5 million tonnes per year (Mt/yr). . Since then, these materials have been used in a wide range of applications and sectors, thanks to their convenience and unique properties (lightness, malleability, strength, durability, etc.). In 2020, plastics production reached 367 Mt/year, most of which is PP, PE, PET and PS used in the packaging, building and construction, and automotive sectors. Projections show that by 2025 plastics production will have risen to around 445 Mt/year.

Despite the many advantages associated with the use of plastics, industry players are becoming increasingly aware of the problems associated with the use of these materials, and in particular with their end-of-life. In recent years, numerous media and NGOs have denounced the pollution caused by this industry, as well as its impact on the environment (particularly on the ocean), leading to a negative perception of plastics by consumers. Indeed, there is now clear evidence that poor management of the plastics life cycle and associated waste streams can have a significant impact on the environment, society and the economy.

By improving the circularity of plastics, recycling technologies can solve some of the problems associated with this sector. Currently, the vast majority of recycling activities rely on mechanical recycling solutions. But recycling rates remain low (34.6% of plastics collected in Europe in 2020 and 9% of plastic waste generated worldwide). ) because of the many challenges these technologies present. From waste collection to sorting and recycling, these challenges are encountered all along the value chain (consumer sorting behavior, illegal markets, etc.).

Low mechanical recycling rates and the limited quality of recycled products have encouraged the development of innovative recycling technologies. It is in this context that chemical and physicochemical solutions have gained in popularity, as they could make it possible to process difficult-to-recycle plastic waste and produce high-quality recycled plastics. Although these technologies have been researched and tested for a long time, the state of the market has never been sufficiently favorable for them...