Dissolution technology using a solvent-based recycling methodology, which comprises part of the larger plastics chemical recycling sector, holds promise, but “is not without its challenges and criticisms,” according to a recent analysis.
In an analysis titled “Dissolving the plastic waste problem: Can new technologies meet the challenges?,” author James Kennedy, a technology analyst with United Kingdom-based IDTechEx, cites Florida-based PureCycle Technologies Inc. as one company seeking to deploy dissolution technology at scale.
Kennedy says the chemical or “advanced” recycling market has seen wider investments in technologies such pyrolysis and thermal, chemical and enzymatic depolymerization. “To a lesser extent, methods such as gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction are also being explored,” he adds.
The analyst indicates, however, that “mechanical recycling is the preferred recycling method due to its cost effectiveness and efficiency,” while some chemical recycling methods “face increasing scrutiny and restrictions in some regions due to their environmental impact.”
In an effort to determine whether dissolution technologies offer a promising alternative, Kennedy and IDTechEx produced a lengthy report they say examines dissolution and the other chemical recycling methods, offering a 10-year forecast on their potential market presence.
“Dissolution involves separating polymer waste using a solvent,” writes Kennedy about the chemical recycling method. “The solvent selectively dissolves the polymer, separating it from contaminants and other non-target materials. Once dissolved, the solution is purified, and the solvent is removed, leaving behind a nearly pure plastic that can be processed back into granules for reuse in manufacturing.”
IDTechEx indicates the method may be the best one to “deal with contaminated or mixed plastic waste that is challenging to recycle through mechanical means while not breaking the polymers into its constituent molecules or feedstock.”
However, adds the firm, the “processes are designed with solvents and separation methods for specific plastic types such as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
Packaging made with PP has been the focus of PureCycle, which uses dissolution technology developed by Procter & Gamble. “PureCycle states that its recycled PP can be used in applications where mechanical recycling methods, such as food-grade packaging, would not suffice,” writes Kennedy, calling PureCycle “currently the leading commercial-scale provider” in the dissolution space.
Including and beyond PureCycle, IDTechEx writes, “While dissolution technology holds promise, it is not without its challenges and criticisms. For example, there are questions about long-term circularity as the polymer is likely to degrade over successive cycling.”
The research firm says another concern with the dissolution process is the environmental impact of the solvents used. “These chemicals must be managed carefully to avoid releasing harmful substances into the environment,” writes IDTechEx, adding, “The energy required to heat the solvents and subsequently remove them from the dissolved plastic also adds to the carbon footprint of the process.”
Beyond technology, questions of economic viability also remain, according to the research firm. uncertain. If the cost of running dissolution plants are higher compared with mechanical recycling methods, “The size of this green premium versus other recycling technologies will determine whether dissolution plants can be economically viable,” states IDTechEx.
Despite government and corporate pledges, virgin plastic materials remain a competitive threat. “Competition from cheaper, virgin plastics can limit the market potential for recycled products,” writes Kennedy.
The report notes that PureCycle is far from alone in the sub-sector, with IDTechEx identifying companies including Germany-based APK AG, U.K.-based Worn Again, and Canada-based Polystyvert as companies “working with polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PS, respectively.”
Concludes IDTechEx, “Dissolution presents a promising technology for addressing the demand for low-carbon, versatile plastic [recycling] solutions. However, several hurdles remain, including technological refinement, commercial scaling and economic challenges.”
Courtesy : recyclingtoday.com