Eco-friendly – bp and Iberdrola have approved the construction of a 25 MW green hydrogen plant at bp’s Castellón refinery, set to begin operations in late 2026 19-09-2024
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Chemical Recycling Methods and Physical Recycling
Chemical recycling of plastics is an advanced approach to waste management, transforming plastic waste into valuable materials through complex chemical processes. Here is an exhaustive overview of the main chemical recycling methods:
1. Microwave Assisted Depolymerisation Solution
Microwave Assisted Depolymerisation (MADE) uses microwaves to break down PET into its basic monomers, terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG), which can be recombined to create new, virgin-quality PET pellets1. eco-friendly
2. Depolymerisation Solvolysis
Solvolysis uses solvents to break down polymers into monomers. This method is effective for polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes, producing pure monomers that can be reused in new polymer production2.
3. Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis involves the thermal decomposition of materials at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process converts plastic waste into oils, gases, and char, which can be used as fuels or raw materials for new chemical products3. eco-friendly
4. Chemolysis
Chemolysis, also known as solvolysis, uses chemical agents and heat to break down polymers into monomers. This method is versatile and effective for various types of plastics2.
5. Enzymatic Depolymerisation
Enzymatic depolymerisation uses specific enzymes to break down polymers into monomers. This method is particularly promising for recycling PET, producing high-quality materials without degradation4. eco-friendly
6. Hydrochemolytic Technology
Hydrochemolytic Technology (HCT) uses chemical reactions to transform plastic waste into valuable materials. This method is effective for polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), producing high-quality chemical products5.
7. Solvent-Based Recycling
Solvent-based recycling uses solvents to dissolve polymers, separating impurities and recovering pure polymers. This method is effective for complex materials like multilayer packaging and contaminated polystyrene6.
8. Pyrowave Technology
Pyrowave technology uses microwaves to depolymerize polystyrene into styrene monomers, which can be reused to produce new, virgin-quality plastics7.
9. Direct Conversion of Waste PET to Regenerated Plastics Using Flame Retardants as Depolymerization Catalysts
This method uses expandable graphite and zeolites as catalysts for the glycolysis of PET, converting waste PET directly into polyurethane foams with high flame retardancy8.
10. Photocatalyst Chemical Recycling
Photocatalyst chemical recycling uses light to degrade plastic waste into valuable monomers. This method is efficient and environmentally friendly, with a low environmental impact9. eco-friendly
11. Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis uses water to break down polymers into monomers. This method is effective for polymers like PET, producing pure monomers that can be reused2.
12. Recycling with Mechanochemistry
Mechanochemistry uses mechanical forces to induce chemical reactions that break down polymers into monomers. This method is still in development but shows promise for plastic waste recycling2.
13. Gasification
Gasification converts plastic waste into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be used to produce new chemical products and fuels3.
14. Thermolysis
Thermolysis involves the thermal decomposition of materials in the presence of heat. This method is similar to pyrolysis but can include chemical agents to enhance decomposition3.
15. Biodegradation
Biodegradation uses microorganisms to break down polymers into simpler compounds. This method is promising for biodegradable polymers but is limited by the degradation rate2. eco-friendly
Physical Recycling
Physical recycling uses mechanical processes to transform plastic waste into new products without altering the chemical structure of the polymers. This method is commonly used for simple plastic materials2.
In conclusion, chemical recycling methods offer innovative solutions for managing plastic waste, each with specific advantages and challenges. The choice of the most appropriate method depends on the type of plastic and the specific recycling needs.
2: Cefic 7: Pyrowave 4: Cleantech Group 1: Plastics Today 3: Britannica 5: Aduro Clean Technologies 6: Sulzer 8: Springer 9: RSC Publishing eco-friendly
TCP Group breaks new ground in the Thai functional drink market with the launch of its “eco-friendly Mansome rPET bottle,” boosting good looks with greater care for the planet
TCP Group has launched the “Mansome rPET bottle,” the first eco-friendly recycled PET (rPET) plastic packaging in Thailand’s functional drink market, which can also be recycled again to create new packaging. Boost your good looks while caring more for the planet with “Mansome Collagen Less Sugar,” designed for men who want to look and feel great inside and out. eco-friendly
As the eco-friendly trend continues to gain momentum and younger generations become more environmentally conscious, TCP Group is committed to developing products that meet the needs of eco-minded consumers, encouraging them to participate in protecting our planet. Leading the way with the Mansome brand, a functional drink for men, the launch of Mansome Collagen Less Sugar in an eco-friendly rPET bottle marks a significant milestone as the first product from TCP Group – and the first brand in Thailand’s functional drink market – to use rPET packaging.
