Recycling technologies commonly used in the European Union (EU) focus on two primary approaches: mechanical recycling and chemical recycling.
Mechanical Recycling
- Process: Mechanical recycling involves processing plastic waste into secondary raw materials or products without significantly altering the chemical structure of the material. This method is widely used for recycling plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are commonly found in soft drink bottles and other containers.
- Advantages: This technology allows for the recycling of thermoplastics with minimal impact on their quality, making it the most prevalent form of recycling in Europe.
Chemical Recycling
- Technologies: Chemical recycling includes methods such as pyrolysis, gasification, hydro-cracking, and depolymerization. These technologies break down plastics into their chemical building blocks, enabling the production of new, high-quality materials that can replace virgin plastics.
- Role in Future Recycling: Chemical recycling is gaining importance as it offers a solution for plastics that are difficult to recycle using mechanical methods, potentially increasing overall recycling rates.
Advanced Sorting Technologies
- Importance in Circular Economy: The EU’s transition towards a circular economy also emphasizes the use of advanced sorting technologies. These technologies improve the precision of plastic type separation, resulting in cleaner waste streams that yield higher quality recycled materials. This supports the recycling of more plastic packaging waste and helps meet stringent EU recycling targets.
The EU supports innovative recycling technologies and maintains a register to track various recycling processes and facilities, ensuring compliance and facilitating official oversight.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-recycling-technologies-are-most-commonly-used-in-the-eu/
