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2/2020 GLOBAL The Magazine for 6. Volume Business Opportunities 24,- EURO & International Markets RECYCLING 4 After the Covid-19 Pandemic: Visions for Economic Recovery 14 Goal: A Closed Loop for Styrenics 20 Brazil: Challenges for the Future 24 Waste Management in Vietnam: The Race Is on 33 Unlocking the Value of “Hidden” Metals 36 Applying Standards to the Circular Economy global-recycling.info
EDITORIAL No Sustainability without Recycling The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected the life and activities of millions of people around the world. Lockdown and social distance require- ments, a decline in demand, disruptions in value chains, the global downfall of economic performance and unemployment are consequences of the crisis. Thus, it is hardly surprising that probably everybody wants to know when the pandemic will end. No one knows when that will be. Until the fight against the virus is over, pro- tection measures are highly recommended. That also applies to face masks, which are said to become the next sought-after fashion accessory. These prod- ucts can also be made from recycled textile as – for example – fashion students of the LCI Barcelona (Spain) and the manufacturer Ballo in Cape Town (South Africa) have demonstrated. These masks combine fashion with recycling and sustainability. Brigitte Weber Editor-in-Chief According to some experts, the economic recovery could take more than a year. The Dutch banking group ING has warned that the world’s economy is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels before 2022 at the earliest. In the opinion of the World Bank Group, the recovery phase can help build prosperity and resilience by contributing to the long-term potential and sustainability of a country’s development pathway. “There are encouraging signs from some countries – including China, Germany and South Korea – that are looking at green elements as part of their recovery.” Sustainability is the most frequently mentioned way to cope with the econom- ic damage. The waste management and recycling industries can make a major contribution to achieve this goal. The companies of this sector turn waste into raw materials while saving greenhouse gas emissions and energy. As the Bu- reau of International Recycling (BIR) described in its 2019 Annual Report, the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission savings achieved through recycling are signifi- cant: “Aluminium > 92 %, Copper > 65 %, Ferrous > 58 %, Paper > 18 %, Nickel > 90 %, Zinc > 76 %, Lead > 99 %, Tin > 99 %.” Another example: The recycling rates for used textiles are still low in Europe (26 %), China (15 %), United States of America (12 %) and Hong Kong (4 %). Some visions for the economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic are pre- sented on page 4. Furthermore, the company INEOS Styrolution informs about the intended closed loop for styrenics (page 14). Additional topics are Brazil’s challenges for the future (page20), Vietnam’s waste management (page 24) and European solutions concerning textile recycling (from page 29 onwards), to name but a few. We hope you get a lot of new and useful information from reading this current magazine. Furthermore, we would like to introduce our new Recycling Expo and Confer- ence for the recycling industry “eREC” to you (have a look at the page on the left side). The new expo is a virtual platform to network with each other. We kindly invite you to be there as an exhibitor or visitor. Yours, Brigitte Weber (weber@msvgmbh.eu) Cover Photo: Benjamin Von Wong GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 1
THIS ISSUE BUSINESS CHANCES 03 BIR’s Global eForum: Business Activity despite the Virus 14 04 After the Covid-19 Pandemic: Visions for Economic Recovery 06 The Global Metal Recycling Market 07 Decreasing Lithium-Ion Battery Prices Present Opportunities 08 Indonesia’s Multistakeholder Action Plan 09 PUR-Recycling towards a Smart Circular Economy 10 Fluorescent Markers Poised to Address Sorting Challenges NEWSFLASH 12 Wrap Film Made from Recycled Material 12 Furniture Upholstery from Recycled Waste 12 New Member 12 USA: Recycling Market Development Platform 20 ENTERPRISES 13 Europe: Initiative to Close the Glass Loop 14 Goal: A Closed Loop for Styrenics 16 Polystyrene – Made for Recycling like no other 17 Money for Circular Economy 18 Paper Packaging: New Action Group in Europe 18 New Food Waste Processing Facility in Indonesia 19 Facility in Riyadh to Be fully Operational by July MARKETS 20 Brazil: Challenges for the Future 24 24 Waste Management in Vietnam: The Race Is on 29 The Fibersort Project 30 The Artist and his Commitment 31 Textile Recycling in Finland 32 Sweden: Large-Scale Automated Textile Sorting Facility 32 Yarn Collection Made of Recycled Materials 33 Unlocking the Value of “Hidden” Metals 34 Switzerland Helps to Boost Egypt’s E-Waste Recycling Industry 35 SCIP – The New ECHA-Database for Substances of Concern 35 USA: Recycling of Coal Mine Equipment 36 Applying Standards to the Circular Economy 37 Portugal Suspends Waste Imports 41 MACHINERY 38 Global Launch on a Digital Platform 39 Artificial Intelligence: The Recycling Revolution 40 ADuro Shredders: New Product Line for Recycling 41 Cross Wrap Helps to Update Recycling Operations 43 EVENTS 44 IMPRINT 2 global-recycling.info
BUSINESS CHANCES BIR’s Global eForum: Business Activity despite the Virus T he lockdown and the social dis- tance requirements because of the coronavirus pandemic had prevented trade because – in general – relatively small volumes were currently being shipped to Asia. A switch in Europe the BIR convention in Istanbul in from fiber “over-supply” to “over- May – but the Bureau of International demand” had intensified the focus on Recycling has found a solution. supplying more local markets. To inform its members about the latest Providing a plastics and rubber per- developments, the global eForum was spective, Max Craipeau of Greencore created. The series of online webinars Resources Limited (Hong Kong) agreed ran from June 3 to June 23, and each that many multi-national companies focused on the specific commodity based in the USA, Europe, Japan and covered by the world recycling asso- South Korea were already looking to ciation. This virtual event began with move manufacturing operations from the session of the International Trade China to other countries in the region. Council, moderated by its Chairman However, “you cannot switch such a Michael Lion of Everwell Resources Ltd huge production capacity overnight” (China), and the theme was “Spotlight and so the process could take “months On Global Trade - The impact of Pan- or years”, he is convinced. demic on Global Markets”. An impor- tant realization was, for example, that BIR’s president Tom Bird expressed his international trade still takes place; in recent months as result of increased opinion that – after the pandemic – the however, the material volumes are surcharges. trend to transfer industrial manufac- low. The same applies to collection turing capacities from China to other rates. Mark Sellier of Global Metals Network countries would intensify. That would Limited (Hong Kong) emphasized be going to be an interesting period. China that in line with the many businesses taking “a very conservative approach” India With regard to present and future to risk at present, his own company markets, the People’s Republic of favors secure payment before re- George Adams of SA Recycling (USA) China is still an economically influ- linquishing title to goods. Business identified the “tough” lockdown in ential country; the attendees feel conditions had been made more chal- India as the biggest overseas trade confident, that there will be a national lenging because it was not possible issue to emerge during the pandemic stimulus package after the pandemic. to visit customers’ yards/factories or as it led to bank closures and docks China would continue to be “a major to assess such factors as stock levels, being unavailable. Endorsing this factor” in the global marketplace as a he reported. However, his business assessment, Greg Schnitzer of fellow consumer of materials, David Chiao of was looking to maintain regular direct US company Schnitzer Steel Indus- Uni-All Group (USA) is convinced. He contact with customers