Why Don’t We Focus on Reusing Polymers Through Physical Recycling? ♻️
In the ongoing debate about plastics recycling, a puzzling trend has emerged. There is an intense focus on #ChemicalRecycling as the key to achieving a circular economy. While chemical recycling has its place, it’s disheartening to see the potential of #PhysicalRecycling methods being overlooked. This article explores why physical recycling is often disregarded and why it’s crucial for the future of polymer reuse.
The Basics: Physical vs. Chemical Processes in Plastic Recycling
Plastic recycling can be categorized into two main types: physical and chemical processes. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Physical Process: No chemical change occurs, the change is reversible, and no new substances are formed. This process includes methods like sorting, grinding, sedimentation, flotation, and washing.
2. Chemical Process: The chemical composition changes, new substances form, and the change is irreversible. This process involves breaking down polymers into their basic chemical components.
The crucial question here is: why do we focus so much on destroying the polymeric material (chemical recycling) instead of separating it for reuse through physical separation methods? 🤔
Physical Recycling Technologies — A Forgotten Treasure
Physical recycling offers various methods tailored to different polymer streams. As shown in the graphic, physical separation and purification methods include:
• Mechanical Separation & Pretreatment: Sorting, sieving, grinding.
• Density-Related Separation: Sedimentation, flotation, swim-sink, and centrifugation.
• Magnetic Separation
• Thermal Separation & Confectioning: Melt filtration, evaporation, melt blending, and re-granulation.
• Dissolution Separation & Pretreatment: Extraction with and without precipitation, washing.
• Diffusion-Related Separation: Delamination.
These methods serve as a pre-treatment for polymer reuse, preparing plastics without altering their chemical composition. The outcome is always a recyclate, a separated polymer that can be reused. In simple terms, it’s a form of pretreatment for reuse.
Why the Obsession with Chemical Recycling?
Despite its potential, physical recycling is often ignored or misunderstood. There seems to be a persistent focus on chemical recycling that fails to consider the diversity and selectivity of physical separation processes. These methods can (and must) be used in chemical processes for preparation and post-treatment to produce a saleable product. The challenge? The current narrative often doesn’t acknowledge these processes, primarily due to the influence of business models.
The Misclassification of Dissolution Recycling
Guidelines like the “Roadmap to Support the Circularity and Recycling of Plastics in Canada” have classified dissolution recycling (a form of physical recycling) as chemical recycling. This misclassification hampers the recognition and adoption of physical recycling technologies, which are often more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Physical Recycling Technologies Explained
• Mechanical Recycling: Includes steps like drying, melting, and regranulation. It’s a straightforward process that retains the polymer’s structure, preparing it for reuse.
- Dissolution Recycling: Involves dissolving the thermoplastic polymers to separate them from other embedded components. This process all
more articles:
- Recycling Realities and Greenwashing Gimmicks: Unveiling the Multi-faceted Nature of Recyclability
- Navigating CSR Reporting in the EU
- Waste is not turning into Value
- Understanding the European Supply Chain Act: A New Era of Corporate Responsibility
- The Future of the Plastic Industry: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Mattersdorfer
I would call myself a person who is interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, knowledge-sharing and probably a few other things. I summed up my “big 5 for life” (very much recommend the book, if you do not know it) on my website (👇). After setting up some start-ups in the area of circular economy, combined with continuous curiosity, I decided to share some learnings, thoughts and questions here regularly. I would be happy if you let me know, what you think about them. Cheers!
click for
👉 WEBSITE
👉 LINKEDIN
👉 NEWSLETTER
