Chal­lenges in the pro­duc­tion of re­cyc­late

There are some products which, due to their design or choice of material, cannot be recycled, or can only be recycled with enormous effort in terms of materials or raw materials. Problems arise, for example, with products made of:

• Hybrid material structures such as metal-plastic compounds
• Material bonds between different plastics
• Thermoset-fiber composites
• Materials in which a variety of additives are used (e.g. bright/dark colors)
• Polymer foams
• Polymers with flame retardants

The high cost of processing post-consumer waste in particular means that recyclate sometimes has to be offered at higher prices than virgin material. Among other things, this results in a low demand for recyclate on the market, so that sorting and processing of some plastic waste is often still economically unattractive. High-quality recyclate with a high degree of purity is the basis for increased use.

Solution ideas:

In order to improve the reuse of plastics as a high-quality secondary raw material, it is possible to start at various points in the product life cycle from development to reuse and recycling.

We have provided additional information for you on the following topics:

• Recycling
• Plastic waste as a high-quality secondary raw material
• Recycling projects at KTP