<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/themes/Newsmag-child/rss/rss2.xsl" ?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:addfields="https://www.recycling-magazine.com" > <channel> <title>RECYCLING magazine</title> <atom:link href="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/</link> <description>Trends, Analyses, Opinions, and Facts for the Recycling Industry</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:42:41 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>EuRIC Textiles, FEAD &#038; Decathlon urge effective EPR schemes in WFD revision</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/euric-textiles-fead-decathlon-urge-effective-epr-schemes-in-wfd-revision/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/euric-textiles-fead-decathlon-urge-effective-epr-schemes-in-wfd-revision/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:42:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Textiles]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41352</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>EuRIC Textiles, FEAD &#038; Decathlon have published a joint position paper calling for effective EPR schemes and a level playing field in the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD) to strengthen Europe’s circular textile economy. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>While ongoing negotiations and progress on establishing EPR schemes for waste textiles are welcomed, the signatories stress the need for consistency to maximise effectiveness. Participation from all relevant operators and uniform application of the new rules are essential to prevent loopholes that could sustain the status quo.</p> <p>The WFD revision offers a unique opportunity for greater harmonisation across the EU and improved sector competitiveness, particularly as the textile sorting and recycling industry faces global challenges like the war in Ukraine, logistical issues in Africa, and the rise of ultra-fast fashion, leading to oversupply and financial pressure on waste management operations. To address these, we urge a swift agreement on the proposed WFD revision and effective EPR scheme implementation.</p> <p>Key requests include ensuring full accountability and a level playing field for all relevant actors involved in the EPR scheme, setting concrete targets for waste prevention, collection, reuse and recycling, defining clear end-of-waste criteria, and distinguishing between ‘used’ and ‘waste’ textiles. It is also crucial to move quickly in the negotiations to manage growing waste before mandatory collection starts in January 2025, and to implement rigorous monitoring of EPR schemes.</p> <p>FEAD, EuRIC Textiles, and Decathlon urge trilogue negotiators to consider these requests and swiftly agree on the proposed targeted revision of the WFD, establishing well-functioning EPR schemes that incentivise investments in infrastructure and enhance traceability of discarded textiles. We remain committed to collaborating with policymakers to achieve Europe’s climate neutrality goals and advance sustainability and circularity in the textiles sector.</p> <p>Claudia Mensi, FEAD President, reminded that ‘from the 5 million tonnes of clothing that is discarded each year in the EU, only 1% is recycled back into new clothing. This means that textile recycling is today an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity, for which industry and policymakers must work together to improve the status quo’.</p> <p>Julia Ettinger, EuRIC’s Secretary General stated: “Today, the priority is not just improving and scaling up textile sorting and recycling in Europe but also protecting and sustaining existing infrastructure. European companies, vital to making circularity a reality, urgently need support, and efficient EPR schemes are critical to achieving this.”</p> <p>Emilie Mauffet, Decathlon’s Sustainability Director, stated: “With the Waste Framework Directive revision, European policymakers have a unique opportunity to boost the development of an innovative and efficient textile waste industry. All actors in the textile ecosystem must work together to close the loop and go circular; smartly designed extended producer responsibility schemes can help us to achieve this goal.”</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/euric-textiles-fead-decathlon-urge-effective-epr-schemes-in-wfd-revision/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26_jackets-428622_Michal-Jarmoluk_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Revolutionising sustainable innovation from agricultural waste</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/revolutionising-sustainable-innovation-from-agricultural-waste/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/revolutionising-sustainable-innovation-from-agricultural-waste/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:02:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41344</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Revolutionising sustainable innovation from agricultural waste" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>RAW Materials is a company focused on addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: rice paddy stubble burning. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Revolutionising sustainable innovation from agricultural waste" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>A widespread issue, especially in India, stubble burning contributes significantly to severe air pollution and economic losses, with the Indian government estimating that the costs associated with this practice exceed $30 billion annually. RAW Materials seeks to turn this environmental burden into an opportunity by upcycling agricultural waste, particularly rice straw, into sustainable, high-performance materials for industries such as construction, automotive, fashion, and consumer goods.</p> <p>What began as a joint thesis project at the Royal College of Art (RCA) and Imperial College London, founded by Ankita Khanna and Yohaan Kukreja, has evolved into an innovative startup with a mission to drive the circular economy. RAW Materials focuses on developing bio-based composites from agricultural by-products, beginning with rice straw, with the aim to scale solutions that reduce reliance on plastics and fossil fuels while supporting a sustainable ecosystem.</p> <p>With a focus on sustainability, RAW Materials is advancing technologies to create alternatives to disposable footwear, with plans to expand into the automotive and construction sectors. By turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, the company provides both environmental and economic benefits. These solutions not only help mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural waste but also offer viable economic opportunities for farmers, contributing to a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.</p> <p>RAW Materials plans to operate in both India and the UK. In the UK, the company will focus on strategic growth, forging partnerships, and leveraging London&#8217;s global standing, particularly for R&#038;D and collaborations with key industry players. Meanwhile, its operational activities—manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution—will be based in India, where the agricultural waste supply chain is most established. This strategic approach allows RAW Materials to tap into the strengths of both countries and position itself for global expansion.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/26/revolutionising-sustainable-innovation-from-agricultural-waste/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Revolutionising sustainable innovation from agricultural waste" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Copy-of-composites.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Valdeau’Mat’s wash plant drives forward the circular economy in the Lille region</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/valdeaumats-wash-plant-drives-forward-the-circular-economy-in-the-lille-region/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/valdeaumats-wash-plant-drives-forward-the-circular-economy-in-the-lille-region/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:27:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Construction & demolition]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41305</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Valdeau’Mat’s wash plant drives forward the circular economy in the Lille region" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1915x1080.jpg 1915w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1536x866.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-620x350.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>The urban quarry is set to divert up to 400,000 tonnes from landfill annually with the new CDE solution. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Valdeau’Mat’s wash plant drives forward the circular economy in the Lille region" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1915x1080.jpg 1915w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1536x866.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-620x350.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>CDE has designed and commissioned a waste recycling plant for Valdeau’Mat, which is exceeding expectations after less than a year in operation. </p> <p>Valdeau’Mat was founded by brothers Steeve and Benjamin Vandeginste in their bid to tackle the growing problem of construction waste while optimising their main public works businesses by reducing the reliance on material supply. </p> <p>In the Lille region, recycling, construction and demolition is still largely treated through dry processing, meaning material can only be used for secondary applications or is sent to landfill. Valdeau’Mat is committed to sustainable development, zero waste and promoting and contributing to the circular economy, and so decided to invest in CDE’s waste recycling technology.</p> <p>CDE and Valdeau’Mat first met back in 2021, with this being CDE’s first project in the Lille region, and Valdeau’Mat’s first venture in waste recycling. After visiting one of CDE’s waste recycling plants in Cessy in eastern France, Valdeau’Mat believed in the solution and saw first-hand how they could utilise this technology to achieve their mission in transforming waste, reducing landfill and creating high-quality reusable materials.</p> <p>Commenting on the decision to work with CDE, Benjamin Vandeginste, CEO of Valdeau’Mat, said: “The creation of Valdeau’Mat is the fruit of our shared vision of a sustainable future. Investing in CDE technologies is a decisive step forward for the sector and the region. We are determined to show that change is not only possible, but also profitable.”</p> <p>“We want to make our company, and the wider industry, more sustainable whilst also investing in the future. We can see the opportunities that waste recycling technology has for our business and the local construction market in contributing to a circular economy and working towards zero waste targets.”</p> <p>The 200 tonnes per hour (tph) facility, which was commissioned in March this year, is already exceeding expectations less than a year after starting operations. The platform is expected to recycle up to 400,000 tonnes of materials per year, 25% more than the 320,000 tonnes initially anticipated.</p> <p>CDE’s versatile solution incorporates its R4500 feeding and primary system, AggMax logwasher to scrub and classify aggregate fractions, EvoWash sand wash system and AquaCycle thickener primary stage water management combined with a filter press to recover up to 95% of the process water and recycle it back into the system.</p> <p>As well as these innovative technologies to manage the plant’s performance, the plant has also been designed and engineered with versatility at its core.</p> <p>The CDE team designed the plant not only to allow the incorporation of additional washing and classification technologies, to produce more fractions and more advanced specifications enabling to diversify applications, but also to increase production capacity.