(K-Interview) Advanced recycling complements mechanical recycling, says ExxonMobil
At K 2022, ExxonMobil demonstrated how its performance polymers are helping its value chain partners create sustainable solutions and products that are making life better. The company is convinced that collaborative approaches capturing collective expertise across the value chain are crucial to innovations.
While mechanical recycling is billed as a more conventional circular process, advanced (chemical) recycling is developing fast. Nevertheless, ExxonMobil believes that both are complementary.
"When we look at mechanical recycling specifically, what we offer is lines of performance polyethylene (PE) and performance polypropylene (PP), as well as Vistamaxx performance polymers," said Matt Loach, Polyethylene Global Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil, in the onsite interview with Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com).
What these products allow ExxonMobil to do is having cooperation on post-consumer recycled materials, he added.
For advanced recycling, ExxonMobil has facility in Baytown, Texas, that allows converting plastic waste into raw materials with the company's proprietary process.
"What we see is that anything that can go into mechanical recycling should go into mechanical recycling," explained Matt Loach. For what is not so recyclable, ExxonMobil is also trying to avoid them from going to the landfill and to trying to feed them into the company’s existing units.
ExxonMobil sees the growing demand for recycled materials. Plans are underway for up to 500,000 metric tons per year of advanced recycling capacity to be added by year-end of 2026 across the company's multiple sites globally.
The company highlighted its Exxtend technology for advanced recycling, mechanical recycling, mono-material structures, and the brand-new Exceed S performance PE at the trade fair. It also showcased how it is advancing sustainable solutions across the booths of OEM partners and distributors.