Mrs. Mallika Lungnimitmas, Marketing Department Director, Thailand Country Department at TCP Group, said, “For over 12 years, Mansome has been a leader in the functional drink market for men. eco-friendly
We firmly believe in supporting every man to look good in his own way. Beyond that, we also promote doing good for both individuals and the planet. This year, we have taken our approach a step further through our efforts to reduce the amount of virgin plastic PET in our packaging and opting for recycled plastic, which transforms used plastic into new products, thus reducing plastic waste and showing greater care for the world from start to finish. Mansome rPET bottles advance our commitment to looking good while helping to make the world a better place.” eco-friendly
In June 2024, Vienna, Austria, installed 660 meters of drinking water pressure pipes made from chemically recycled plastic
This project is the result of a collaboration between Borealis, Pipelife, and Wiener Wasser, demonstrating Austria’s leadership in sustainable innovation. The pipes are made using Borealis’ Borcycle™ C technology, which chemically recycles polyolefin waste into high-quality plastic capable of meeting the stringent standards required for water pipes.
This initiative aims to boost the sustainability of Vienna’s water infrastructure. Borcycle C allows the creation of pipes from over 90% chemically recycled content, certified by ISCC PLUS for sustainability compliance. eco-friendly
The pipes, manufactured by Pipelife, benefit from being processable on existing equipment, avoiding lengthy revalidation processes.
John Webster, Borealis’ Global Commercial Director Infrastructure, highlights this project as a continuation of their innovative infrastructure solutions. Zoran Davidovski, Pipelife’s Head of R&D and Sustainability, adds that the integration of chemically recycled materials aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. eco-friendly
This groundbreaking effort not only advances sustainability but also ensures long-lasting infrastructure, with leak-tight pipes expected to last over 100 years. The success of this pilot project paves the way for future collaborations in the field, positioning Austria as a global leader in sustainable plastic solutions for infrastructure.
The European car crisis, triggered by supply chain disruptions, chip shortages, and economic downturns, has significantly impacted the plastics market
The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of plastics, using the material in a variety of components, including dashboards, bumpers, and interior fittings. With car production and sales slowing down, the demand for automotive plastics has also weakened, leading to a ripple effect throughout the plastics industry.
One major consequence is the reduced demand for raw plastic materials like polypropylene, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and polycarbonate, which are heavily used in the production of vehicle parts. eco-friendly
As a result, plastic suppliers are facing declining revenues and adjusting production capacities. In some cases, companies have had to scale back production or even halt operations to cope with the drop in demand from the automotive sector.
The automotive plastics market has also been hit by rising energy prices and shortages of other raw materials, making it more expensive to produce plastic components. This has led to higher costs for manufacturers, which further compounds the challenges facing both the automotive and plastics industries. eco-friendly
However, the crisis has also prompted innovation in the plastics market. With the automotive industry increasingly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), there is a growing demand for lightweight materials to improve energy efficiency. Plastics play a crucial role in reducing the overall weight of EVs, making them more competitive. As the transition to EVs accelerates, the demand for specialized plastics could help cushion the long-term impact of the current crisis on the plastics market.
In summary, while the European car crisis has negatively affected the plastics industry in the short term, evolving market trends, particularly the rise of electric vehicles, may offer future opportunities. eco-friendly
Depolymerization for Chemical Recycling of PET From Cloth Waste and Plastic Waste Mixtures
Professor Kotohiro Nomura and his team at Tokyo Metropolitan University has developed a method for the depolymerization of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) using alcohols and an inexpensive, readily available iron trichloride catalyst. This method can be applied to the selective chemical recycling of both textile and plastic waste mixtures.
Polyesters, which consist of repeated “ester bonds” formed by the reaction of carboxylic acid and alcohol, are commonly used in plastic bottles and clothing. If these ester bonds could be completely broken, polyester could be reverted to its raw materials. Conventional methods, however, necessitate high temperatures and large amounts of acidic or basic substances. eco-friendly
Therefore, a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method is highly sought after. Additionally, there is a global demand for the development of selective depolymerization of polyester from plastic waste, especially from textile waste, which is a mixture of polyester and cotton.
The research team has now developed a method for acid- and base-free depolymerization of PET bottles using ethanol and either FeCl3 or FeBr3, yielding diethyl terephthalate (DET) and ethylene glycol (EG) with high selectivity (98–99%). eco-friendly
bp and Iberdrola have approved the construction of a 25 MW green hydrogen plant at bp’s Castellón refinery, set to begin operations in late 2026
The project, a joint venture through Castellón Green Hydrogen S.L., will convert 200 GWh of Iberdrola’s renewable energy annually into green hydrogen, supporting bp’s decarbonization strategy.
This initiative marks the companies’ first hydrogen collaboration and has received €15 million in funding from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan under NextGenerationEU. The plant will use five 5 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, powered by a renewable energy PPA with Iberdrola. eco-friendly
The hydrogen produced will replace some of the grey hydrogen used at the refinery, reducing CO2 emissions by 23,000 tons annually—equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road. The project is expected to create 500 jobs during construction.
Felipe Arbelaez, bp’s senior VP for hydrogen & CCS, emphasized the strategic importance of this project for advancing decarbonization. Future expansions are being explored, with plans to extend hydrogen use to other industries in the Valencia region, including ceramics, chemicals, and heavy transport. eco-friendly
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