through video tries, Inc. added that “all markets are also pointed out that the country with links. available today” and that the situation new classification after July*) would in India was also easing. “Hopefully, not consume mixed metal scrap but Furthermore, there had been “con- we’ve seen the worst of it and we’re metal products. In view of internation- siderable difficulties” in obtaining coming out of this,” he said. “We’re al trade, a container shortage earlier CCIC-certification (China Certification beginning to see demand pick up.” Photo: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay in the pandemic has ended, Chiao & Inspection Group) in some parts informed. He expects that a further of Europe because of travel restric- *) According to the latest BIR World Mirror on container equipment imbalance could tions and office closures, Mark Sellier non-ferrous metals the standards for recycling materials for brass, copper and cast aluminium emerge in another month or so as informed. Against this backdrop, alloys were implemented in July this year. The Chinese exporters were experiencing a Sébastien Ricard of Paprec (France) respective recycling materials “that have been pre-processed abroad and meet the quality growing shortage. Despite a drop in oil said that no real issues had arisen with standards of raw material products will be man- prices, freight rates had headed higher CCIC-certification with regard to fiber aged according to product import rules”. GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 3
BUSINESS CHANCES After the Covid-19 Pandemic: Visions for Economic Recovery T he coronavirus pandemic has dev- astated communities and econo- mies around the world through the global decline in demand, disruptions in value chains and a deterioration in financial conditions. Governments around the world are taking measures to cope with the eco- nomic damage. The most frequently mentioned way to do this is sustain- ability and environmental protection. According to Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Develop- ment), “governments have a unique chance for a green and inclusive recov- ery that they must seize – a recovery that not only provides income and jobs, but also has broader well-being goals at its core, integrates strong climate and biodiversity action, and builds resilience”. In his opinion, stim- ment said. 500 billion Euro would be the new Circular Economy Action Plan ulus packages need to be aligned with distributed in grants. Intention is that at the forefront of the post Covid-19 ambitious policies to tackle climate the funds will be used to reach the recovery in the EU. change and environmental damage. EU’s objectives of climate neutrality “Only such an approach can deliver and digital transformation, to offer The association representatives win-win-win policies for people, planet social and employment support as stressed – in a statement issued to- and prosperity.” well as to reinforce the EU’s role as a gether with the joint call – the key role global player. played by Europe’s recycling industry The European Union is on the same in turning waste into valuable raw page. In May, the European Commis- The proposals are subject to negotia- materials while saving greenhouse sion presented in European Parlia- tions between the Parliament and the gas emissions and energy. Not only ment a 750 billion Euro economic Member States in the Council. for EuRIC President Cinzia Vezzosi, it is stimulus plan that – along with a re- vital to use the momentum of the post vised proposal for the EU‘s 2021-2027 Plea for the “Green Deal” Covid-19 crisis to direct a significant budget amounting to 1.1 trillion Euro part of massive public investments – should help mitigate the shock from If the European Member States accept towards circular industrial value the coronavirus pandemic and pave the suggestions, the three associa- chains and infrastructures needed to the way for a sustainable future. Part tions representing waste manage- make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. of this solution is the Next Generation ment and recycling industries at In that respect, the joint call highlights EU recovery plan that aims to address European level – EuRIC (European the importance of prioritizing certain the damage caused by the pandemic Recycling Industries Confederation), measures aiming at: and invest in a green, digital, social FEAD (European Federation of Waste Stimulating the demand for second- and more resilient EU. “Under the pro- Management and Environmental ary raw materials through incen- posal, the Commission would borrow Services) and CEWEP (Confederation tives, their greenhouse gas emis- Photo: Marc Weigert the money on the financial markets of European Waste-to-Energy Plants) – sions and energy savings, recycled using its high credit rating, which will have achieved an important aim. content targets and green public should secure low borrowing costs,” In May, the organizations had issued procurement to bridge circular the information provided by the Parlia- a joint call to put the Green Deal and economy and climate policy; 4 global-recycling.info
BUSINESS CHANCES Further strengthening the internal infusing resilient, long-term climate tion of nearly 11.5 trillion US-Dollar market and, in particular, fasten the solutions into future economic re- and more than three million employ- creation of a well-functioning EU covery plans.” Amid the backdrop of ees in the USA. “The companies and market for secondary raw materials Covid-19 and the full recognition that investors calling for climate action thanks to simplified waste shipment the safety, health and well-being of all as part of economic recovery efforts procedures and EU-wide end-of- citizens is the most immediate priority, span across the American economy, waste criteria; ‘LEAD on Climate 2020’ was the largest including retailers, manufacturers, Speeding up work on eco-design to ever call to action from the business healthcare services, food and bever- ensure that tomorrow’s products community to the US Congress on the age companies, outdoors industries, will last longer and be easier to ongoing climate crisis, Ceres said. Spe- technology companies and energy recycle when reaching end-of-life; cifically, the businesses advocate for: providers,” Ceres stressed. “The high Enhancing investment certainty An accelerated transition to a net- level of participation is notable given by implementing current recycling zero emissions economy by 2050 or the disruption most of the companies targets and resuming a fact-based sooner; and investors are experiencing due to discussion on proper treatment More investment in resilient infra- the economic collapse, as well as the of unrecyclable waste in Europe, structure; current social distancing constraints through energy-recovery or final Effective climate solutions - includ- on in-person advocacy.” This increased disposal. ing those that fully leverage the job corporate and investor policy engage- opportunities of zero-carbon indus- ment comes at a time when the con- US Businesses wish a resilient tries; sequences of the climate crisis have and sustainable economy Support for longer-term, market- never been clearer or more dire, Ceres wide policy mechanisms such as a stated. Last year, carbon dioxide levels Also in the USA, major companies price on carbon. in the atmosphere were at their high- stand up for a more sustainable econo- est levels in at least the last 800,000 my after the Covid-19 crisis. According As reported, the participating busi- years, and the World Meteorological to Ceres – a sustainability nonprofit nesses include more than a dozen For- Organization (WMO) recently found organization working with the most tune 500 firms as well as trade associa- that the last decade was the hottest on influential investors and companies – tions, medium and small businesses record. “As US and global emissions CEOs and representatives from more from all 50 states, collectively repre- have steadily grown over the years, so than 330 businesses called in May on senting combined annual revenues has corporate and investor ambition “a bipartisan group of federal lawmak- of more than one trillion US-Dollar in to reduce emissions – even amidst the ers to build back a better economy by revenue, a combined market valua- current pandemic.”