</p> <p>Originally designed to enable the Vandeginste brothers&#8217; public works companies to be self-sufficient, the platform already produces enough recycled materials to meet internal needs, with the remainder now sold to external companies, with former suppliers now becoming customers.</p> <p>Thibault Vandecaveye, Business Development Manager France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland for CDE commented: “We designed this plant with evolution in mind. With the demand for recycled aggregates in the early stages in the region, we created a solution that will allow Valdeau’Mat to double capacity and process up to 800,000 tonnes of material a year.”</p> <p>“We understood the vision of the Vandeginste brothers in becoming a pioneer of sustainability in the industry, so we built a solution that goes hand-in-hand with this ambition.”</p> <p>The plant is also equipped to process challenging material. In the region, the material that the plant will process is generally very fine and may include clay or sticky materials. In particular, given the ancient ocean floors, there may be silty sand in the soil.</p> <p>CDE designed the solution that could handle the clay bound excavated material, so that Valdeau’Mat could process, and ultimately recycle, materials that would have previously been sent to landfill.</p> <p>CDE’s SmartTech and OptiMax technologies are designed to give plant operators more intelligence and data to optimise their operations. The plant management app enables Valdeau’Mat to better understand the plant’s performance, schedule any requirement maintenance and order any necessary parts, which in turn boosts productivity, improves operational efficiency and maximises uptime.</p> <p>The sensors on the plant provide around the clock performance data such as flow rates, water and energy usage and the amount of uptime, so that operators can analyse plant health easily and plan preventative maintenance to avoid downtime.</p> <p>The plant is inside a building at Valdeau’Mat’s site in La Chapelle-d&#8217;Armentières which is fully equipped with solar panels and an underground reservoir for water storage, affirming the sustainability commitments of the business, and also allows the plant to operate more efficiently during periods of adverse weather, particularly in the winter months.</p> <p>By reducing water and energy consumption, the CDE recycling solution supports Valdeau’Mat in its emission reduction and zero waste objectives, promoting the circular economy in the Lille region.</p> <p>This state-of-the-art plant is resulting in Valdeau’Mat producing three aggregates; 4-8mm, 8-20mm and 20-80mm, as well as two sands; 0-2mm and 0-4mm.</p> <p>These products were set to be mainly used in the company’s own utility excavation projects in the local area but having exceeded the quantity that the firm needs, they are now also able to supply local construction companies.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/valdeaumats-wash-plant-drives-forward-the-circular-economy-in-the-lille-region/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="350" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-620x350.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Valdeau’Mat’s wash plant drives forward the circular economy in the Lille region" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-620x350.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1915x1080.jpg 1915w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-1536x866.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ValdeauMat-2.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>CIMPA project concludes with promising findings on multilayer plastic film recycling</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/cimpa-project-concludes-with-promising-findings-on-multilayer-plastic-film-recycling/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/cimpa-project-concludes-with-promising-findings-on-multilayer-plastic-film-recycling/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:16:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Plastics]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41299</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="CIMPA project concludes with promising findings on multilayer plastic film recycling" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>On 20 November, the EU-funded H2020 CIMPA project concluded its 3.5-year journey with a final event showcasing its innovative solutions for recycling multilayer plastic films from packaging and agricultural applications. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="CIMPA project concludes with promising findings on multilayer plastic film recycling" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>The final event “Advancing the circularity of complex plastic films” was hosted by EuRIC (European Recycling Industries&#8217; Confederation) in Brussels.</p> <p>Celine Chevalier (IPC), CIMPA Project Coordinator, kicked off the event by presenting the project’s methodology and key findings. Laure Baillargeon, Policy Officer at DG GROW, provided insights on the current state of plastic waste in Europe, emphasising the need for stronger collection and sorting efforts. She also highlighted the opportunities in the upcoming Circular Economy Act to drive demand for secondary materials.</p> <p>The event continued with a presentation and demonstration by Raphael Josselin (Pellenc ST) and Marien de Lint (FiliGrade) on advanced sorting techniques for multilayers, combining NIR and digital watermarking. Attendees experienced digital watermarking on multilayer packaging—an almost invisible innovation that will greatly facilitate recycling by enabling easy scanning for sorting.</p> <p>Presentations on decontamination, recycling, and valorisation of multilayer plastic films followed. The decontamination processes to reduce polluting substances, odours, and improve mechanical properties was presented by Vanessa Gutiérrez (AIMPLAS), and the VAREX process to stabilised and upgrade the properties of recycled plastic films was introduced by Ilkka Rytöluoto (VTT). Lucie Prins and Celine Chevallier concluded the session with the results from the physical (dissolution) recycling processes developed by TNO and two mechanical recycling routes developed at IPC.</p> <p>A cluster discussion led by Keti Medarova-Bergstrom (European Commission’s REA) explored EU efforts to boost research in plastics circularity. Jaime Sanchis Magraner (MERLIN project) called for standardisation in manufacturing and recycling, while Christophe Cotillon (Buddie-Pack project) advocated for policy harmonisation across the EU to avoid national bias. Maria Vera Duran, EuRIC’s Senior Technical Manager, emphasised the importance of collaboration between EU-funded projects, by sharing knowledge and maximising the impact of results.</p> <p>The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Wolfgang Trunk (European Commission), Judit Guerra-Falcon (Plastics Europe), Lauriane Veillard (Zero Waste Europe), and Alexandra de Schonen (SUEZ). Wolfgang Trunk stressed the need for increased separate collection to reduce landfill waste, reflecting this in EPR fees. Judit Guerra-Falcon called for separate coding for virgin and recycled plastics to improve differentiation, while Lauriane Veillard focused on the importance of waste prevention and reuse. Alexandra de Schonen raised concerns about the low demand for recycled plastics and emphasised the need for positive externalities to reflect in circularity policies.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/25/cimpa-project-concludes-with-promising-findings-on-multilayer-plastic-film-recycling/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="413" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-620x413.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="CIMPA project concludes with promising findings on multilayer plastic film recycling" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-620x413.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-1620x1080.jpg 1620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/31-scaled-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Grupo Ecological opts for Lindner recycling technology</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/grupo-ecological-opts-for-lindner-recycling-technology/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/grupo-ecological-opts-for-lindner-recycling-technology/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:22:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Plastics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41285</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Grupo Ecological opts for Lindner recycling technology" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>The Brazilian recycling company Grupo Ecological, based in Limeira, has two plastic recycling lines dedicated to processing challenging post-consumer and post-industrial plastics into high-quality regranulate. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Grupo Ecological opts for Lindner recycling technology" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Two of Lindner’s Micromat shredders and one Lindner Washtech washing line ensure a consistent throughput and output of high-quality plastic flakes. In a joint project with Unilever, the companies created the first caps made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastics, helping Unilever reach its 2025 global sustainability objective ahead of schedule. </p> <p>Sustainability, quality and the best-possible cost-benefit ratio as part of a real circular economy – these values reflect the ethos of the Brazilian company Grupo Ecological. Founded in 2012, the company has built on the extensive knowledge and experience of its predecessor, which had been involved with processing plastics since the 1970s. “Sustainability has played a prominent role at Grupo Ecological ever since its foundation,” explains Fábio Kühl, circular economy advocate and founder of Grupo Ecological. “From the outset, our goal was to provide our customers with sustainable and cost-efficient solutions in the area of recycled raw materials, waste management and consultation on matters of sustainability.”</p> <p>Today, more than a decade later, Grupo Ecological has established itself successfully on the market as a recycling specialist for processing post-consumer and post-industrial plastics. As a manufacturer of high-quality recyclate, the company makes a valuable contribution to a well-functioning circular economy. “We are aware of our socio-ecological responsibility and more than happy to step up to this role,” says Kühl. “It is precisely why we started the #circularsustentável programme.” This is a closed-loop programme that aims to transform post-consumer plastics into high-quality recyclates. These, in turn, should be used to manufacture premium products made entirely from 100% recyclate – a win-win situation for the economy and the environment which has become a reality in this joint project with Unilever.</p> <p>The collaborative project with Unilever stands out as a success story for the #circularsustentável programme. In August 2022, after two years of joint in-depth research, Unilever launched the first caps in Brazil made from 100% recycled post-consumer recyclate for its Silk and TRESemmé brands. The Rexona, Seda and Comfort brands followed a little while after and were furnished with the same recycled caps, keeping 700 tonnes of plastic recyclate in the loop annually. What’s more, Unilever was able to reach its 2025 global objective to use at least 25% recycled plastic in its packaging three years earlier than planned. A huge success for Unilever as well as for Grupo Ecological. “Producing recyclate to be used in the cosmetics industry means it requires a high degree of purity, consistent quality as well as it needing to be odourless and virtually neutral in colour,” Kühl explains. “A standard that we are able to achieve thanks to our Lindner washing and recycling plant.”