PCR Plastics – Russia is preparing for a potential decrease in oil revenues over the next three years due to persistently low international oil prices and a more lenient tax regime, as outlined in a draft budget reported by Bloomberg 27-09-2024
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Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH and Iren SpA have unveiled Italy’s largest sorting facility, the Circular Plastic plant in Borgaro near Turin
Designed and built by Stadler, this state-of-the-art facility processes 100,000 tons per year of mixed plastics and cans. Operated by Iren Ambiente, Iren’s environmental management division, the plant enhances Italy’s recycling by returning up to 80% of sorted materials back into the recycling stream.
Equipped with advanced sorting technologies like ballistic separators and optical sorters, the facility efficiently handles 17 types of materials, including various polymers, aluminium, and ferrous metals. PCR Plastics
The sorting begins by dividing incoming materials into bulky, medium-sized, and fine fractions. A notable feature is the dedicated fines line, which recovers small plastic items like bottle caps and valuable metals.
The medium-sized stream undergoes further separation to focus on plastics such as PET, HDPE, PS, and PP. Stadler’s optical sorters precisely differentiate between clear, blue, colored, and opaque PET, while specialized equipment handles other plastics.
An advanced bottle recovery line ensures minimal waste by recovering remaining materials. PCR Plastics
Innovations include a load cell system for precise material monitoring, a mobile control system for efficient on-site machinery management, and a sophisticated remote monitoring system providing real-time data for predictive maintenance. Operator comfort is prioritized with air-conditioned sorting cabins.
This project aligns with Italy’s sustainability goals by enhancing recycling infrastructure and reducing environmental impact through improved waste management. By converting waste into valuable resources, the facility contributes significantly to Italy’s circular economy. PCR Plastics
The European Green Deal, launched in 2019 by former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans, is facing increasing challenges
Criticism and calls for a review of its key components are growing across Europe, with Italy leading the charge. Supported by several other European nations, Italy is advocating for an earlier review of the “Regulation on CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars and light vehicles,” proposing it be moved to the first months of 2025.
Italian Minister Urso recently held a video conference with German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, to discuss this proposal ahead of the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels. Urso outlined Italy’s plans for the automotive sector, which Habeck supported. PCR Plastics
Notably, Habeck, a prominent member of the Greens in the German government, had already expressed openness to revisiting emission targets sooner due to potential structural changes in the market.
The two ministers agreed on the necessity of joint investments to bolster European industry, referencing a competitiveness report by Mario Draghi. Urso mentioned that Habeck was open to the possibility of common resources and discussions on biofuels—a topic of particular importance to Italy. PCR Plastics
While the German government has not yet agreed to reconsider the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine production, the shifting sentiment across Europe suggests change may be imminent. The evolving positions of key European leaders indicate that the direction of environmental policies, especially in the automotive sector, is under active reconsideration.
Circulate Capital has invested in Cirklo, a company formed by eB Capital, to enhance PET recycling in Brazil
Their partnership aims to divert over 1.3 million tons of plastic from disposal to recycling through new sustainability projects in the plastics industry.
In 2022, eB Capital merged two leading recycling companies, Green PCR and Global PET, into Cirklo. Now the largest independent PET recycler in Brazil, Cirklo has the capacity to recycle over 4 billion bottles annually. With Circulate Capital’s support, the company plans to expand operations in the Southeast and Northeast regions, promoting sustainability in the production chain. The recycled PET produced by Cirklo is suitable for packaging, including food-grade products. PCR Plastics
This investment marks Circulate Capital’s second venture in Latin America, following their involvement with Colombia’s Polyrec S.A.S. Funding for Cirklo’s expansion is partly sourced from Circulate Capital’s $70 million Latin America and Caribbean initiative launched in 2023. This initiative is supported by IDB Lab and major corporations like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Danone, Dow, Mondelēz International, and Unilever.