BUSINESS CHANCES The Global Metal Recycling Market T he rising demand for recycled metals in automotives along with the building and construction sec- globe in the past few years and growing conscious of sustainable development has encouraged the The global supply of recycled metals fell during the first months of the year 2020 due to the coronavirus. “The de- tor are driving the purchase interest, segment’s end users to use more mand plummeted in China, and then says market research and consulting recycled metals.” the rest of the world as the pandemic company Reports and Data. The global The demand for steel was slow in led to industries and factories shut- metal recycling market is forecast to China in the year 2018, but it corre- ting down. It also hit a pause button grow at a rate of 7.0 percent – in terms sponded with a rise in the rest of the on consumer spending”, the market of value – from 2020 to reach 86.11 world, mainly due to the then strong intelligence and strategic consulting billion US-Dollar by 2027, according to economy in the USA. Increased firm gave account. “The infrastructure a new report by the USA-based firm. consumer spending, as well as busi- sector is not expected to witness any “An increase in energy savings with ness confidence, had led to a solid growth in the wake of the virus.” The decreased greenhouse gas emis- product demand. “This boosted the consumers all around the world would sion levels and increasing consumer demand for recycled metals in the face reduced or lost income. awareness regarding it are driving the North American region.” market for recycled metal”, the report Manufacturers are witnessing an Rapid recovery informs. increase in prices for copper, steel and other raw materials, mainly due According to the estimation, the One of the reasons why the market is to the Coronavirus pandemic. “This market is expected to have a rapid growing would be the high demand is going to make the recycled metal recovery after the pandemic. This for steel and rapid industrialization more appealing as the process of is possible based on pent-up con- and urbanization in emerging na- recycling is far less expensive than sumer demand – after stay-at-home tions. “Moreover, increased concerns mining for ore.” orders are rescinded – the company towards the exhaustion of natural is convinced. But that scenario is not resources at a faster rate have led gov- Barriers to market growth guaranteed as there is an element of ernments across the globe to formu- recovery involving not only the return late favorable regulations concerning Factors that will restrict the global of positive household consumer senti- the metal recycling industry, which is market are the unorganized flow of ment but also the ability and willing- further boosting the metal recycling waste metals and less scrap collection ness of governments around the world market.” According to the company, zones, Reports and Data expects. The to inject money into infrastructure and also the scarcity of rare-earth metals increasing cost of raw materials would other public works projects. would provide a growth opportunity also hinder the demand along with for the market. high labor charges. Furthermore, there w www.reportsanddata.com/report- is the worldwide impact of Covid-19: detail/metal-recycling-market Further key findings suggest: The demand for ferrous material in metal recycling is growing. The us- age of it in several products is high. For instance, in the year 2018, the recycling rates for ferrous scrap in cars was 106 percent, for structural steel 98 percent, for appliances 90 percent, for reinforcement steel 70 percent and for steel cans 66.8 percent. The dominant end-user of the recycled metal was the building and Foto: Diana Betz construction industry. It held the largest market share of 35.1 percent in 2019. “The increased ongoing construction activity all across the 6 global-recycling.info
BUSINESS CHANCES Decreasing Lithium-Ion Battery Prices Present Opportunities T he Irish company Research and Markets has added the report “Global Battery Recycling Market 2020- However, technological advancements in battery technologies are restraining the global battery recycling market’s 2028” to its offering. growth. Besides, lack of supply chain and low yield in battery recycling is According to the analysis, this global affecting the market growth. Fur- market is predicted to grow at a thermore, safety issues regarding the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) storage and transportation of used of 9.10 percent from 2020 to 2028. batteries are challenging the growth of It is boosted by increasing concerns the battery recycling market. among countries on battery waste disposal coupled with strict rules and The market report covers the countries regulations. “The growing adoption from Latin America, Europe, North of electric vehicles that majorly use government subsidies provided to America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle lithium-ion batteries is another major encourage battery recycling and the East and Africa. Photo: O. Kürth factor driving the market growth”, the declining lithium-ion battery costs are information said. “Moreover, a high creating immense opportunities for w www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ recycling gap between batteries, the the battery recycling market.” idhsj0 Driven to expect the unexpected When you recycle, materials and conditions con- uptime. Starting, stopping and reversing as often stantly change. What doesn’t change is our com- as needed, our Hägglunds drive systems protect mitment to bringing you results – and maximum your machines from shock loads and your operators www.boschrexroth.com/hagglunds GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 7
BUSINESS CHANCES Indonesia’s Multistakeholder Action Plan I n April this year the national strategy document “Radically Reducing Plas- tic Pollution in Indonesia: A Multistake- generated within Indonesia, the analy- sis said. The situation is expected to worsen in the next years. holder Action Plan” was published. Needed: action and investments As reported by World Economic Forum, the plan lays out an evidence- According to the information, the based roadmap towards reducing the Action Plan compares two possible amount of plastic leakage into the outcomes for the Republic of Indo- country’s coastal waters by 70 percent nesia: one is the “business as usual” by 2025, as well as achieving near- scenario, in which plastic pollution is zero plastic pollution by 2040 through projected to increase by one-third to transitioning to a circular economy for 6.1 million tons in 2025 and more than plastics. double by 2040, even if the plastic waste collection rates keep pace with “Indonesia’s unprecedented national a growing waste generation. The effort to take on plastic pollution is crossing a new frontier in what is possible”, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, About the Action Plan Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, wrote in the According to the