</p> <p>Fábio Kühl and his team came across Lindner’s technology at a plastics trade show in Brazil. They then visited reference facilities and operating lines that used Lindner shredders and washing lines. Subsequent material tests performed using Lindner plants ultimately resulted in purchasing the first and now second Micromat 1500 along with the washing components from Lindner Washtech.</p> <p>By using two Micromat series shredders, the company can now process post-industrial material such as BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), Big Bag waste and post-consumer materials made from BOPP and polypropylene raffia (Rafi-PP). A low proportion of fine material is also important, along with the throughput and resistance to contaminants. When dealing with heavily contaminated materials, such as post-consumer plastics, the downstream washing and drying processes are crucial to the quality of the flakes, which will be used to produce the recyclate. “Our production includes two different recycling lines, one to process post-industrial plastics and another to recycle post-consumer plastics. When processing the post-industrial material, the plastic flakes coming out of the shredder are sent directly to the extruder whereas the post-consumer recycling line incorporates the Lindner Washtech washing components in between these machines,” says Kühl. “The Micromat series of Lindner shredders represent the key component of our lines, and they are pivotal to our production capacity. They are extremely reliable, even when handling tough materials, and offer an impressively high, consistent throughput with a screen size that ensures 90% of the output is shredded to < 25 mm. We process up to 800 tonnes of plastic a month – so reliability is of paramount importance. Throughout the years, Lindner has been, and continues to be, a reliable partner on our path to success.” The collaborative project of Unilever Brazil and Grupo Ecological serves as a global reference. In 2023 alone, Unilever could increase the proportion of post-consumer plastics in its packaging from 27% to 37%. “Fabio Kühl and his team have shown with this project that, given the right technology, it is entirely possible to produce high-quality recyclate from post-consumer plastics and for this recyclate to fulfil the strict criteria of the cosmetics and food industry,” says a pleased Frederico Hartmann, CEO of Lindner LATAM, about Grupo Ecological’s success. The caps, manufactured from 100% recycled post-consumer plastics, are produced for Unilever’s Personal Care business group as well as being used in the company’s Nutrition division for ketchup bottles. “We have collaborated with Fabio Kühl for many years, and so it is particularly pleasing to see such a positive outcome of this project and that our shredding and washing expertise is used efficiently in connection with the circular economy.” </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/grupo-ecological-opts-for-lindner-recycling-technology/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="413" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-620x413.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Grupo Ecological opts for Lindner recycling technology" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-620x413.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-1620x1080.jpg 1620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lindnerc_GrupoEcological_Kuehl_10_2024_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Aimplas participates in the European BIO4EEB Project</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/aimplas-participates-in-the-european-bio4eeb-project/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/aimplas-participates-in-the-european-bio4eeb-project/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41281</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Aimplas participates in the European BIO4EEB Project" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-620x349.jpg 620w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>Buildings are responsible for about 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Aimplas participates in the European BIO4EEB Project" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-620x349.jpg 620w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>For new buildings and those in need of renovation, thermal insulating construction materials provide an opportunity to improve insulation and help reduce the industry&#8217;s carbon footprint by saving energy.</p> <p>In this context, Aimplas is participating in the European BIO4EEB Project, which aims to significantly increase the use of bio-based insulating materials to promote a greener construction industry. Thus, within the framework of this research project, a multidisciplinary consortium consisting of technology centres, universities, and companies from 10 European countries, along with one Latin American partner, is developing a portfolio of non-hazardous, bio-based insulation materials.</p> <p>The new developments include panels and fibres made from Neptune seagrass, bioplastics such as PLA, bio-polyurethane with recycled content for sprays and windows, which guarantee optimal thermal and acoustic insulation. They also improve passive safety against fire, along with other prefabricated elements for sustainable façades.</p> <p>Aimplas will specifically contribute to the development of PLA foams and natural coatings designed to protect against fire. It will also be involved in validating tests for the use of various insulating solutions in independent and combined structures. These new materials will undergo testing at the demo sites.</p> <p>These solutions will be applied at five real demo sites and three virtual demo sites, all strategically chosen to cover different European climates. The real demo sites will be in Mallorca (Spain), Vitry-sur-Seine (France), Menden (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic) and Vilnius (Lithuania). The project aims for high replicability of the new solutions. Renovation packages and replicability studies will therefore be developed to facilitate seamless integration. The renovation packages are designed for several types of buildings with different characteristics to ensure swift and easy implementation.</p> <p>The BIO4EEB consortium represents a wide range of industries, including construction, technology, architecture, science, economics, and materials. Besides Aimplas, the participants include Focchi (Italy), 3L Architects and Industrial Designers (Germany), Bouygues Construction (France), European Builders Confederation (Belgium), Abud (Hungary), Indresmat BV (Netherlands), R2M Solution (France and Italy), Solintel (Spain), Protech (Lithuania), Starcell (Italy), Stü-K (Czech Republic), CEU GmbH (Austria), Sòphia High Tech (Italy), Tandem (Spain) and Camacol (Colombia).</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/aimplas-participates-in-the-european-bio4eeb-project/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Aimplas participates in the European BIO4EEB Project" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BIO4EEB-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Still fifty years to commercially scale pyrolysis technologies</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/still-fifty-years-to-commercially-scale-pyrolysis-technologies/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/still-fifty-years-to-commercially-scale-pyrolysis-technologies/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:49:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chemical recycling]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41278</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>While the petrochemical industry touts chemical recycling as a solution to the plastic waste crisis, insiders acknowledge the technology won’t be commercially viable for another fifty years, a new paper reveals.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>This new industry landscape overview published by Zero Waste Europe, “Fifty years: chemical recycling’s fading promise”, calls for a reduction in virgin plastic production to prioritise upstream solutions to single-use plastic that, ultimately, reduce plastic consumption at large. These include waste prevention, reuse, and then recycling.</p> <p>In the paper, contacted experts, including former Shell scientist Prof. Jean-Paul Lange, warn that pyrolysis relies on continued virgin plastic production. According to Lange, it will take fifty years to “successfully ramp up chemical recycling”.</p> <p>Even if scaled up, pyrolysis can only process a fraction of the plastic waste produced, and cannot be considered fully circular. Some major petrochemical companies like Shell and ExxonMobil are quietly backing away from investments in chemical recycling technologies due to doubts about its economic viability.</p> <p>Despite this, the EU and other governments are providing significant public funding for chemical recycling projects.</p> <p>The industry is lobbying for the adoption of fuel-use-exempt “mass balance” accounting, which would allow companies to claim products contain a certain percentage of recycled material, even if that percentage is not present in each individual product. There are concerns that mass balance accounting lacks transparency and could mislead consumers, leading to greenwashing.</p> <p><a href="https://zerowasteeurope.eu/library/fifty-years-chemical-recyclings-fading-promise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external" class="rmcol wpel-icon-left"><span class="wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6"></span>Download the paper</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/still-fifty-years-to-commercially-scale-pyrolysis-technologies/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/30_chemistry-3533039_deepakrit_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>“Transparent” melting furnace increases production output and energy efficiency</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/transparent-melting-furnace-increases-production-output-and-energy-efficiency/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/transparent-melting-furnace-increases-production-output-and-energy-efficiency/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:40:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Non-ferrous metals]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41274</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="“Transparent” melting furnace increases production output and energy efficiency" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>Speira’s new “transparent” melting furnace delivers more capacity, more recycling, precise insights and data collection in all process steps with 15 percent less energy.  ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="“Transparent” melting furnace increases production output and energy efficiency" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>The aluminium roller and recycler is investing around 6.4 million euros in the new furnace, thus preparing the Hamburg plant for the future. The unit, known internally as “Furnace 6”, replaces the oldest model in the plant, which dates back to the 1970s – a project that was successfully handled without any accidents during ongoing foundry operations.<br />  <br /> With a melting capacity of 60 tons per batch, the new furnace enables an increase in aluminium production of 7,500 tons per year. The use of an electromagnetic stirrer and state-of-the-art burner technology has improved energy efficiency by 15 percent and significantly reduced CO2 emissions.<br /> “This new furnace is of great importance to us. It increases the performance and output of the foundry in Hamburg and helps us to optimize the metal flows and recycling options at Speira,” explains Alexander Dörsel, Head of the Specialties business unit at Speira. “By introducing state-of-the-art process control and further improving energy efficiency, we are setting new standards for our customers. This is also a great signal for our colleagues and therefore for Speira’s future in Hamburg,” adds Danny Kelm, the new plant manager in Hamburg since October.