IDTechEx has released an in-depth market report on advanced recycling technologies, appraising methods such as pyrolysis, depolymerisation, solvent extraction, and gasification of both homogeneous and mixed plastic waste. Authored by James Kennedy, this comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of these chemical recycling processes, offering 10-year market forecasts, interviews with industry players, and insights into the global chemical recycling capacity.
As the global plastic value chain seeks to create a circular economy, chemical recycling emerges as a vital alternative to conventional mechanical methods, which often result in downcycling due to inferior physical properties. In response to increasing regulatory pressures, the report highlights the growing activity within the market, driven by key players across the value chain who are investing in early-stage technologies and forming strategic partnerships.
Key processes such as depolymerisation and pyrolysis are explored in detail. Depolymerisation breaks down polymers like PET and PS into their constituent monomers through thermal, chemical, or biological means. Pyrolysis, on the other hand, converts mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil, re-entering the supply chain to help achieve a circular economy. Gasification, another process, converts waste into syngas and is viewed as a “backstop” when other recycling methods fail.
The report addresses the complexities and challenges of chemical recycling, including concerns over its environmental impact and economic viability. Despite its potential, critics question the assumptions behind life cycle assessments and the financial sustainability of these technologies. Nonetheless, chemical recycling is poised for significant growth, with IDTechEx forecasting that over 17 million tonnes of plastic waste will be processed annually by pyrolysis and depolymerisation plants by 2034.
In addition to chemical recycling, the report covers secondary recycling via dissolution, an emerging space that involves selectively dissolving polymers and recovering them without breaking their chemical bonds. The report appraises these technologies, their economic outlook, environmental impact, and the ongoing innovations aimed at enabling a more sustainable future.
This market report serves as a crucial resource for stakeholders in the plastic recycling industry, providing a balanced view of the opportunities, challenges, and future developments shaping the global recycling landscape.
For more information visit www.idtechex.com