World Economic Forum, the delivery of the Action Plan rep- preface to the document. “Working resents a significant milestone in the work of the Indonesia National Plastic from the basis of a radical idea, we Action Partnership (NPAP), the nation’s leading multi-stakeholder platform have created a platform – the Indone- for shaping a unified and effective approach to tackling plastic pollution sia National Plastic Action Partnership and waste. It was launched one year ago by the Government of Indonesia in (NPAP) – to mobilize willpower from collaboration with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), the flagship all sectors and identify a clear path plastic action platform at the World Economic Forum, and is hosted at World towards our goal to show that plastic Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia in Jakarta. pollution is not too complex or too enormous a challenge to overcome.” The Indonesia NPAP comprises over 230 member organizations from In this context, he invites “all to join us national and local government, the business and investment community, on this journey. As Indonesia puts this civil society and youth advocacy groups, foreign diplomatic missions, and plan into action, we look forward to research and academia. To translate the recommendations in the Action sharing our knowledge and to learning Plan into concrete action, its members have formed five new task forces on from others on bringing solutions and policy, innovation, financing, behavior change, and metrics, in addition to successes to scale”. continuing to address plastic pollution and waste through their respective institutions. As reported, urgent action is needed to turn the tide of plastic waste and The analysis and scenario methodology for developing the Action Plan pollution in Indonesia. 70 percent were adapted from global research conducted by The Pew Charitable Trusts of the country’s plastic waste – an and SYSTEMIQ, which will be published in full later this year under the title estimated 4.8 million tons per year – is “Breaking the Plastic Wave”. considered mismanaged in ways such as being openly burned (48 percent), The Action Plan was shaped through close consultation and collaboration Source: World Economic Forum dumped on land or in poorly man- with leading plastic waste and plastic pollution experts in Indonesia, includ- aged official dumpsites (13 percent) or ing members of the Indonesia NPAP Steering Board, NPAP Expert Panel, leaking into waterways and the ocean Government of Indonesia, and other key stakeholders. (9 percent or 620,000 tons). Despite a sharp growth in foreign waste im- w https://globalplasticaction.org/wp-content/uploads/NPAP-Indonesia- ports in 2018, more than 95 percent Multistakeholder-Action-Plan_April-2020.pdf of plastic pollution comes from waste 8 global-recycling.info
BUSINESS CHANCES other is the System Change Scenario Doubling plastic waste collection Building or expanding controlled (SCS), which would enact a series of from 39 to more than 80 percent by waste disposal facilities to safely ambitious, society-wide transforma- 2025 by boosting state-funded and manage non-recyclable plastic waste. tions, including the following five key informal or private-sector collec- interventions: tion systems; this implies expanding The reduction of plastics in the ocean Reducing or substituting avoidable plastic waste collection to four mil- until 2025 would require a total capital plastic usage to prevent the con- lion new households each year until investment of 5.1 billion US-Dollar and sumption of more than one million 2025. an operational funding budget of 1.1 tons of plastics per year by switching Doubling current recycling capac- billion US-Dollar/year in 2025 to run an to reuse and new delivery models, ity by building or expanding plastic effective waste management and re- changing behaviors and replacing sorting and recycling facilities to cycling system, the strategy document plastics with alternative materials process an additional 975,000 tons said. Under the System Change Sce- that yield improved environmental of plastics per year. To achieve that nario, Indonesia is expected to prevent outcomes. by 2025, large-scale recycling hubs 16 million tons of plastics entering Redesigning plastic products and need to be strengthened in Java and its coastal waters, create more than packaging with reuse or recycling in developed in urban centers outside 150,000 jobs and significantly improve mind. of Java. public health outcomes. PUR-Recycling towards a Smart Circular Economy T he European PUReSmart project, which started in January 2019 and will end in December 2022, explores new methods, technologies and approaches in order to transform poly- urethane (PU) into a circular material. The project consortium consists of nine partners and develops smart sort- ing technologies to separate a diverse range of PU materials into dedicated feedstocks; these will be broken down into their basic components as inputs for existing PU products, and as raw materials for a newly designed polymer that merges the durability of thermosets with the circularity of thermoplastics. As reported on the PUReSmart homepage, after twelve months, the on a process with complete recov- options are rather limited, the project consortium could achieve “break- ery of not only the polyol but also of will bring new solutions to recover through steps”. The development of the isocyanate precursors (amines), valuable raw materials out of EoL Source: Ayming / PUReSmart new chemistries to obtain covalent which will hopefully lead to the first materials to be re-used to make a new adaptable polyurethanes (CAPU’s) is recycled isocyanate in the world”, the generation of CAPU foams. This will moving forward. Also, the work regard- consortium underlined. “The impact close the loop and create opportuni- ing the development of innovative of PUReSmart is extremely important ties for a circular economy.” sorting methods is moving ahead. in the treatment of End-of-Life (EoL) “The PUReSmart project is working PU products. As today the recycling w www.puresmart.eu GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 9