<br />  <br /> One special feature is the integration of state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technologies: The oven is the company&#8217;s first fully “transparent” oven. Innovative sensor and camera technology provide real-time insights into all furnace processes, and the data obtained in this way enables continuous optimization of the operation and burner control, adapted to the mix of scrap and primary metal used. Based on the constant monitoring of the melt and supported by artificial intelligence, the operator is given the ideal times for alloying or dross removal, for example. The measured parameters also allow the hydraulic components to be used with less wear and tear, enable targeted predictive maintenance, and thus reduce downtimes and further improve plant efficiency.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/21/transparent-melting-furnace-increases-production-output-and-energy-efficiency/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="413" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-620x413.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="“Transparent” melting furnace increases production output and energy efficiency" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-620x413.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-1620x1080.jpg 1620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MORECA1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Using worms to recycle used coffee grounds into fertiliser</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/using-worms-to-recycle-used-coffee-grounds-into-fertiliser/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/using-worms-to-recycle-used-coffee-grounds-into-fertiliser/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:50:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41267</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-300x169.png" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Using worms to recycle used coffee grounds into fertiliser" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-300x169.png 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-238x134.png 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-100x56.png 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-341x192.png 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-640x360.png 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-681x384.png 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>Veolia, working in partnership with Starbucks, has launched a new trial using worms to recycle coffee grounds and turn them into fertiliser, returning valuable resources to the food chain. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-300x169.png" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Using worms to recycle used coffee grounds into fertiliser" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-300x169.png 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-238x134.png 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-100x56.png 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-341x192.png 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-640x360.png 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-681x384.png 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, has developed a trial to divert spent coffee grounds from landfill. Working with Wormganix, a producer of worm castings, Veolia has recycled three tonnes of spent coffee grounds, the equivalent of 420,000 single shot coffees. The Wormganix unique method feeds worms a mixture of paper pulp and spent coffee grounds that they digest to produce a nutrient rich fertiliser such as humus or vermicompost, that contains beneficial microbes, fungi, and bacteria that improves soil health.</p> <p>The UK enjoys nearly 98 million cups of coffee per day* generating over 250,000 tonnes of spent coffee ground waste annually in the process. If treated properly, spent coffee grounds have the potential to improve soil health, due to being naturally rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. This trial aims to assess the viability of a new low carbon natural solution for disposing of spent coffee grounds, which could also aid in reducing reliance on artificial fertilisers that are high in chemicals.</p> <p>The Veolia Wormganix trial is currently taking place with a Starbucks store in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where Veolia facilitates the collection of the spent coffee grounds to be mixed with paper pulp and fed to the worms to digest. The Wormganix facility is based just outside Bradford in Cleckheaton, only six miles away from the participating store.</p> <p>The trial sits alongside Starbucks&#8217; other food waste initiatives to tackle coffee ground waste. The business has already been taking advantage of the natural fertilisation properties of coffee grounds via their Grounds For Your Garden scheme, where stores across the UK donate bags of used coffee grounds to customers to use in their gardens. Starbucks also supports businesses with innovative food waste ideas via The Eat It Up Fund, a partnership between Starbucks and environmental charity, Hubbub.</p> <p>Veolia has focused on the production and sale of high quality and sustainable fertiliser into the horticultural industry, supporting clients with their environmental goals. With opportunities from farming earthworms on organic wastes, the results from this project have the potential to kick-start a new industry that recycles nutrients back into the food chain from previous waste streams.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/using-worms-to-recycle-used-coffee-grounds-into-fertiliser/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="380" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-620x380.png" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Using worms to recycle used coffee grounds into fertiliser" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54-620x380.png 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-11.56.54.png 1181w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Circular steel for a low-carbon, competitive European steel industry</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/circular-steel-for-a-low-carbon-competitive-european-steel-industry/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/circular-steel-for-a-low-carbon-competitive-european-steel-industry/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:12:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41264</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>EuRIC has published its position on the future of the European steel industry, calling for measures that promote the use of recycled steel to achieve both environmental and economic resilience. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>EuRIC advocates for prioritising readily available, scalable, and cost-effective solutions to drive circularity. Recycling-based production methods, such as the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), offer a proven pathway to reducing emissions by up to 95%—at a fraction of the cost compared to the direct reduced iron (DRI) process. Unlike DRI, which depends on the advancement of green hydrogen infrastructure, EAF leverages recycled steel to deliver immediate and impactful environmental benefits.</p> <p>Circular steel, produced from recycled materials via the EAF process, supports environmental sustainability and Europe&#8217;s strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on imported raw materials. Misconceptions about recycled steel availability are groundless, as studies show Europe&#8217;s recycling capacity will meet future demand, and figures indicate that the increase of recycled steel exports solely compensate for a decrease in EU’s recycled steel consumption.</p> <p>In light of rising energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties, EuRIC advocates for greater use of recycled steel to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported energy and raw materials like iron ore. With over 100 years of experience in steel recycling, Europe’s industry is well-positioned to expand its use of locally sourced, recycled steel and enhance control over its industrial supply chain.</p> <p>“A strong, circular European steel industry is a reality we can build today. Recycled steel is the most economically viable and scalable solution for Europe’s steel sector, driving a competitive, low-carbon economy. It creates jobs, strengthens strategic autonomy, reduces emissions, and boosts Europe’s industrial base”, said Julia Ettinger, EuRIC’s Secretary General.</p> <p>EuRIC urges policymakers to adopt measures that unlock the environmental and economic benefits of recycled steel, currently overshadowed by costly, unscalable and not market ready technologies. Ensuring stable demand for recycled steel in the EU will drive investment, create jobs, and support advanced recycling technologies for high-quality steel.</p> <p><a href="https://euric.org/resource-hub/position-papers/circular-steel-powering-a-low-carbon-competitive-and-circular-european-steel-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external" class="rmcol wpel-icon-left"><span class="wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6"></span>Download the report</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/20/circular-steel-for-a-low-carbon-competitive-european-steel-industry/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/424608_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Plastics Europe urges negotiators to reach ambitious agreement to end plastic pollution</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/19/plastics-europe-urges-negotiators-to-reach-ambitious-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/19/plastics-europe-urges-negotiators-to-reach-ambitious-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:15:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Plastics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41261</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>With the final scheduled Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) meeting due to begin in Busan, South Korea on Monday 25th November, negotiations on an internationally legally binding agreement to end plastics pollution by 2040 have reached a pivotal moment.  ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Virginia Janssens, Managing Director of Plastics Europe, said: “Plastics Europe and our members recognise that any plastic waste in the environment is unacceptable and that is why reaching an ambitious and implementable agreement is so important. We appreciate the challenging nature of the negotiations, but believe that if negotiators stay focussed on identifying common solutions an agreement can be reached. We must seize this historic opportunity.”<br />  <br /> Virginia Janssens continued: “We believe that transitioning to a circular plastics system, in which all plastics applications are reused, recycled, and responsibly managed, is the key to tackling the problem of plastic waste and a successful agreement. The most effective way to accelerate this transition, while supporting our sustainable development and climate change goals, is to ensure the agreement makes plastic waste a commodity with real value.”</p> <p>Mobilising and facilitating access to the necessary finance is a major challenge, particularly for emerging economies. Therefore, the agreement should include sustainable financing mechanisms, including EPR schemes, that will unlock the massive investments – both public and private – that are required.</p> <p>A plastics application-based approach would allow us to define and avoid problematic and avoidable plastics applications leaking into the environment, without creating additional environmental damage and unnecessary socio-economic harm.</p> <p>Virginia Janssens added: “Countries face different challenges and require different solutions. A one-size-fits-all global approach will not work. Therefore, the agreement should strike the right balance between global obligations and national measures. Additionally, negotiators must avoid superficially attractive decisions that will have negative environmental and socio-economic consequences and undermine our ability to implement the agreement. From a European perspective, it is important that the agreement supports, rather than undermines, the European plastics industry’s transition to circularity and competitiveness.”