11.08.21
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has announced the formation of a new working group focused on identifying the key steps needed for chemical recycling processes to play an effective role in the recycling of plastic products.
The APR Chemical Recycling Research Working Group, announced to APR members at the APR Annual Meeting, has the goal of clarifying the fundamental steps necessary to enable chemical recycling to complement traditional recycling technologies and what is needed for chemical recycling to become a successful component of the overall recycling infrastructure.
“Chemical recycling was developed more than 50 years ago but has recently received renewed scrutiny as well as increased regulatory action as companies look for ways to increase plastics recycling to achieve their consumer recycling commitments,” states Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “As the 'Voice of Plastics Recycling,' APR has a responsibility to clarify for the industry, policymakers and consumers the various aspects of chemical recycling including issues regarding supply, economics and its impact on the environment.”
The APR Chemical Recycling Research Working Group will be co-chaired by industry veterans Carl Williams, technical associate at Eastman, and Greg Janson, president and CEO of Granite Peak Plastics.
“The APR supports the opportunity to accelerate a circular economy with plastics and reduce dependency on non-renewable resources through the intersection of mechanical and chemical recycling technologies,” says Williams. “Technology improvement and investment across the entire recycling value chain, including mechanical and chemical recycling, will reduce plastic waste and provide the most sustainable materials to the industry.”
“Design for recycling is, and will continue to be, essential for a circular economy. Chemical recycling should not result in packaging manufacturers disregarding design for recycling guidelines,” adds Janson. “Chemical recycling has the potential to expand opportunities for recycling of materials that are not recycled by mechanical processes today.”
The APR Chemical Recycling Research Working Group, announced to APR members at the APR Annual Meeting, has the goal of clarifying the fundamental steps necessary to enable chemical recycling to complement traditional recycling technologies and what is needed for chemical recycling to become a successful component of the overall recycling infrastructure.
“Chemical recycling was developed more than 50 years ago but has recently received renewed scrutiny as well as increased regulatory action as companies look for ways to increase plastics recycling to achieve their consumer recycling commitments,” states Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “As the 'Voice of Plastics Recycling,' APR has a responsibility to clarify for the industry, policymakers and consumers the various aspects of chemical recycling including issues regarding supply, economics and its impact on the environment.”
The APR Chemical Recycling Research Working Group will be co-chaired by industry veterans Carl Williams, technical associate at Eastman, and Greg Janson, president and CEO of Granite Peak Plastics.
“The APR supports the opportunity to accelerate a circular economy with plastics and reduce dependency on non-renewable resources through the intersection of mechanical and chemical recycling technologies,” says Williams. “Technology improvement and investment across the entire recycling value chain, including mechanical and chemical recycling, will reduce plastic waste and provide the most sustainable materials to the industry.”
“Design for recycling is, and will continue to be, essential for a circular economy. Chemical recycling should not result in packaging manufacturers disregarding design for recycling guidelines,” adds Janson. “Chemical recycling has the potential to expand opportunities for recycling of materials that are not recycled by mechanical processes today.”