BUSINESS CHANCES Fluorescent Markers Poised to Address Sorting Challenges ¢ by Professor Edward Kosior A recent Greenpeace report claim- ing that some US companies are incorrectly labeling plastic products as recyclable reinforces the urgent need for improved sorting and identification solutions. As the report points out, many MRFs (Materials Recovery Facil- ity) only accept PET and HDPE due to insufficient processing capabilities, a situation for which there now is a ground-breaking solution. First, let’s look at one of the main is- sues, Polypropylene (PP). Whilst the packaging industry has invested in marketing PP as recyclable, not being able to differentiate between a food packaging applications like crates and went to recycling facilities. The rest tray, soup pot and a fertilizer tub this bins or, worse, goes straight to landfills landed at incinerators or landfills. obviously hampers the full recycling or incinerators. Food grade plastic has been the most potential of PP. complex to obtain due to the risks of The issue is a global one. The Euro- using second-hand plastics containing According to the Greenpeace report, pean Plastics Converters Association toxic chemicals that are potentially only 53 percent of surveyed MRFs take (EuPC) reported that almost 60 per- dangerous to human health. Now an PP, and only 31 percent of US residents cent of the European plastics convert- innovative identification technology is have access to PP collection. The ing companies find it hard to get a being deployed to separate plastic to stumbling block is that recyclers need supply of recycled plastics materials food-grade quality in one single step, to be able to identify a pack’s past that meet their quality standards. thereby radically transforming the history during the sorting process, sorting process in recycling facilities. and with no effective way of separat- According to a 2019 report by the A British consortium has developed ing food grade from non-food grade European Commission, of the 27.1 a technology that can rapidly and polymers – little wonder – most of million tons of plastic waste collected efficiently distinguish between food- it ends up being recycled into non- in Europe in 2016, only 31.1 percent grade and non-food-grade polymers, identify black plastics and tag full- length shrink-sleeves. Plastic Packaging Recycling using Intelligent Separation technologies for Materials (PRISM) applies high performing luminescent materials to labels on plastic packaging, creating what is best described as an invisible barcode for plastics recycling. The process is simple. Fluorescent markers – produced from materials recovered from fluorescent lamp recycling and Photos: PRISM non-rare earth-based compounds – are printed on labels or plastic pack- aging sleeves. As the mixed plastic 10 global-recycling.info
BUSINESS CHANCES waste runs along the conveyor belt the 95 percent for PET. That meets EFSA’s high-speed sorting system is triggered British Consortium of PRISM (European Food Safety Authority) by an ultraviolet (UV) light source that Partners stipulated 95 percent purity for PET identifies the coded PRISM label and Nextek – PRISM project manager food-grade plastic in a single sorting reads his code, and air propels it into and recycling R&D step. Other polymers such as PP may the appropriate recycling stream. Brunel University London – require two steps of sorting and can Wolfson Material Processing reach upwards of 99 percent purity. Following extensive trials, PRISM is Luminescent expertise That is a significant step forward in now well proven in MRF setups and is CCL Labels – Multi-national label the sub-categorization of plastics, plug & play ready. It is complementary maker which are sorted automatically at high to existing NIR (Near Infrared) technol- Enlightened Lamp Recycling – speed, and it opens up a wealth of new ogy and can easily be adapted to most Fluorescent lamp recyclers opportunities for brand-owners wish- sorting facilities around the world to Johnson Matthey – Specialty ing to recover their packaging as part target specific recycling streams such chemicals, catalysis and process of the circular economy. as food contact plastic packaging. The technology innovative technology uses traditional Mirage Inks – Leading manu- Trials have been successfully con- labeling and branding methods and is facturer for printing inks for ducted with recycling organizations designed to identify a host of different packaging applications and brand owners, and the next stages materials applying multiple markers Tomra Sorting – World leader in of commercialization are in progress. for a wide range of codes. These mark- automatic detection systems PRISM is set to become a vital step- ers can be removed during recycling WRAP UK – Leading waste and ping stone towards improved sorting leaving no traces for the next cycle resources charity UK capacity and should provide a much- of use. Even the most challenging needed impetus to the struggling plastic waste can now be sorted at full Video: w www.youtube.com/ recycling sector. speed of two tons per hour to over 96 watch?v=R8_c3LdAzvo percent purity with a yield in excess of w www.nextek.org The reliable brand! Put us to the test! For our XR shredder, no challenge is too tough, whether: » industrial and commercial waste » waste wood Visit us online at the Recycling Expo » metal and Conference (eREC) from 31 » materials that are difficult to shred (pulper ropes, rolled goods, etc.) August until 5 September 2020 and look forward to our inGENIOUS Witness it for yourself live at your location and book a test appointment with our inventions! expert Daniel Wresnik now! Tel.: +43 664 83 09 448 | E-Mail: daniel.wresnik@untha.com www.untha.com GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 11
NEWSFLASH Wrap Film Made from Recycled Material P olish company FOL-GOS is offering ecological stretch films suitable for wrapping waste, which are made of founded in 2012. From the beginning, the company has been involved in the production of stretch film. tive tests of our film with other com- petitive films (domestic and foreign) produced from primary raw materials recycled materials and are recyclable confirmed our good quality and us- as well. As reported, the multilayer The manufacturer cooperates with able parameters of our film, compa- structure of the products (stretch-abil- the Center for Commodity Research, rable to the parameters produced ity: 50 to 70 percent) ensures high bar- a special-purpose company at the from the original raw material,” the rier properties. Furthermore, the films University of Economics in Poznań company informs. are dedicated to all types of wrappers Sp. z o.o. to examine quality and available on the market. FOL-GOS was properties of its products. “Compara- w www.folgos.pl/en Furniture Upholstery from Recycled Waste T essutica, which belongs to Belgium-based Beaulieu Interna- tional Group (B.I.G.), has announced “Greencare” is certified under the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) label. The fabrics base on recycled yarns chain. With growing demands for sustainability within the business world as well as from end-consumers, a new product line: “Greencare” is from regular post-consumer PET Tessutica felt it was the right choice the company’s new collection with bottles from the oceans, landfills and to offer a product line that comes 100 percent recycled and recyclable upcycled cotton from garments. For with a full guarantee of environmen- upholstery fabrics. After use, the this, Tessutica partnered with the tal consciousness. fabrics can be recycled into pellets Seaqual project, which brings plastic again. According to the information, waste back into the manufacturing w www.tessutica.com New Member P ortugal-based company Intraplás, Indústria Transformadora de Plás- ticos, S.A. has joined the organization members, including COEXPAN, ELIX Polymers, Exiba, Greiner Packaging, INEOS Styrolution, Repsol, Tomra, development