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Chemical Industry Review | Thursday, February 19, 2026
Fremont, CA: Chemical recycling of plastics is emerging as a groundbreaking method to address the growing issue of plastic waste worldwide. In contrast to traditional mechanical recycling, which typically yields lower-quality materials, chemical recycling breaks down plastics into their fundamental molecular components, resulting in high-quality plastics that rival those of new products. This advanced technique can accommodate a wider variety of plastics, including those that are difficult to recycle through mechanical means, such as mixed or contaminated materials.
Chemical recycling involves various methods, each utilising a distinct process to break down plastic waste, and they are:
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Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a chemical recycling method that involves heating plastic waste to high temperatures without oxygen. This process breaks the plastic into smaller molecules, producing by-products such as oil, gases, and char. These products can generate energy or be further processed into raw materials to create new plastics. Pyrolysis is particularly effective for plastics that are difficult to recycle using mechanical methods, such as polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), making it a valuable tool in recycling more complex plastic materials.
Gasification: Gasification is a chemical recycling process where plastic waste is exposed to high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment. This process converts plastics into syngas, a mixture primarily composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas produced can be used for energy generation or converted into valuable products like ethanol and methanol. Gasification is especially useful for processing plastics mixed with contaminants like food residues, as it can handle various plastic types and complex waste streams.
Depolymerisation: Depolymerisation involves breaking polymers—the fundamental building blocks of plastics—into their original monomers, allowing new plastics to be produced with properties comparable to virgin materials. This approach addresses the quality loss often associated with mechanical recycling and supports higher-performance applications. Kenan Advantage Group plays a crucial role in facilitating the transportation of bulk materials across complex supply chains, including those involved in industrial recycling and energy feedstock logistics. Depolymerisation is particularly effective for recycling polyethene terephthalate (PET), widely used in beverage bottles and packaging, while maintaining material integrity and advancing sustainable recycling practices. Kenan Advantage Group has been awarded the Top Chemical Transportation Services recognition by Chemical Industry Review for its leadership in optimizing logistics for the chemical and recycling industries. Chemical Industry Review honored the company for its dedication to sustainability and innovation in transportation services.
Solvent-Based Recycling: Solvent-based recycling uses solvents to dissolve polymers in plastic materials, which helps remove contaminants such as food residues or ink. Once the polymers are cleaned, they can be precipitated out of the solution and reused to manufacture new plastics. This method is beneficial for recycling plastics that are otherwise difficult to process through other methods, such as those contaminated with non-plastic materials. Solvent-based recycling provides an effective way to rejuvenate plastics that may otherwise be discarded, offering a more sustainable approach to plastic waste management.
Chemical recycling offers several advantages that can address the global plastic waste crisis. Unlike mechanical recycling, which is limited to specific types of plastics, chemical recycling can process a broader range of feedstock, including contaminated, mis-sorted, or multi-layered plastics, ensuring that a higher percentage of plastic waste is treated and diverted from landfills or incineration. Additionally, chemical recycling can produce high-quality plastics, maintaining the performance standards of virgin materials and making them suitable for high-performance applications like food packaging or medical equipment. This process supports the circular economy by reintegrating recycled materials into production, reducing the need for new fossil-based plastics and curbing the exploitation of natural resources. Furthermore, chemical recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the production of new plastics, a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Techniques like gasification also allow for the generation of cleaner energy, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly recycling practices.
As technological advancements continue to improve the efficiency and scalability of chemical recycling, it holds the potential to change plastic waste management, creating a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Plastic waste can be minimised by adopting these innovative processes, and valuable materials can be continuously reused, paving the way for a cleaner, greener planet.
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