UBA confirms positive climate effect of a chemical recycling process

In early November, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) published the report “Assessment of the Potentials and Evaluation of the Technologies for Thermo-Chemical Recycling of Plastics”. In the report, the UBA confirmed the superiority of all the processes examined compared to incineration. This appraisal is likely to have a significant impact on future investment decisions. “Chemical recycling of plastics in hi-tech, energy-integrated and optimized plants can certainly make a positive contribution to the circular economy. Compared to thermal treatment, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

carboliq welcomes the UBA’s revised position on chemical recycling. The significant role of mechanical recycling underlined in the report is undisputed. Mechanical and chemical recycling must be considered as complementary processes. Decisions on investments and/or support projects should be based on unequivocal efficiency criteria. However, the evaluation method applied here falls short. Frequently it makes sense to use mechanical treatment followed by chemical processing. Some waste is not capable of mechanical recycling. For these materials, chemical processes should be used in the first stage so that the hydrocarbon, as a valuable resource, remains in the loop.

The pyrolysis and oiling processes examined were compared and evaluated on the basis of operating data from the plants used as well as comparative laboratory analyses. According to the findings, the oiling methods achieved a better relative result. At an equal level of technical maturity, the carboliq process is distinguished by a broader range of possible input materials as well as a greater liquid yield.

The shareholders and management of carboliq are delighted with the positive verdict on the technology. They are now ready to take the next steps toward a first industrial application.