Plastics Industry Pushed 'Advanced Recycling' Knowing Its Problems

A new report reveals that the plastics industry has been promoting 'advanced recycling' as a solution to the growing plastic waste crisis, despite knowing for years that it is neither technically nor economically viable. This revelation adds to the existing concerns about the industry's misleading claims regarding recycling.

The Guardian Report: Exposing the Truth

According to The Guardian, 'advanced recycling,' also known as chemical recycling, involves breaking down plastics into their constituent molecules. The plastics industry has increasingly touted these technologies as public concern over plastic pollution's environmental and health impacts has intensified.

However, the rollout of these technologies has been fraught with problems, according to a new analysis from the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI), a fossil-fuel accountability advocacy group.

Key Findings of the CCI Report

Davis Allen, an investigative researcher at the CCI and the author of the report, stated, 'The companies make it sound like it's pretty great, like it's something we should pursue. But they know the problems, the limitations.'

The new analysis builds upon a 2024 CCI report that alleged plastic producers concealed the problems associated with traditional recycling. The report suggested that these companies could face legal repercussions for their actions. This earlier research was cited in a September lawsuit filed by California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, against ExxonMobil for its role in the plastic pollution crisis.

'The new report focuses on this modern deception with advanced recycling, which has become a real focus for the industry in recent years,' Allen added.

Understanding 'Advanced Recycling'

Advanced recycling, or chemical recycling, encompasses various processes designed to convert plastic waste into its basic chemical building blocks. These processes include:

• Pyrolysis: Heating plastic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce oil, gas, and char.
• Gasification: Converting plastic waste into a synthetic gas (syngas) that can be used to produce chemicals and fuels.
• Depolymerization: Breaking down polymers into monomers, which can then be used to create new plastics.

The promise of advanced recycling lies in its potential to handle a wider range of plastic types, including those that are difficult or impossible to recycle through traditional mechanical recycling methods. It is also seen as a way to create a circular economy for plastics, where waste is transformed into valuable resources.

The Reality of Advanced Recycling: Challenges and Limitations

Despite the industry's optimistic portrayal, advanced recycling faces significant challenges and limitations:

• Technical Feasibility: Many advanced recycling technologies are still in the early stages of development and have not been proven at scale. The processes can be complex and require precise control to achieve desired results.
• Economic Viability: The cost of advanced recycling can be high, making it difficult to compete with traditional recycling and the production of virgin plastics. The economic viability depends on factors such as feedstock availability, energy costs, and the market value of the recycled products.
• Environmental Impact: While advanced recycling aims to reduce plastic waste, the processes themselves can have environmental impacts. Pyrolysis and gasification, for example, can generate air emissions and require significant energy inputs. The overall environmental footprint depends on the specific technology and how it is implemented.
• Contamination Concerns: Plastic waste streams often contain contaminants that can interfere with advanced recycling processes. Removing these contaminants can be challenging and costly.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Advanced recycling facilities may face regulatory hurdles related to air emissions, water discharge, and waste management. Permitting and compliance can be complex and time-consuming.

The Implications of Misleading Claims

The plastics industry's promotion of advanced recycling as a viable solution, despite knowing its limitations, raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. These misleading claims can have several negative consequences:

• Delayed Action: By promoting advanced recycling as a solution, the industry may be delaying more effective measures to reduce plastic waste, such as reducing plastic production, improving traditional recycling, and promoting reusable alternatives.
• Misallocation of Resources: Investments in advanced recycling technologies that are not economically or environmentally sound may divert resources from more promising solutions.
• Erosion of Public Trust: Misleading claims about recycling can erode public trust in the industry and in recycling efforts in general. This can lead to decreased participation in recycling programs and increased skepticism about environmental claims.
• Legal and Financial Risks: Companies that make false or misleading claims about recycling may face legal challenges and financial penalties.

The Broader Context: The Plastic Waste Crisis

The controversy surrounding advanced recycling is part of a larger global crisis of plastic waste. Plastic production has increased dramatically in recent decades, and a significant portion of this plastic ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments. The environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution are well-documented:

• Environmental Damage: Plastic waste can harm wildlife, pollute ecosystems, and contribute to climate change.
• Health Risks: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in food, water, and air. The potential health effects of microplastic exposure are still being studied, but there are concerns about potential toxicity and endocrine disruption.
• Economic Costs: Plastic pollution can have significant economic costs, including the costs of cleanup, waste management, and damage to tourism and fisheries.

The Need for a Comprehensive Solution

Addressing the plastic waste crisis requires a comprehensive solution that includes:

• Reducing Plastic Production: Reducing the amount of plastic produced in the first place is essential. This can be achieved through measures such as promoting reusable alternatives, designing products with less plastic, and implementing policies that discourage plastic consumption.
• Improving Traditional Recycling: Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional recycling systems is crucial. This includes investing in infrastructure, expanding the range of plastics that can be recycled, and increasing public awareness about proper recycling practices.
• Developing Sustainable Alternatives: Developing and promoting sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, such as bioplastics and compostable materials, can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impacts.
• Holding Producers Accountable: Holding plastic producers accountable for the environmental impacts of their products is essential. This can be achieved through extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, which require producers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products.
• Promoting Innovation: Investing in research and development of innovative technologies for plastic waste management, such as advanced recycling and biodegradation, can help accelerate the transition to a circular economy for plastics.

The Role of Consumers

Consumers also have a crucial role to play in addressing the plastic waste crisis. By making informed choices about the products they buy and how they dispose of them, consumers can help reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable practices.

Here are some ways consumers can make a difference:

• Reduce Consumption: Choose products with minimal packaging and avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
• Reuse and Repurpose: Find creative ways to reuse plastic items instead of throwing them away.
• Recycle Properly: Follow local recycling guidelines and ensure that items are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
• Support Sustainable Brands: Choose products from companies that are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly packaging.
• Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that promote plastic reduction and recycling.

Conclusion

The revelations about the plastics industry's promotion of 'advanced recycling' despite its limitations highlight the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. Addressing the plastic waste crisis requires a comprehensive solution that includes reducing plastic production, improving traditional recycling, developing sustainable alternatives, and holding producers accountable. Consumers also have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable practices and advocating for change. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for plastics and protect our planet from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.