Alliance to End Plastic Waste analyzes mechanical recycling in latest playbook
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has published its third Solution Model playbook titled “Capturing Value Through Basic Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Waste”, offering a comprehensive approach to reintroduce mixed-plastic-waste streams back into the value chain.
The third Solution Model playbook published by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
With the playbook, the alliance aims to improve the understanding of the many stakeholders across the plastic value chain about what is possible and what else is needed to drive systems change to end plastic waste
The playbook focuses on how basic mechanical recycling converts mixed plastic waste into products such as furniture, basic construction materials, and other eco-aggregate materials, with simple technologies.
It prioritizes two key components of the value chain, namely “collection” and “processing and converting”. Mixed-plastic-waste streams are difficult to recycle economically and the “processing and converting” processes look at easily-scalable low-technology recycling solutions that convert mixed-waste streams into usable products.
Highlights of the playbook include:
Low capital investment: Basic mechanical recycling technologies require minimal initial investment, making them viable for low-income regions and small businesses.
Sustainable product development: The recycling process converts plastic waste into products with market value, closing the circularity loop.
Job creation and economic growth: Establishing local recycling operations helps create jobs and stimulate local economies, particularly in areas with limited resources.
Environmental impact: Mechanical recycling can help divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans, reducing plastic pollution and encouraging plastic circularity.
“Our hope is that the playbooks will encourage other organizations to scale and replicate these solutions, as we seek a wide range of partners to accelerate the achievement of a circular economy that transforms plastic into a sustainable material,” said Jacob Duer, President and CEO at the Alliance.
Developed by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group, the first two playbooks on “Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection” and “Unlocking Value Through Basic Manual Sorting of Municipal Waste” were released in March 2024.
Read the new Solution Model playbook.
