For over 70 years the world has relied on plastic. It has brought endless convenience and innovation– at a cost. Its overconsumption has begun to suffocate the world. Oceans, forests, mountains, and even our bodies have become a wasteland for plastics. To combat this problem chemical recycling was developed. It appeared to be the exact solution we were looking for– a second chance and hope for a better future. But under the surface, the truth is far more complicated.
Chemical Recycling encompasses a range of processes to break plastic down into its chemical components. It can fall into three categories– pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization. Pyrolysis is a heating process that heats the plastic at high temperatures to break down the polymer chain the form plastics. It heats without the use of oxygen which results in the breakdown of materials into small molecules that can be converted into other materials. Gasification also utilizes heat but instead converts the plastic waste into a gas which is then sold as fuel. This process helps capture CO2 but releases it again when the fuel is used. Depolymerization uses chemical reactions to break down polymers into their original monomers.
Unlike traditional recycling, chemical recycling has the ability to recycle mixed and harder plastics– allowing increased efficiency. It reuses valuable resources which can help create a circular economy. Chemically recycling plastics would lower the massive amount of plastic heading towards landfills and oceans each year. In theory, it is a fantastic way to reduce the impact plastic makes.
Chemical Recycling isn’t a new idea. Created back in the early 20th century and gained traction in the 1970s, chemical recycling seemed like it had the potential to act as our saving grace against plastic pollution. But the high costs required for implementation stopped its initial rise. It wasn’t until the 1990s, when new technological advancements were made, that the interest resurfaced.
Today, chemical recycling is constantly promoted as a solution to the plastic crisis. Oil companies are its biggest supporters, justifying their overwhelming plastic production and creating false portrayals.
The deeper we look, the messier the story gets. Chemical recycling is extremely energy intensive, especially when compared to the traditional way. The process also has the potential to release 96 different toxic emissions into the air, water, and soil. Only 1-14% of plastic that is sent to be chemically recycled is recycled into new products and the new plastic is commonly 10-100 times worse than the original plastic. For every 1 ton of plastic that is chemically recycled 3 tons of CO2 are released into the atmosphere. The output of chemical waste is high and the toxins can lead to numerous health problems ranging from respiratory issues all the way to cancer.
While chemical recycling seems to be a part of the solution to save our planet, it actually does more harm than good. Its high costs and toxic output are too big a con. It steals funds from real solutions– investing in biodegradable alternatives and environmental infrastructure.
We must look past its shiny exterior to work towards a better solution. The world needs solutions that will actually make a difference, not ones that will lead to more problems. Chemical recycling may play a small role in plastic reduction, but we need a real solution to save our planet.
Works Cited
““Chemical Recycling”: Backend Fix or Toxic Technology? | National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.” National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, 13 Feb. 2024, http://www.ncelenviro.org/articles/chemical-recycling-backend-fix-or-toxic-technology/.
“Chemical Recycling 101.” Www.bpf.co.uk, http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/chemical-recycling-101.aspx.
““Chemical Recycling”: What It Is, and What It Definitely Is Not.” PIRG, 19 Sep. 2023, pirg.org/articles/chemical-recycling-what-it-is-and-what-it-definitely-is-not/.
firstgreen. “Chemical Recycling in Plastics: Pros, Cons, & Potential Impact on the Circular Economy – Firstgreen Consulting Pvt Ltd.” Firstgreen Consulting Pvt Ltd, 5 June 2023, firstgreen.co/chemical-recycling-in-plastics-pros-cons-potential-impact-on-the-circular-economy/.
Perli, Gabriel. “Chemical Recycling: Shaping a Circular Plastic Future.” Mind the Graph Blog, 27 May 2024, mindthegraph.com/blog/chemical-recyling/.
Plastic Collective. “Guide to Chemical Recycling Process & Types – Plastic Collective.” Plastic Collective, 10 July 2024, http://www.plasticcollective.co/a-guide-to-chemical-recycling/.
Plastics Europe. “Chemical Recycling • Plastics Europe.” Plastics Europe, 2023, plasticseurope.org/sustainability/circularity/recycling/chemical-recycling/.
“What Is Chemical Recycling? The Good and the Bad.” Resource.co, resource.co/article/what-chemical-recycling-good-and-bad.
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