Brazil’s upcoming presidency of the G20 and hosting of COP30 in 2025 position the country to lead the global climate agenda. Significant progress has been made in plastic recycling, with a 25.6% recycling rate in 2022—the highest in Latin America and comparable to Europe. According to a study by PICPlast and consultancy MaxiQuim, recycled plastic production in Brazil reached 1.1 million tons in 2022, a 9% increase from the previous year. PCR Plastics
Russia is preparing for a potential decrease in oil revenues over the next three years due to persistently low international oil prices and a more lenient tax regime, as outlined in a draft budget reported by Bloomberg
The government projects a 14% decline in oil revenues, anticipating about $120 billion in 2025—a 3.3% drop from the current year—and further decreasing to $110 billion by 2027.
Traditionally, Russia adopts conservative oil price forecasts in its budgeting to cushion the impact of unfavorable market shifts on public spending.
The 2024 budget is based on an average Brent crude price of $70 per barrel, with expectations of a gradual decline to $65.5 by 2027. Natural gas prices are also predicted to fall during this timeframe. PCR Plastics
Despite increasing export volumes, Russia has already faced a significant reduction in oil revenues this year, with the value of crude exports plummeting 30% since June. The country’s main export blend, Urals crude, dipped below the G7-imposed price cap of $60 but has recently recovered to over $67 per barrel.
The draft budget hints that global efforts toward energy transition might dampen crude oil demand in the medium term, though current trends suggest otherwise. While concerns about China’s oil consumption linger, August witnessed a notable surge in Chinese oil imports from Russia and Iraq. PCR Plastics
Although Russia is bracing for lower oil prices as a worst-case scenario, there’s a possibility that prices could rise in the coming years, especially if OPEC+ continues to limit production. The relatively modest projected revenue decline implies that sanctions have not severely impacted Russia’s oil income, as global demand remains strong enough to generate substantial earnings.
South Africa is advancing its circular economy with a new PET recycling facility unveiled during the International Solid Waste Association’s conference in Cape Town
Petco and recycling partner Extrupet showcased the site for Africa’s first PET bottle-to-bottle recycling technology. Scheduled to operate in 2025, the R300-million (US$15.8 million) facility will add 15,000 tons per annum of food-grade recycled PET capacity in the Western Cape. PCR Plastics
Extrupet’s joint managing director, Chandru Wadhwani, noted that 64% of South Africa’s PET bottles are currently collected for recycling. The increased capacity will handle more plastic waste and strengthen the country’s leadership in circular economy practices. Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts highlighted the facility’s role in boosting collection and recycling rates, stimulating demand and supply of PET materials, and creating stable markets involving waste pickers and small enterprises.
Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz stated that the added capacity helps close the loop for PET, promoting a circular economy where bottles are recycled repeatedly. This development aligns with the ISWA conference theme, “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” reflecting South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and extended producer responsibility regulations. PCR Plastics
Scholtz emphasized that success depends on building a sustainable value chain by balancing collection with recycling capacity and stimulating market demand. Petco’s support enables recyclers like Extrupet to invest in infrastructure, increase purchasing prices for recyclable packaging, and enhance income opportunities for waste pickers. Strong partnerships with the government ensure effective regulations and enforcement.
The new plant also aligns with South Africa’s climate goals outlined in the recently signed Climate Change Bill, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote green job opportunities. PCR Plastics
Wadhwani added that the facility will utilize Erema Vacunite equipment, producing certified, traceable recycled material that meets global standards.
Celanese adds recycled content to TPV without sacrificing durability
Celanese sustainability leader Oliver Kloth details why the supplier began adding post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to a proven thermoplastic elastomer to help manufacturers reduce both carbon footprint and total cost PCR Plastics
The push for sustainability continues to gain momentum, but design engineers working to incorporate eco-friendly materials that comply with strict regulatory requirements still face limited choices. A new development in sustainable elastomers, the Santoprene TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizates) ECO-R from material supplier Celanese, promises to address this challenge by offering high performance whilst reducing environmental impacts.
Before the new ECO-R grades were introduced late in 2023, Santoprene TPV had established itself for its rubber-like qualities combined with thermoplastic processing ease and reusability, unlike the thermoset EPDM it often replaced. PCR Plastics
“Sustainability has been part of the DNA of Santoprene TPV since it was first introduced more than 45 years ago. For decades manufacturers have selected it to replace carbon-intensive and hard-to-recycle thermoset rubber with a more sustainable solution,” explains Oliver Kloth, Celanese sustainability leader.
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