Plastics

Recent findings from Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas confirm that flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), widely used in medical devices, can be mechanically recycled up to six times without compromising its technical properties.

In 2014, Umweltdienste Kedenburg took over a sorting plant for packaging waste on the site of a former cement works in Beckum. Ten years later, Beckum Kunststoff Recycling GmbH, a cooperation with Otto Graf GmbH, built a second plant at this site, where coal was once stored for cement production. Today, sustainable recycled plastic is produced here, making it a great example of how the circular economy transforms historical industrial sites. Klaus Kuhlenbeck, Technical Director of the facility, describes the project as an investment in the circular economy: “Our goal is clear: to sort and process plastic films to such a high level that we can create new products out of them.”

Spreads of close to €600/tonne between recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) food-grade pellet (FGP) and virgin PET are seeing some brands cutting back recycled content use as cost-saving remains key in 2025.

A new version of the recyclability methodology has been published in anticipation of upcoming legislative changes. This update ensures continuous support for the plastic value chain in the transition towards circularity.

The Danish company Dansk Emballage, located in Vamdrup, specializes in the collection and reprocessing of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC). The containers are sorted, washed, and recycled on-site. A significant role in this process is played by a Weima W5.18 single-shaft shredder.

The world’s largest event dedicated to plastics recycling, the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, takes place next week at RAI Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 1-2 April.

Erema is expanding the portfolio of its ReadyMac plastics recycling system by introducing the new ReadyMac 500 “Heavy Duty” version. Due to the integration of the Erema Laserfilter, this recycling machine is now also suitable for processing demanding post-consumer materials.

The circular economy is a key component of a sustainable future. The technology transfer project “TechCirclePolymers” at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences addresses exactly this challenge. The project aims to improve the recycling of plastics and biopolymers, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing fossil-based raw materials with natural alternatives. A particular focus is on increasing recyclability and extending the lifespan of products.

Nextek and Coveris have announced a partnership to transform the mechanical recycling of flexible films with the COtooCLEAN process Together, they aim to convert post-consumer polyolefin (PE & PP) packaging waste into high-quality food-grade recycled resins and films.

For two days, Aimplas organised and hosted the second edition of the International Seminar on Biotechnology Applied to the Plastics Sector in Valencia, bringing together one hundred international specialists in biotechnology and sustainability. A panel of twenty speakers presented the innovations being developed by their organisations and addressed the main challenges facing the sector, as well as its contributions to society and the economy.

Over 250 industry stakeholders gathered at EuRIC’s webinar on 4 March to address a critical question: How can Europe resolve its plastics recycling crisis? The discussion highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the industry and the policy measures needed to ensure its sustainability and competitiveness.