Plastics Recycling – Dow has announced an agreement to acquire Circulus, a leading North American polyethylene recycler specializing in converting plastic waste into post-consumer resin (PCR) 06-07-2024 - Arhive

Plastics Recycling

Lindner establishes subsidiary in India

European shredding equipment maker announces creation of subsidiary in Delhi to serve India’s recycling and waste sectors.

Austria-based shredding and recycling equipment maker Lindner Recyclingtech GmbH has announced the establishment of Lindner Recyclingtech Bharat (India) LLP, based in Delhi. “Together with Chirag Verma, co-owner of Lindner Bharat, and Ganesh Karankal, sales director of plastics recycling, the aim in this dynamic environment is to develop sustainable recycling solutions for the waste and plastics industry,” states the European firm. Plastics Recycling

With its 1.4 billion people, Lindner calls India the second most highly populated country in the world and the fifth largest economic power. While about 62 million metric tons of discarded materials are produced each year in India, and rising, Lindner says the recycling rate has growth potential.

The equipment maker says a range of initiatives by the Indian government are intended to raise the population’s awareness of recycling. “However, as well as regulation, recycling requires appropriate technologies so that the wide range of reusable materials – including plastics, electronic scrap, and commercial, industrial and domestic waste – can be fed back into the circular economy,” states Lindner. Plastics Recycling

“By founding Lindner Recyclingtech Bharat we want to contribute to returning greater quantities of reusable materials back into the loop or the circular economy,” says Manual Lindner, CEO and owner of Lindner Recyclingtech.

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How to increase the rate of plastics recycling

A national bottle deposit fee could make a dramatic difference in reducing plastic waste, MIT researchers report.

While recycling systems and bottle deposits have become increasingly widespread in the U.S., actual rates of recycling are “abysmal,” according to a team of MIT researchers who studied the rates for recycling of PET, the plastic commonly used in beverage bottles. However, their findings suggest some ways to change this. Plastics Recycling

The present rate of recycling for PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, bottles nationwide is about 24 percent and has remained stagnant for a decade, the researchers say. But their study indicates that with a nationwide bottle deposit program, the rates could increase to 82 percent, with nearly two-thirds of all PET bottles being recycled into new bottles, at a net cost of just a penny a bottle when demand is robust. At the same time, they say, policies would be needed to ensure a sufficient demand for the recycled material.

The findings are being published today in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, in a paper by MIT professor of materials science and engineering Elsa Olivetti, graduate students Basuhi Ravi and Karan Bhuwalka, and research scientist Richard Roth. Plastics Recycling

The team looked at PET bottle collection and recycling rates in different states as well as other nations with and without bottle deposit policies, and with or without curbside recycling programs, as well as the inputs and outputs of various recycling companies and methods. The researchers say this study is the first to look in detail at the interplay between public policies and the end-to-end realities of the packaging production and recycling market.

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New Structure for Agilyx

Agilyx ASA, previously known for its expertise in chemical recycling processes such as pyrolysis and depolymerization, has transitioned from an engineering and technological development company to a financial holding entity. This transformation aligns with its focus on plastic waste management and the circular economy. Plastics Recycling

As part of this strategic reorganization, Ranjeet Bhatia, the principal shareholder through Saffron Hill Ventures, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bertrand Laroche will take over as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starting July 11. Additionally, Peter Norris, who also serves in a similar capacity with Virgin Group, has been named president of the Board of Directors. Russell Main, the current CFO and interim CEO, will depart over the summer to explore other professional opportunities.

Ranjeet Bhatia, a long-time investor and board member of Agilyx, also holds the presidency at Cyclyx International, Agilyx’s joint venture with ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell. This venture focuses on managing post-consumer waste that is difficult to recycle mechanically. Plastics Recycling

Dow has announced an agreement to acquire Circulus, a leading North American polyethylene recycler specializing in converting plastic waste into post-consumer resin (PCR)

The acquisition includes two facilities located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Arab, Alabama, with a combined capacity of 50,000 metric tons per year. Dow anticipates completing the transaction in the third quarter of 2024, pending customary regulatory approval.

“This acquisition enables Dow to merge our industry-leading materials science technology with Circulus’ expertise in film recycling, accelerating our 2030 Transform the Waste goal,” said Karen S. Carter, President of Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow. “It expands our industry participation, allowing us to produce higher-performing circular products that meet the demands of brands and consumers.” Plastics Recycling

Combining Dow’s proficiency in materials science and high-performance resins with Circulus’ mechanical film recycling capabilities will enhance Dow’s offerings in collation shrink packaging, stretch film, liners, and select food packaging. This merger extends Dow’s reach into the industrial, consumer, and transportation markets.

Mike Dulin, CEO of Circulus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Circulus team is excited to advance a circular economy with Dow. We utilize the best available technology to recycle plastic packaging waste. Our leadership team, with over 65 years of combined experience in recycling and plastics, produces high-quality, sustainably made resins for upcycled applications.” Plastics Recycling

This acquisition aligns with Dow’s broader initiative to transform plastic waste and other alternative feedstocks into 3 million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions annually by 2030. Dow is committed to building industrial ecosystems for waste collection, reuse, and recycling to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

World’s First Sustainable Polyester Fiber Supply Chain Established with CO2-Derived and Renewable Materials

A groundbreaking consortium of seven companies across five countries has established the world’s first supply chain for more sustainable polyester fiber. Plastics Recycling

This initiative utilizes renewable, bio-based materials and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) instead of fossil materials. The polyester fibers will be manufactured for The North Face brand in Japan.

The consortium includes Goldwin (project owner), Mitsubishi Corporation, and Chiyoda Corporation (all from Japan), SK geo centric (South Korea), Indorama Ventures (Thailand), India Glycols (India), and Neste. Neste will supply renewable Neste RE™ as a key ingredient for polyester production. Plastics Recycling

The initial polyester fiber produced will be used by Goldwin for The North Face products, including sports uniforms, starting in July 2024. Future expansion to other Goldwin products and brands is also being considered.

To ensure credible traceability of material streams throughout the supply chain, the consortium employs a mass balancing approach. They aim to proactively promote defossilization of materials, contributing to a more sustainable society.

An infographic detailing the value chain can be downloaded from the press release attachments. Plastics Recycling

Additional Information

A NEDO project granted in 2020 involves the production of para-xylene derived from CO2 as a raw material.