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Circular Economy for Plastics

  • 1.  Circular Economy for Plastics

    SENIOR MEMBER
    Posted 30 days ago
    The continued growth in the manufacturing and usage of plastics, some estimates are that usage will double by 2050, could be constrained by the poor image of plastics in the general population.  I would be interested in members opinions on the potential of the various chemical recycling technologies and route post use plastics back into the supply chain for virgin plastics.  There are many announcement of pilots, tests, etc..  The question is whether this solution will gain legs?

    https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/newsroom/news/world-plastics-council-meets-advance-circular-economy-plastics

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    Gary Hilberg PE
    President
    Continuum Energy
    Cypress TX
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  • 2.  RE: Circular Economy for Plastics

    LOCAL SECTION CHAIR
    Posted 29 days ago
    Hi, Gary!

    There are many announcements for pilots and tests, and I think that is progress.  It is an important topic because waste and waste build up in the environment and in some societies globally is a multi-faceted issue.  I am happy to bring to your attention an up and running, full scale chemical recycling technology for plastics that the company I am employed with has launched and is working to expand the capabilities of.  You can learn more about Eastman in the circular economy and advanced chemical recycling that they are employing here:

    https://www.eastman.com/Circular-Economy/Pages/Circular-Economy.aspx
    https://www.eastman.com/Company/News_Center/2019/Pages/Eastman-begins-commercial-operation-of-innovative-chemical-recycling-technology.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3gp9nm0TyfsQo611kY0EsgbexjqolPwPJT3u-sXaZ4Zwir4pgOu0BGHqM
    https://www.eastman.com/Company/News_Center/2019/Pages/Eastman-offers-innovative-recycling-technology-for-polyesters.aspx



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    Teni Butler
    Coatings and Inks Tech Service Rep
    Eastman Chemical Company
    Kingsport TN
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Circular Economy for Plastics

    SENIOR MEMBER
    Posted 28 days ago
    We had some discussion about the circular economy for plastics at some of the Process Development Division planning meetings at the AIChE 2019 Annual Meeting last week.  We may consider having this as a session at an upcoming annual meeting or in our annual Process Development Symposium in June.  The use of good process development practices will be critical for successful implementation of the technologies needed for the plastics circular economy.

    Excellent topic and thanks for the useful links.
    Aaron

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    Aaron Sarafinas
    Principal
    Sarafinas Process & Mixing Consulting LLC
    Warminster PA
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    Original Message