and industrialization of new recycling technologies and solutions. It aims to strengthen the Styrenics Circular Solutions (SCS). As Total, Trinseo and Versalis (Eni). sustainability of styrenic products reported, Intraplás has over 50 years of while improving resource efficiency experience in extrusion, thermoform- Styrenics Circular Solutions is the within the circular economy. ing and printing in the packaging sec- value chain initiative to increase the tor for the food industry, specialized in circularity of styrenics. The initiative w www.styrenics-circular-solutions. the dairy sector. They join fellow SCS engages the entire value chain in the com USA: Recycling Market Development Platform T he company More Recycling has launched a Recycling Market Development Platform, which will be U.S. EPA stats (2017)”, More Recycling wrote in its press release. “Recycling is not as impactful as simply consuming were needed to overcome the expo- nential economic imbalance facing the recycling industry. available through www.CircularityIn less or reusing more, but it is a criti- Action.com. cal step in conserving resources and As emphasized, the new platform reducing greenhouse gas emissions. is offered for free. More Recycling is The purpose is to illuminate circularity This recycling and compost rate has supported by the American Chemistry in action and to connect people with the potential to fall even lower without Council as the first Premier Patron tools and resources. “The recycling large-scale action, especially with the of Recycling Market Development and composting rate is only 35.2 per- additional challenges we face due to Platform. cent of the total material waste gener- the global pandemic.” Better policy ated in the U.S., according to the latest and greater innovation for circularity w www.CircularityInAction.com 12 global-recycling.info
Europe: Initiative to Close the Glass Loop T he Association of Cities and Regions for sustainable Resource management (ACR+) has joint the Eu- The platform Glass is already Europe’s most recycled ropean initiative, which was founded food and beverage packaging material by FEVE (Federation of European – the latest figures put the collection manufacturers of glass containers), rate at 76 percent (EU-28: about 12.4 FERVER (the association of glass recy- million tons in 2017). Most of the 30 cling companies in Europe) and EXPRA billion collected containers go back (the Extended Producer responsibility into the batch of one of the 160 plants Alliance), to name but a few. The goal in Europe; the average batch contains is to achieve 90 percent of glass pack- 52 percent recycled content. “Yet new aging collection for recycling by 2030. glass containers could be produced with more recycled glass, and we want ACR+ represents 1,100 municipalities to make that happen”, FEVE pointed and 52 local and regional authori- out. “By recycling more and better, we ties and joins “Close the Glass Loop” can progress on new EU 2030 recy- putting their extensive network at the cling targets and the UN Sustainable disposal of the platform. “Thanks to Development Goals – particularly SDG the cooperation of its members, ACR+ 12: Responsible Production and Con- will have a key role in gathering data sumption – and achieve sustainable to build an overview of how the glass growth opportunities in the Circular collection and sorting chain work in Economy. Recent European legisla- the Member States, cross-analyzing tion has set new real recycling targets. for these national frameworks and The revised Packaging and Packaging local waste practices”, FEVE said. “This Waste Directive is increasing recycling intelligence-gathering work will enrich targets for glass packaging to 70 per- the Close the Glass Loop campaign cent by 2025 and 75 percent by 2030 and will encourage key stakeholders to per country. Most importantly, new focus more on end-of-use glass pack- EU targets now measure the actual aging management as a key sustain- recycling of packaging materials – not able resource that needs to be better just collection rates. This means that It takes real exploited.” to achieve these real recycling targets, we will need to make more effort to giants to handle increase and improve collection.” “Close the Glass Loop” aims to in- crease the recycled content available wastemonsters to the industry, by collecting more and better glass upfront. The whole Vecoplan-Shredder – the value chain is involved in recycling: power pack in pre-shredding from the glass producer to the brand for alternative fuel processing owner and the filler, to the consumer and glass treater passing by the EPR Vecoplan machines and systems are and Waste Management Schemes, as designed to offer the maximum for your well as collectors and municipalities. Photo: 445693 / Pixabay preparation process. Convince yourself. The vision is to achieve full actual recy- cling of collected glass packaging by working in partnership with the whole value chain to make sure the circular Vecoplan AG | Vor der Bitz 10 56470 Bad Marienberg | Germany economy works better. Phone: +49 2661 62 67-0 welcome@vecoplan.com | www.vecoplan.com
ENTERPRISES Photo: INEOS Styrolution Goal: A Closed Loop for Styrenics The Germany-based company INEOS Styrolution has demonstrated that a circular economy regarding styrenics is possible. That is a consi- derable step forward, based on mechanical and chemical recycling. H eadquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the Our aim and our dedication at INEOS Styrolution is to cre- company produces styrene monomer, poly- ate sustainable styrenics solutions that have the product styrene, ABS standard and styrenic special- performance and properties on par with conventional solu- ties with more than 90 years of experience tions. Launched in October last year, our two new recycled and production facilities in Europe, Asia and ABS grades, Terluran ECO GP-22 MR50 and Terluran ECO GP- the Americas. With its production technology, advanced 22 MR70, contain respectively 50 and 70 percent of recycled research and development skills, Intellectual property post-consumer ABS from waste electrical and electronic (IP) and patents, INEOS Styrolution sees itself as perfectly equipment (WEEE). The properties of these recycled grades equipped to ensure the highest level of quality, efficiency match the property profile of the virgin ABS grades. and innovation. In the following interview Johannes Mus- seleck, Director of Global Strategy at INEOS Styrolution, There has been a high demand by brand owners interested informs GLOBAL RECYCLING Magazine about the company’s in these products. During the past months, Terluran ECO solutions for a circular economy. was widely tested by big brand owners, who gave very positive feedback about how it is meeting their expecta- Since early 2018, INEOS Styrolution has been exploring the tions. This ideal drop-in solution does not compromise mechanical recycling of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene in performance, and manufacturers do not need to adapt (ABS), and now offers the first two products of the newly their technology or production processes. Moreover, this launched ECO family. Can the products’ properties match recycling process is less energy-intensive, has a much lower the profiles of their non-recycled counterparts? carbon footprint in comparison to conventional production 14 global-recycling.info