</p> <p>The final agreement should require countries to develop national action plans which include mandatory recycling and recycled content targets, set-up a robust metrics system for monitoring and assessing plastics pollution, and hold all stakeholders involved accountable.</p> <p>If we want plastics that are more easily reused, recycled, repaired and durable, then we need to start by designing them that way. The agreement should therefore draw on existing and emerging international design principles and standards to improve the circularity of plastic products.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/19/plastics-europe-urges-negotiators-to-reach-ambitious-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20_pexels-magda-ehlers-2547565.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>By-products as raw materials</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/by-products-as-raw-materials/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/by-products-as-raw-materials/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:21:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41254</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-341x192.jpg 341w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>The biotech and material science company Bioweg transforms low-value waste from the food and agriculture industries, such as molasses and vegetable peelings, into high-value, bio-based ingredients]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_-341x192.jpg 341w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>These replace harmful microplastics and acrylic polymers in cosmetics as well as petroleum-based coatings in fertilizers and seeds. In the food sector, they have developed a biobased, sustainably produced hydrocolloid for plant-based foods. By combining fermentation, materials science and molecular simulations, Bioweg develops biodegradable, scalable, sustainable solutions, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy that benefits both the environment and industry.</p> <p>Founders Dr Prateek Mahalwar (CEO) and Srinivas Karuturi (COO) bring extensive professional experience to the company. Mahalwar holds a PhD in life sciences and has over five years of experience at EY (Ernst &#038; Young), while Karuturi has an MBA and over ten years of experience at Daimler and Deutsche Bank. The two Indian-born founders met in the Stuttgart region through mutual friends and began discussing potential business ideas in the fields of sustainability and life sciences. Their shared vision eventually led them to participate in a biotech incubation programme organised by DSM, a Dutch chemical company, between 2018 and 2019. During the programme, they validated their science- driven concept to address microplastic pollution, performing product-market fit analyses and refining their prototypes. These activities laid the groundwork for the founding of Cellulosic Technologies (now Bioweg) in March 2019.</p> <p>Since its inception, Bioweg has achieved several milestones. The company secured some start-up capital, relocated to Quakenbrück in Lower Saxony and established a pilot production plant. Early successes included generating revenue, hiring additional employees, and achieving a turnover of €100,000. In 2023, Bioweg entered into a strategic partnership with US-based biotechnology company Ginkgo Bioworks. The company has also received multiple innovation awards, including the Top 3 Sustainability Start-up Innovation Award 2023 from LVMH, the KfW Award Gründen 2023 and the Best Innovative Ingredient Award at the Cosmetics 360 in Paris. In November 2023, Bioweg began collaborating with Bayer to develop biodegradable seed coatings and formulation materials, making it the first start-up to join Bayer’s LifeHub in Monheim am Rhein.</p> <p>In terms of funding, Bioweg is backed by two German business angels, and in 2020, it raised over €1 million in grants from NBank and other public institutions in Lower Saxony. In 2022, Bioweg was awarded €2.5 million in grant funding through the EIC Accelerator, along with €10 million in equity funding. The Series A funding round is scheduled for Q1 2024.</p> <p>“We operate a B2B model primarily targeting medium to large companies in the cosmetics/ personal care sector that seek to transition from synthetic polymers to sustainable alternatives. While our current focus is on Europe, we aim to expand globally in the future,” says Karuturi about the company&#8217;s financing. BIOWEG is replacing petroleum-based chemicals with innovative bio-alternatives through synthetic biology, fermentation, materials science and green chemistry. By utilising waste and side streams the company creates highvalue ingredients, 100% biodegradable materials that outperform synthetic polymers, offering eco-friendly solutions that meet regulatory requirements.</p> <p>The environmental impact of microplastics, particularly non-biodegradable polymers used in personal care products, poses significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. Mahalwar notes that the European Union&#8217;s 2023 ban on microplastics is accelerating the shift towards bio-based, biodegradable alternatives in the chemical and cosmetics industries. “Our ingredients are 100% animal- and GMOfree, globally scalable, and sustainably produced using only green chemicals,” Srinivas Karuturi adds and continues: “Our circular production is based on a zero-waste (inputoutput) fermentation process that uses the food industry&#8217;s waste and side streams as feedstock. Furthermore, we utilise Bioweg&#8217;s side streams for manufacturing consumer and home care products.”</p> <p>The Bioweg process sources waste side streams from local industry, mainly from the agri-food industry in Germany and the Netherlands, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy. These materials are used to produce bacterial cellulose via fermentation, which has numerous industrial applications. Their production processes are highly efficient, minimising waste, carbon emissions and energy consumption. Bioweg&#8217;s customer base includes small and large cosmetics manufacturers as well as specialty chemical distributors. Bioweg&#8217;s team of 18 highly skilled professionals sets the company apart. Co-founders Mahalwar and Karuturi, both second-time founders, bring a combined 30 years of scientific and business expertise to the table. Their R&#038;D teams are led by scientists with over 40 years of international experience and their advisors offer valuable industry insights and networks.</p> <p>Despite their successes, the company still faces challenges. Mahalwar acknowledges the difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled employees, given the competition from larger companies. “Managing finances becomes more intricate with increased revenue streams, expenses, and financial obligations. We deploy proper financial planning and management to sustain the growth,” he adds. Karuturi explained that another major challenge was adapting the product to accommodate a larger and more diverse user base while maintaining quality. He mentioned that most of these challenges were being addressed through effective planning and that the company was developing an employee engagement framework to focus on both employee retention and improving recruitment practices.</p> <p>The company’s primary focus is on customerfinanced research projects, with an emphasis on rapidly bringing technologies and products to market. Bioweg also participates in publicly funded research collaborations with institutions such as the German Institute for Food Technology and the Fraunhofer Institute. “We are also working on addressing the problem of intentionally added microplastics in the agriculture sector. We are developing a new generation of seed and fertilizer coating polymer solutions to replace the non-biodegradable synthetic polymers and additives,” says Mahalwar.</p> <p>Looking ahead, Bioweg plans to launch and commercialise its micro-powders and rheology modifiers for the personal and home care markets. The company aims to close its Series A funding round in 2024 and reach full production capacity at its pilot plant in Quakenbrück. “We are also working on staffing and equipping our application development centre in Monheim to address the major demand in application use case development,” concludes Karuturi.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/by-products-as-raw-materials/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="400" height="267" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/541437_web_R_by_Oliver-Weber_pixelio.de_.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Falling EU competitiveness threatens circular plastics transition</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/falling-eu-competitiveness-threatens-circular-plastics-transition/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/falling-eu-competitiveness-threatens-circular-plastics-transition/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:20:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Plastics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41248</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>Plastics Europe’s latest data on the health of the European plastics system highlights a steeper-than-expected downturn in the production of plastics and, for the first time, in mechanically recycled plastics production in 2023 in Europe. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Compared to 2022, total EU plastics production saw a sharp decline of 8.3%, falling to 54 Mt. Production of mechanically recycled post-consumer plastics also declined by 7.8%, reaching 7.1 Mt. These figures contrast with a 3.4% global increase in plastics production. These figures mean that Europe’s share of the global market has further declined to 12%. Whilst Europe has maintained a positive trade balance in value terms, in tonnage terms it became a net importer of plastics resins in 2022 and plastic finished goods in 2021, and exports of plastics resins fell by 25.4% between 2020 and 2023.</p> <p>Europe’s eroding competitiveness threatens our industry’s circular plastics transition. Plastics are essential for the European economy, supplying multiple industries with applications in almost every sector, including healthcare, automotive, building and construction, electronics, renewables infrastructure, consumer goods and packaging. This shift threatens the viability of the European plastics value chain, which currently supports over 1.5 million jobs across 51,700 companies and generated more than €365 billion in turnover within the EU in 2023. Without a competitive framework, Europe risks losing its leadership in sustainable plastics innovation, along with the economic and environmental benefits it brings.</p> <p>Input and analysis from Plastics Europe’s members confirm that a sharp increase in imports of plastic resins and finished goods from regions with less stringent environmental standards, caused by global overcapacity in plastics production. This is undermining the business case for European plastics recycling and the transition to a circular plastics system. It also confirms that, like much of the EU’s industrial base, plastics manufacturers are currently facing high production costs driven by factors such as high energy and feedstock prices, persistent inflation and limited circular feedstock availability. This coincides with poor European growth and recession in some key European economies and sectors. </p> <p>Despite Europe maintaining the highest share of circular plastics relative to its total production of 14.8%, the increase of 0.7% since 2022 signifies a decelerating trend and falls short of the growth required to meet the ambitions of the Plastics Transition roadmap. In addition to a decline in mechanical recycling production, only 0.12 Mt of chemically recycled plastic was produced in Europe in 2023, while bio-based and bio-attributed plastics production slightly increased to reach 0.8 Mt.