APR Press Release: APR Launches Chemical Recycling Research Working Group
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) announced today 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 last week 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," stated Steve Alexander, APR President & 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," stated 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," stated Janson. "Chemical recycling has the potential to expand opportunities for recycling of materials that are not recycled by mechanical processes today."
The new APR Chemical Recycling Research Working Group has the following goals:
- Detailing steps to ensure chemical recycling does not result in packaging manufacturers disregarding design for recycling guidelines
- Identify material that may be better suited for chemical vs. mechanical recycling
- Review the economic feasibility of chemical recycling
- Research sortation, transportation, location, and other logistical challenges relative to the stated volume requirements of chemical recycling
- Develop model bale specifications
- Identify material applications
Contact:
Kara Pochiro
APR VP of Communications & Public Affairs
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is The Voice of Plastics Recycling®. As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics. Visit http://www.PlasticsRecycling.org for more information.