ENTERPRISES processes and will reduce the amount of waste that ends INEOS Styrolution is also offering the integration of renew- up in a landfill. Today, we are in different stages of develop- able feedstock as a replacement for fossil fuel in upstream ment with several customers to implement Terluran ECO existing petrochemical installations. What is the benefit of grades in their running processes. In short: The product bio-attributed styrene? properties of the new material absolutely match the prop- erty profile of its non-recycled counterparts. In addition to our efforts to drive mechanical and chemical recycling, we are also offering the integration of renewable In 2019, INEOS Styrolution achieved a breakthrough in the feedstock as a replacement for fossil fuel. This approach chemical recycling of polystyrene. Furthermore, the com- allows us to create more sustainable supply chains while pany is working on the realization of this method on a pilot retaining our already optimized and highly efficient infra- and industrial scale. What specific measures have been structure and processes. By using bio-attributed feedstock, planned – or have already been implemented? we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and save valuable resources. The feedstock we source complies with Indeed, in April 2019, we produced a lab-scale quantity of the highest sustainability certification criteria by RSB (The general-purpose polystyrene from 100 percent recycled Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials). That means styrene monomer in our Antwerp plant in Belgium. The ma- that the renewable feedstock does not compete with food terial was the result of experimental polystyrene produc- production and does not contribute to deforestation. Using tion runs with styrene monomer feedstock produced from bio-attributed styrene offers us a 74 percent lower green- the depolymerization of post-consumer polystyrene waste. house gas footprint when compared to styrene produced by That is part of our dedicated efforts to close the loop on fossil fuel. And for our customers, this approach presents a polystyrene, one of the most recyclable plastics materials. “drop-in” solution with identical product quality and prop- Therefore, we teamed up with commercial partners, re- erties and therefore does not require product development search institutes and leading-edge technology providers to or new registration and regulatory approvals. build first production sites with significantly bigger capaci- ties. In Europe, we collaborate on a depolymerization facil- On an industrial scale, how much post-consumer material ity in Antwerp, Belgium. In the Americas, we are engaged in would be required for mechanical or chemical recycling? setting up a depolymerization plant in Channahon, Illinois, USA, next to our existing polystyrene plant. We plan to develop first industrial plants with capacities of around 15 kilotons per year. But we do not stop there. We We have provided some batches of recycled polystyrene to are already looking at longer-term volume scenarios, and some of our customers to test and jointly develop commer- together with partners, we analyzed the waste value chain. cial solutions. We also have promising early results from The good news is that we have been able to identify nearly two independent life impact assessment (LCA) studies on all of the polystyrene packaging volumes that are put on chemical recycling, which show at least 37 percent lower the market in the waste value chain, so it is not getting lost. CO2 footprint compared to fossil-based styrene. That is a That means that we can use it for recycling. Our analysis positive outcome for the depolymerization technology and clearly shows that the available waste will be sufficient for will drive it forward. our recycling plans. What would a circular economy for styrenics look like? Plastics waste is too valuable as a resource to incinerate or Johannes Musseleck is the Director of Global Strat- landfill it, and styrenics are made for recycling due to their egy at INEOS Styrolution; before that, he worked as unique chemical properties. We strive to provide sustain- the Director of Supply Chain Management. He works able solutions to our customers and end-consumers such on implementing the company’s Triple Shift growth as producing high-quality products from recycled materials strategy, leads various strategic global projects as well and offering the integration of renewable feedstock as a as the global Regulatory Affairs team, and is developing replacement for fossil fuel. But this cannot be achieved by INEOS Styrolution’s strategy for the Circular Economy. one company alone, so we are trying to collaborate with companies along the value chain to close the loop from Johannes Musseleck holds a degree in Economics waste collection, sorting, recycling, and production of new from Trier University. His career began at BASF in 2000, goods from recycled and bio-attributed materials. where he held various positions in marketing, sales, and innovation management before moving to INEOS Mr. Musseleck, thank you for the interview. Styrolution in 2011. w www.ineos-styrolution.com GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 15
ENTERPRISES Advertorial: Polystyrene – Made for recycling like no other A s the global market leader in styrenics, INEOS Styrolution is convinced that the future of the com- pany lies in delivering innovative and circular solutions for its customers. To achieve this, we consider a holistic approach, taking into account the impacts of our entire value chain: from R&D, resource-efficient production, prevention of waste leakage, through to waste collection, sorting and reuse, recycling or recovery of our products. We have a proven track record in inno- vation and R&D and we are using this expertise to contribute to circularity. We continue to strive for resource-effi- cient operations and are continuously reducing our energy use as well as our emissions. We participate in the stew- ardship programme Operation Clean Sweep® and embed good practices for the containment of pellets in our day-to-day practices and management First polystyrene, recycled with depolymerisation systems at all our production sites, process and encourage logistics suppliers to also adopt these good practices. of plastics by collaborating with not forces in a collaborative industry initia- We have embarked on several proj- only styrenics manufacturers but also tive with PlasticsEurope to support ects focused on chemical recycling the entire value chain. We have joined waste collection, sorting and technol- ogy development. We are also part of the joint European initiative of the styrenics industry called Styrenics Circular Solutions (SCS) to increase the circularity of polystyrene. We believe the synergies of these technologies Photo/Graphic: INEOS Styrolution Group GmbH will help in speeding up the imple- mentation and shorten the time to market. By offering styrenics solutions that de- liver strong, sustainable performance, we will ensure that our customers’ businesses and end consumers’ choices become more sustainable. Circular economy for styrenics w www.ineos.com 16 global-recycling.info