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/18/falling-eu-competitiveness-threatens-circular-plastics-transition/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pollution-8252593_1920_Pete-Linforth_pixabay.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: -2.6% in Q2 2024</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/eu-economy-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2-6-in-q2-2024/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/eu-economy-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2-6-in-q2-2024/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:18:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41243</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: -2.6% in Q2 2024" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>In the second quarter of 2024, the EU economy greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 790 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq), a 2.6% decrease compared with the same quarter of 2023 (812 million tonnes of CO2-eq). ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: -2.6% in Q2 2024" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>The EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) registered a 1.0% increase in the second quarter of 2024, compared with the same quarter of 2023. </p> <p>This information comes from data on quarterly estimates for greenhouse gas emissions by economic activity published by Eurostat today. </p> <p>Compared with the second quarter of 2023, in the second quarter of 2024, the economic sectors responsible for the largest reductions were electricity and gas supply (-12.1%) and households (-4.2%). </p> <p>In the second quarter of 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were estimated to have decreased in 19 EU countries when compared with the same quarter of 2023. The largest reductions in greenhouse gases were estimated for the Netherlands (-9.1%), Bulgaria (-6.3%), Austria and Hungary (each -5.9%). Out of the 19 EU countries that were estimated to have decreased their emissions, 5 recorded a decline in their GDP (Ireland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Austria). The other 14 EU countries (Poland, Denmark, Croatia, Spain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Czechia, Netherlands, France, and Germany) were estimated to have decreased emissions while growing their GDP.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/eu-economy-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2-6-in-q2-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: -2.6% in Q2 2024" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenhouse-gas-emissions-economy-gdp-eu-q2-2021-q2-2024.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Placing moulded pulp at the core of the EU circular bioeconomy</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/placing-moulded-pulp-at-the-core-of-the-eu-circular-bioeconomy/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/placing-moulded-pulp-at-the-core-of-the-eu-circular-bioeconomy/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:51:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41237</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Placing moulded pulp at the core of the EU circular bioeconomy" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-620x348.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>During her hearing with Members of the European Parliament, newly appointed EU Commissioner for the Environment Jessica Roswall emphasized her “focus on nature-based solutions” and indicated potential “bio-based content requirements for certain products”. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Placing moulded pulp at the core of the EU circular bioeconomy" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-620x348.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Hinting at two EU laws that have been heavily debated over the last months, she also underscored the “essential” importance of deforestation-free products and biodiversity restoration.</p> <p>The day following Roswall’s hearing, leaders in the moulded pulp industry convened at the annual “EMPPA Association Day” in Brussels to discuss with EU policymakers how to tap the full potential of moulded pulp in the European bioeconomy. Founded in 2022, the European Moulded Pulp Producers Association (EMPPA) represents suppliers, manufacturers, service and technology providers, recyclers, and customers of advanced “Moulded Pulp 2.0” packaging products made from agricultural feedstock, recycled paper, and cardboard.</p> <p>“The bioeconomy is essential for supporting the green transition and achieving climate neutrality by 2050” confirmed Minna Huttunen, Policy Officer and Seconded National Expert for Bioeconomy and Food Systems at the European Commission. In a panel discussion with EMPPA and European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) representatives, Huttunen stressed that “at the heart of this transformation are sustainable bioeconomy innovations such as advanced moulded fibre technologies that reduce waste and promote the use of renewable resources.” Supporting pivotal transition technologies is one of the key recommendations of the “Draghi Report” on the future of European competitiveness.</p> <p>As part of an integrated approach, the Commission is currently preparing a revised Bioeconomy Strategy along with a “Circular Economy Act” and “Biotech Act”, slated for release in 2025. These laws, rooted in the EU’s waste hierarchy principles, aim to keep biomass products in circulation as long as possible, reducing waste and dependency on non-EU imports. In light of a potential “biomass gap,” Huttunen cautioned that prioritizing biomass should not compromise food security or biodiversity.</p> <p>“Private investment in the circular bioeconomy is vital for creating jobs and supporting rural development,” emphasized Peter Schmidt, President of the Committee of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). He advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to build a sustainable bioeconomy that benefits communities and strengthens environmental resilience across Europe. “To encourage businesses and citizens to adopt the concept of circularity, changing the narrative about the bioeconomy is as vital as regulation,” Schmidt noted. Reflecting on recent farmer protests in Brussels, Schmidt finds it essential to help farmers understand that economic and environmental objectives are complementary. “A circular bioeconomy gives farmers the opportunity to be engaged in value chains and to bring concrete solutions to the table.”</p> <p>EMPPA reported that the global moulded pulp market, valued at approximately $8 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed $12 billion by 2026. Over the next years, the goal is to commercialize advanced pulping technologies and consumer-facing “moulded pulp 2.0” formats with bio-based functional coatings.</p> <p>The market potential for these formats is significant, as illustrated by Ukrainian Hemp and Euro Caps, the world’s largest producer of private-label coffee capsules, who decided to shift towards regenerative feedstock to replace single-use applications made of plastic and aluminium. “We’re investing in a circular bioeconomy where our products consist of natural fibre with barrier materials made of natural biopolymers and hence are 100% home compostable”, explains Research &amp; Development Engineer Anthony Kay at Euro Caps, in his presentation.</p> <p>EMPPA’s President Tahsin Dag sees huge market opportunities despite ongoing challenges. “It’s illogical to subsidize plastic within an EU bioeconomy framework aimed at leveraging carbon-neutral, toxic-free regenerative resources.” He believes phasing out fossil fuel subsidies is essential to create fair market conditions: “EU regulation should facilitate a level playing field for moulded pulp packaging solutions and minimise administrative burdens.” This would also mean that standards, like the new EU Packaging Law (PPWR), must be upheld by importers from outside Europe.</p> <p>“There’s a misconception that fibre packaging with natural biopolymer coatings contaminates recycling streams,” Dag clarified. In fact, these should be classified as mono-materials—home compostable and suitable for both organic and paper waste streams. Hemp and other long-fibre annual plants could even enhance the quality of recycled paper and cardboard. “Closing the loop is essential to prevent material loss through incineration, so that Moulded Pulp 2.0 can exploit its full potential in the EU’s circular bioeconomy.”</p> <p><a href="https://emppa.eu/news/emppa-association-day-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external" class="rmcol wpel-icon-left"><span class="wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6"></span>Video of the event</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/15/placing-moulded-pulp-at-the-core-of-the-eu-circular-bioeconomy/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="348" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-620x348.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Placing moulded pulp at the core of the EU circular bioeconomy" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-620x348.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/EMPPA.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Transforming recycling with smart, data-driven plant optimisation</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/transforming-recycling-with-smart-data-driven-plant-optimisation/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/transforming-recycling-with-smart-data-driven-plant-optimisation/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:03:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Digitalization]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41230</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Transforming recycling with smart, data-driven plant optimisation" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>Stadler is transforming plant operations with its digital solutions developed specifically for sorting facilities. Its cloud-based platform Stadlerconnect provides a single access point for the company’s digital solutions and harnesses [&#8230;]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Transforming recycling with smart, data-driven plant optimisation" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>Stadler is transforming plant operations with its digital solutions developed specifically for sorting facilities. Its cloud-based platform Stadlerconnect provides a single access point for the company’s digital solutions and harnesses machine and material data to optimise sorting plant performance.</p> <p>Stadler is transforming recycling plant efficiency with its digital solutions specifically tailored for sorting plants with a focus on optimising operations. Through its comprehensive cloud-based platform Stadlerconnect, the company offers recycling and sorting plants a single-access-point solution for its digital products, helping them unlock the full potential of machine and material data to drive impactful operational improvements. It is designed to deliver added value to recycling plants of all types and sizes and offers customized views for both operators and management.</p> <p>With digital solutions taking on an increasingly critical role in the recycling industry, Stadler has made it a core strategic priority – both in its operations and in the sorting plants it designs. Julia Stadler, Chief Digital Officer, explains: “At Stadler, we view digital solutions as crucial for maximizing the performance of recycling plants, positioning them as a core part of our innovation leadership. Our strategy centres on sustaining our role as the market leader and a pioneer in designing and building turnkey recycling facilities.”