Recycling of plastic and industrial solutions

Plastic production has exploded over the past 50 years and is expected to double by 2035 compared to 2015. Incomplete and fragmented information on the  quality and origin of plastic waste hinders the development of plastic recycling. Read our sustainability consultants report on the current situation and promotion of the plastic cycle.

Today, plastic is mainly an oil-based product, which is why recycling reduces the need for fossil raw materials. One of the key properties of plastic is inertness, which makes the structure permanent, i.e. therefore difficult to decompose in nature. This is why the recovery and recycling of plastic waste is important. The properties of plastic are improved by mixing different polymers, which makes it difficult to develop a suitable recycling process and, on the other hand, to utilise the recovered raw material.

Mechanical recycling involves several challenges. All contaminants are challenging to remove during sorting, and plastic loses its performance if it is recycled several times. In addition to mechanical recycling, advanced recycling technologies are needed, such as leaching, chemolysis or depolymerisation, pyrolysis (thermal cracking), gasification and enzymolysis, i.e. decomposition by means of enzymes.

It is estimated that the targets set by the EU for plastic recycling cannot be achieved without mechanical recycling being complemented by chemical recycling. Chemical recycling is an emerging technology in which polymer chains of plastics are broken down through pyrolysis, gasification or purely chemical methods. Chemical recycling enables recycling into plastics that cannot be recycled with current mechanical recycling methods.

Sweco’s services for plastic recycling

Food contact material requirements

There are many legal requirements for food contact materials. Sweco’s experts help interpret and apply the requirements and draw up a document of compliance.

Plastics recycling plant feasibility study

Tasks and scope in accordance with the preparatory phase of the investment.

1. Finding the customer needs and reasons for building the plant
2. Reports on availability of feeds
3. Reports on the market for fractions
4. Definition of the most suitable plant technology and space requirements
5. Logistics reports
6. Profitability calculations

Implementation of plastics recycling plant projects

1. Project management, planning and site supervision tasks
2. Wide-ranging and highly comprehensive design services
3. GEO, Structural Engineering, HVAC
4. Coordination of different design disciplines
5. Investment aid applications
6. Preparation of offer and contract materials
7. Assistance with procurement
8. Site operations
9. Supervision of plant commissioning and operation

Plant modification and development projects

1. Improving the profitability of installations in general
2. Plans to expand or change operations
3. New feeds
4. Further processing of finished products
5. Plans to meet legislative changes
6. Improving reliability and serviceability
7. Profitability calculations for different operating models
8. Drawing up a development strategy
9. Procurement services
10. Site operations

Value chain and concept studies

1. Material flow studies
2. Reports related to licensing
3. Logistics surveys
4. Safety-related studies
5. Food safety studies
6. Due Diligence

The report shows that societal debate on further measures for plastic recycling is easily focused on packaging waste. The regulation also focuses mainly on packaging waste. Measures targeting hard plastics or construction plastics are currently scarce.

In order to increase the overall recycling rate of plastic, it would also be important to pay attention to measures targeting hard plastic and construction plastic. In addition, the share obligation, better product design and new technological solutions in the recycling process are examples of ways to increase the recycling rate of plastic.

Sweco has strong circular economy expertise

Sweco has expertise in packaging materials made from renewable raw materials. Plastic products are being replaced by wood-based fibre products. Fibre products still use so-called barrier solutions, which can be products similar to plastic. For example, they prevent moisture from being transferred to the packaging material.

With circular economy expertise, we help you find sustainable solutions for your organization’s needs! By choosing Sweco as a partner, you ensure that the project is carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development with the help of the best experts, technology and innovative solutions in the industry.