ENTERPRISES Money for Circular Economy H uhtamaki and WasteAid an- nounce a global partnership to drive community-level circular According to Huhtamaki, its funded project “will provide financial sup- port to WasteAid to deliver education the local team prevented a million plastic bags from being burned or reaching the ocean,” Charles Héaulmé, economy innovations in key loca- and training on waste management President and CEO of the packaging tions. and circular systems. It will enable producer, is cited. “We will be learning WasteAid to work with key stakehold- from our partnership with WasteAid The global active Finnish packaging ers in Johannesburg (South Africa), Ho and will share our insights with global company Huhtamaki and UK-based Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Guwahati stakeholders as part of our sustain- international charity WasteAid have (Assam, India) to fast-track and am- ability journey to deliver on our 2030 announced a 900,000 Euro partnership plify local solutions that create value strategy.” “to drive community-level circular and reduce waste and pollution, in line economy innovation in Vietnam, with the UN’s Sustainable Develop- WasteAid, which was set up by waste India and South Africa for a two-year ment Goals.” management professionals to tackle period”. To mark its 100th anniversary, the global waste crisis, would bring its Huhtamaki is also donating three Huhtamaki, a global player in sustain- expertise in sustainable waste man- million Euro to global sustainability able food-on-the-go and food-on-the- agement to share skills, develop busi- initiatives with a local impact – act- shelf packaging solutions, “chose to ness ideas and create end-markets for ing today, educating for tomorrow partner with WasteAid as it is already recyclable materials, driving innova- and funding innovation for the future, making a positive impact on plastic tion and developing a new generation “making a difference where it matters pollution. An illustration of this is their of green entrepreneurs locally. most to help address global sustain- project in West Africa, where trainees ability challenges and build circular are turning plastic waste into useful w www.huhtamaki.com economy initiatives”. products like paving tiles. Very quickly w www.wasteaid.org GLOBAL RECYCLING 2/2020 17
ENTERPRISES Paper Packaging: New Action Group in Europe T he partners of the European paper sector in the industry alliance “4evergreen” intend to boost the con- the development of alternative pack- aging materials including fiber-based packaging with a view to helping con- ambition is higher. We are driving a system-wide shift to transition to the next level of circularity and climate tribution of paper-based packaging in sumers make more climate-friendly resilience. ‘4evergreen’ will be the a circular economy. Cepi (Confedera- choices,” the association explained. place for the whole industry value tion of European Paper Industries), the “4evergreen” was created as a forum chain to co-create and collaborate for association representing the paper in- to engage and connect industry mem- a change.” dustry in Europe, has arranged a new bers from across the sector’s value alliance called “4evergreen”. It aims to chain – from paper and board produc- The first “4evergreen” alliance mem- boost the contribution of fiber-based ers to packaging converters, brand- bers include Nestlé, Danone, Mars, packaging in a circular and sustainable owners and retailers, technology and Stora Enso, Smurfit Kappa, Sappi, economy that minimizes climate and material suppliers, waste sorters and Metsä Board, UPM, Mayr-Melnhof environmental impact. collectors. Group, Reno de Medici, Mondi, Burgo, Kotkamills, DS Smith, Heinzel Group, According to Cepi, the initiative in- “Fiber-based packaging can be a Ahlstrom Munksjö, International tends to increase awareness about the game-changer for material substitu- Paper, BillerudKorsnäs, Huhtamäki, benefits of these packaging materials, tion”, Eija Hietavuo, Chairwoman of SEDA, SIG Combibloc, Tetra Pak, advocate for EU legislation supporting the new action group and Senior Vice Elopak, Walki, Schur Group, Cardbox product design for recyclability, and President Sustainability Stora Enso Packaging, Firstan Ltd., Westrock, call for the development of optimized Consumer Board, was cited. The com- Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG, collection systems for materials mon goal would be to deliver a holistic Graphic Packaging International, AR dedicated to recycling and appropriate approach to optimize the sustainabil- Packaging, Baumer hhs GmbH, Van recycling infrastructures. “The rise of ity and circularity of the packaging’s Genechten Packaging Group, Sonoco environmental awareness and con- life cycle. “The time to act is now!” Jori and VTT. The alliance is welcoming sumer concerns as well as the increase Ringman, Director General at Cepi, more organizations to join the col- of packaging, focused regulation, such stated. “Our industry already has a laboration. as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, strong track record in environmental have helped companies to accelerate performance and recycling, but our w www.cepi.org/4evergreen New Food Waste Processing Facility in Indonesia T idy Planet, a technique provider for organic waste, has partnered with shredding expert Untha UK to and two B2500s – the largest Rocket Composter the company manufac- tures”, the company informed. Follow- supply an industrial-scale solution for ing a year-long tendering process, the a new multi-million-pound Integrated Cheshire-based firm has also teamed Waste Management Facility (IWMF) up with Untha UK, which would supply at a gas pipeline expansion project in an LR1000 wood shredder and an RS30 Indonesia. four-shaft plastic shredder as part of the bid for the IWMF. Other UK organi- As reported, Tidy Planet has previous- zations are also involved in the waste ly worked on a variety of composting management overhaul, supplying can projects in the global oil and gas sec- ed per day at a liquid gas plant in Tan- baling systems, control packages, and Photo: Tidy Planet tor. This latest venture would require guhh. “Processing of the large volume packing/crating services. numerous processes to treat plastic, of food wastes will be achieved with metal and wood wastes as well as five a commercial-scale version of Tidy w www.tidyplanet.co.uk additional tons of food waste generat- Planet’s Dehydra Dewatering system w www.untha.co.uk 18 global-recycling.info
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