</p> <h5><strong>Avoiding Downtime with Predictive Maintenance</strong></h5> <p>Predictive Maintenance, one of the Stadlerconnect modules, enables a proactive approach to equipment maintenance with the help of sensors, providing operators with instant alerts on any critical changes in sensor data before potential issues arise. This early warning capability allows for immediate inspections, minimising costly production delays and reducing the risk of sudden breakdowns.</p> <p>Andreas Stöcker, Deputy Operations Manager at Reiling has seen notable benefits with this system: “The installation of Predictive Maintenance resulted in easier maintenance and allowed for forward-thinking planning of service work, as every small change to the machine is immediately reported. Before we decided on this solution, some bearing damage would occur very suddenly. With the measuring system, we can prevent this issue from happening. From the short time we have been using the measuring system, I can say that it should be installed on every machine from the beginning, although, including it subsequently makes sense as well.”</p> <p>“From a planning perspective, we’ve seen significant improvement,” said Pieter Van Camp, Lead of Maintenance at Indaver, another customer using Stadlerconnect at its sorting plant. “Operating at a high level of technical availability (95%), every instance of downtime greatly impacts production. With the implementation of these sensors, we feel more secure, knowing we can continuously monitor the condition of our machinery. For example, by monitoring the ballistic shafts, we can track their condition in real time and observe any decline in performance. This capability allows us to extend their operational lifespan and precisely determine the optimal time for replacement. As a result, we’re saving both time and money! Overall, our experience with the wireless sensor system has been transformative.”</p> <h5><strong>Driving Efficiency and Customer Value in Sorting Plants</strong></h5> <p>In developing its digital solutions, Stadler has pursued a twofold objective: delivering added value by using key data insights to enhance plant operations, and applying these insights to improve both plant design and after-sales service.</p> <p>“Our digital solutions are purpose-built for sorting plants, directly addressing the needs of plant operators,” says Julia Stadler. “Leveraging our extensive OEM expertise, we ensure greater accuracy in areas such as determining conveyor equipment status. Our team combines software development and engineering expertise. This approach goes beyond simple data collection and visualisation: our solutions leverage new and existing data points to drive meaningful operational improvements.”</p> <p>“There is strong momentum for digital innovation in the recycling sector, with a growing number of recyclers adopting these solutions to lower operational costs and boost plant performance,” adds Julia Stadler.</p> <h5><strong>Maximising Plant Performance with Data-Driven Tools</strong></h5> <p>Stadler’s portfolio of digital solutions can be accessed through Stadlerconnect. This cloud-based platform harnesses machine and material data to maximise the availability, performance, and overall process efficiency of sorting plants.</p> <p>Powered by real-time plant data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Stadlerconnect is an integrated solution that adapts to varied plant configurations and needs. It focuses on two core areas.</p> <p>The first area is centred around machine data and includes four modules:</p> <ul> <li>Predictive Maintenance: Prevents equipment breakdown</li> <li>Blockage Detection: Automatically alerts operators as blockages occur</li> <li>Downtime Tracker: Identifies and analyses plant downtimes</li> <li>Support Portal: Facilitates communication with after-sales service</li> </ul> <p>The second area is focused on material data and encompasses:</p> <ul> <li>Material Split Control: Equally distributes material flows to improve performance</li> <li>Production Report: Visualizes production data, and in particular material output</li> <li>BaleCheckIn: Analyses material infeed at the bale-specific level</li> <li>BaleCheckOut: Analyses material output at the bale-specific level</li> </ul> <p>“Stadlerconnect’s digital tools leverage AI and intelligent processing of material and machine data to optimise plant performance across key areas,” says Dr. Xiaozheng Chen, Material Analysis &amp; AI Specialist at Stadler. “The modules work together to create a seamless flow of information, enhancing plant reliability and supporting operators at every stage—from tracking material quality in real time to automatically controlling processing steps and predicting maintenance needs—all designed to deliver maximum value to our customers.”</p> <p>By automating various parts of the plant, Stadlerconnect improves operational performance while reducing the workload for operators. Stadler’s material analysis tools increase transparency on both quantity and quality. This enables consistent product quality while reducing the need for costly manual quality checks. Additionally, the company’s digital maintenance solutions make service events more predictable and enable rapid responses to unforeseen issues, minimising downtime.</p> <p>“Through Stadlerconnect we provide a unified platform that integrates data from multiple plants and data sources, offering the plant management a centralised, remote overview of all facilities,” explains Julia Stadler. “Our data-driven insights help improve key performance indicators (KPIs), for example, by identifying and addressing frequent downtime causes or by avoiding blockages that lead to plant stoppages.”</p> <p>Continuous Innovation for a Smart Sorting Revolution</p> <p>Stadlerconnect is designed to adapt to the evolving needs of recyclers, with regular updates, and feature and security enhancements to all modules provided at no additional cost to customers.</p> <p>“The patented Stadlerconnect modules have been successfully implemented in several plants. The next phase of the platform’s deployment is its rollout across Stadler turnkey recycling plants worldwide. We are expanding our portfolio with new modules, such as Windshifter Automation and Infeed Decision Aid, which will be available soon. Additionally, we are not only focusing on integrating data from our own equipment: as an integrator, we are in a unique position to aggregate data from all the equipment in our plants. This will be the next significant step for Stadlerconnect. Our ultimate aim is to implement a truly smart sorting plant,” concludes Julia Stadler.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/transforming-recycling-with-smart-data-driven-plant-optimisation/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="354" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-620x354.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Transforming recycling with smart, data-driven plant optimisation" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-620x354.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-1890x1080.jpg 1890w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-1536x878.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-2048x1170.jpg 2048w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Photo_06_STADLERconnect-module-100x56.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Almost 12% of materials in the EU came from recycling</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/almost-12-of-materials-in-the-eu-came-from-recycling/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/almost-12-of-materials-in-the-eu-came-from-recycling/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:28:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41226</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Almost 12% of materials in the EU came from recycling" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>According to Eurostat, in 2023 11.8% of materials used in the EU came from recycled materials. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="Almost 12% of materials in the EU came from recycling" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>This indicator is known as ‘circular material use rate’ or ‘circularity rate’, and it measures the contribution of recycled materials in the overall use of materials.</p> <p>Compared with 2022, the circularity rate increased by 0.3 percentage points (pp), making it the highest share recorded so far. </p> <p>In 2023, the circularity rate was highest in the Netherlands (30.6%), followed by Italy (20.8%) and Malta (19.8%). </p> <p>The lowest rate was recorded in Romania (1.3%), Ireland (2.3%) and Finland (2.4%).</p> <p>When assessing the types of materials, the circularity rate at EU level was highest for metal ores with 24.7% (+2.2 pp compared with 2022), followed by non-metallic minerals with 13.6% (+0.3 pp), biomass 10.1% (+0.7 pp) and fossil energy materials/carriers with 3.4% (+0.6 pp). </p> <p>The Circular economy action plan from 2020 aims to double the EU’s circular material use rate by 2030 to reach 23.2%.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/almost-12-of-materials-in-the-eu-came-from-recycling/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="Almost 12% of materials in the EU came from recycling" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/circular-material-use-rate-eu-2023.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>New ReBioCycle project on recycling and upcycling solutions for bioplastics</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/new-rebiocycle-project-on-recycling-and-upcycling-solutions-for-bioplastics/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/new-rebiocycle-project-on-recycling-and-upcycling-solutions-for-bioplastics/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:10:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Biomass]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41222</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="New ReBioCycle project on recycling and upcycling solutions for bioplastics" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-640x360.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>The new EU funded ReBioCycle project provides a portfolio of bioplastic sorting and recycling technologies within three complementary waste-processor-centric hubs. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="New ReBioCycle project on recycling and upcycling solutions for bioplastics" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-640x360.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>These hubs will be established for different technologies and technology readiness levels (TRL) in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and partly in Ireland. They will be focusing on mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, enzymatic recycling and microbial recycling.</p> <p>The ReBioCycle project kick-off took place at the University College Dublin on 2-3 October 2024. European Bioplastics and its members, including Aimplas, TotalEnergies Corbion, Novamont, Corbion, Sulapac, and Kaneka are among the 20 partners that have joined forces for developing and implementing “A new European blueprint for circular bioplastics upcycling solutions”, under the lead of the University College Dublin and BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre.</p> <p>At a demonstrative scale and in the real operational environment for the effective and efficient recycling of three types of bioplastics: PLA, PHA and Composites, the project aims to demonstrate the higher impact of obtaining the same or superior grade of recycled polymers in higher-value applications.</p> <p>Jan Pels CTO and Managing Director of Torwach, leader of the Dutch hub, indicates that currently “The current recycling technologies available for recycling biodegradable plastics are limited, but with this project, we are going to make them widely available. Then nobody can claim that the switch to biodegradable plastics cannot be made because they cannot be recycled”.</p> <p>Prof. Kevin O’ Connor, coordinator of the project, expects that the “ReBioCycle will scale up and demonstrate biobased biodegradable plastics recycling technologies: Biobased biodegradable plastics can be kept in the material cycle for as long as possible through innovative recycling technologies thus demonstrating that end-of-life biobased biodegradable plastics can be used in the circular bioeconomy.”