Plastics

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.

Polymer chemists at ETH Zurich have discovered a surprising way to virtually fully break down PMMA plastic – commonly known as Plexiglas – into its monomer building blocks. The process remains unaffected by the presence of additives.

The Croatian plant of EcoCortec, a European subsidiary of Cortec Corporation, has entered a recycling partnership with the Jakob Schober GmbH (Germany) in 2024. This partnership resulted in launching the VpCI-126 HP UV Shrink Film PCR.