</p> <p>ReBioCycle will verify the industrial grade specifications by biopolymer brand owners and via demonstration of real-world products: durable and multi-use packaging. A Life Cycle Assessment analysis and tailored dissemination and exploitation plans will facilitate key exploitable results’ uptake.</p> <p>ReBioCycle will effectively separate the three types of bioplastics by re-adapting and upscaling sorting technologies. It will also propose a portfolio of bioplastics recycling technologies at a relevant scale and demonstrate through data streams the effectiveness of the proposed technologies, their economic viability, and their possible integration at an industrially relevant scale, while also demonstrating that biodegradable plastics are fully recyclable and up-cyclable. Finally, an analysis of final quality of the material will be performed to confirm the quality of the recycled materials from a functional point of view.</p> <p>AIMPLAS will coordinate the Spanish Hub, working in the sorting, mechanical recycling and enzymatic recycling of bioplastics. Besides, AIMPLAS will characterize and validate the final recycled materials obtained in the project. In this regard, Pablo Ferrero, Biotechnology Group leader of Aimplas points out that the main ambition of the Spanish Hub is to demonstrate the feasibility to recycle bioplastics through different technologies ensuring their quality for reprocessing. </p> <p>Gerrit Gobius du Sart, Corporate Scientists of TotalEnergies Corbion, indicates that “The bioplastics industry has a responsibility to preserve material value, in order to minimize our impact on our environment. Valorising PLA waste as a feedstock for either chemical or mechanical recycling is an enormous opportunity.”</p> <p>The project will result in a Blueprint, which is a position paper on the state of the art of bioplastics recycling, to provide direct contribution to several European action plans and strategies, such as the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and also the future Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics indicates that “European Bioplastics strongly believes that an actionable EU Bioeconomy Strategy should be a top priority to safeguard the strength of our European industries. This is only possible with a strong collaboration between all stakeholders, more policy support, and technological advancement. This project is an outstanding example of this collaboration and will bring great advancement to the recycling of bioplastics”.</p> <p>The ReBioCycle has received 7.5 M EURO funding from the Circular Bio-based Joint Undertaking (JU) and its members under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101156032. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and the Bio-based Industries Consortium. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/13/new-rebiocycle-project-on-recycling-and-upcycling-solutions-for-bioplastics/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="414" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-620x414.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="New ReBioCycle project on recycling and upcycling solutions for bioplastics" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1-620x414.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rebiocycle-1.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Circular construction and decarbonisation at the heart of EuRIC&#8217;s event at Ecomondo 2024</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/circular-construction-and-decarbonisation-at-the-heart-of-eurics-event-at-ecomondo-2024/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/circular-construction-and-decarbonisation-at-the-heart-of-eurics-event-at-ecomondo-2024/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:46:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Construction & demolition]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41214</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>At Ecomondo 2024 in Rimini, stakeholders from across the construction and recycling sectors gathered for an event organised by EuRIC, Anparand Ecomondo to discuss the road to circularity and decarbonisation in the construction industry. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>The conference, held on 6 November 2024, addressed crucial questions related to the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, which aims to boost the market for recycled materials and foster greater integration within the EU recycling market. Among the core issues discussed were Green Public Procurement (GPP), taxation measures, the inclusion of recycled content, and the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in advancing circularity.</p> <p>Pär Larshans, President of EuRIC’s Construction and Demolition Branch (ECDB), opened the event stating: “The construction sector generates 40% of all waste in the EU, yet new building materials contain little recycled content. With the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, we have a unique opportunity to change this.”</p> <p>Karolina D’Cunha, Deputy Head of Unit “From Waste to Resources” at DG Environment of the European Commission, outlined the latest efforts by the Commission to untap the potential of high-quality recycling and preparation for reuse, noting that 83% of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in the EU is potentially recyclable, with 16% eligible for reuse.</p> <p>The first panel [Philip Van Nieuwenhuizen (EBC), Carol Barcella (EDA), Francesco Onori (Cavart SPA), Giorgio Bressi (EuRIC, ANPAR) and Karolina D’Cunha] discussed selective demolition and new recovery targets for CDW, with experts raising concerns about the costs of selective demolition and the challenges surrounding End-of-Waste (EoW) regulations for demolition materials. The panel also focused on ecodesign, particularly for insulation and multilayer materials, reducing contaminants and supporting SME-friendly legislation and tax incentives for reuse and recycling. It highlighted new technologies for recycling mixed waste into clean, recycled materials, with a special emphasis on innovations in glass recycling. Regarding the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, participants suggested the inclusion of recycled content targets and sorting requirements to help the sector meet EU circularity goals.</p> <p>The second panel [Marco Borroni (Concrete Europe), Myriam Tryjefaczka (Tarkett), Dirk Fincke (UEPG/Aggregates Europe), Silvia Ricci (ANCE) and Pär Larshans], explored the intersection of circularity and decarbonisation in construction. Experts emphasised the importance of rewarding circular projects and ensuring market transparency and developing well-designed and efficient EPR schemes. A call was made for an industrial plan that includes both policy measures and economic incentives from governments to implement circularity at scale.</p> <p>The event’s discussions lay a strong foundation for shaping a decarbonised and more circular construction sector under the EU Circular Economy Act, taking into account the whole value chain. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/circular-construction-and-decarbonisation-at-the-heart-of-eurics-event-at-ecomondo-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo.jpg 800w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/euric_Logo-681x384.jpg 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> <item> <title>Gasification stalled: Why common pitfalls are holding back the next wave of facilities</title> <link>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/gasification-stalled-why-common-pitfalls-are-holding-back-the-next-wave-of-facilities/</link> <comments>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/gasification-stalled-why-common-pitfalls-are-holding-back-the-next-wave-of-facilities/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Brunn]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:48:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chemical recycling]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.recycling-magazine.com/?p=41211</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>The gasification* of mixed waste, including plastics and non-plastics, has consistently faced various challenges.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg" class="attachment-td_300x194 size-td_300x194 wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>The end of 2022 was a significant confidence booster for the industry as another large-scale facility came online in North America. However, that confidence has been muted in 2024, as over 90% of the operating 2024 capacity for gasification in North America has gone offline, and future capacity has also been taken out of the announced pipeline. Below is a graph comparing the announced capacity for 2029 before and after the changes in gasification were taken into account.</p> <p>While there are many reasons for the gasification closures, the primary factors can be divided into three categories: legislative, technical, and economic.</p> <p>LEGISLATIVE: On the legislative front, gasification facilities face strict permitting rules. These rules can be especially stringent in states where chemical recycling has not been adopted into law, as was the case with some of the capacity that was taken offline. Additionally, especially when a facility is in its initial stages, it will face high levels of scrutiny from both the state government and the public, particularly regarding worker and environmental safety. As a result, the facility may be required to update its permits. A consequence of permit updates is unexpected shutdowns, bringing production to a temporary halt.</p> <p>TECHNICAL: As it takes time to perfect the technical process, newer facilities often face challenges which again can cause downtime. A common technical challenge among gasification-based chemical recyclers is clogging. This can be defined as an obstruction in the planned flow of material through the plant. While prevalent for other types of recycling as well, clogging can be exacerbated in gasification facilities due to their larger size. Clogging yields a similar outcome to permitting, causing temporary shutdowns and bringing production to a halt.</p> <p>ECONOMIC: Gasification-based chemical recycling facilities are costly, making borrowing a common project financing option. Due to the size of the investments, creditors often set deadlines for the company to begin producing outputs. Consequently, any production halt &#8211; whether caused by legislative or technical issues &#8211; can severely threaten the long-term viability of the facility.</p> <p>Overall, many of the existing gasification facilities were not able to overcome the common pitfalls faced by the chemical recycling industry. Until the industry is able to overcome the mentioned barriers, it might be a while before a new wave of gasification facilities is on the horizon.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2024/11/11/gasification-stalled-why-common-pitfalls-are-holding-back-the-next-wave-of-facilities/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <addfields:limage><![CDATA[<img width="620" height="349" src="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg" class="attachment-newsimg620_000 size-newsimg620_000 wp-post-image" alt="" style="display:none;margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-620x349.jpg 620w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-238x134.jpg 238w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-100x56.jpg 100w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-341x192.jpg 341w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-640x360.jpg 640w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio-681x384.jpg 681w, https://www.recycling-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/606803_original_R_B_by_Dieter-Schütz_pixelio.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" />]]></addfields:limage> </item> </channel> </rss>