The chemical recycling debate: is there a place for chemical recycling in a net zero and circular world?

In the midst of our escalating waste crisis and the global call for sustainable solutions, chemical recycling for plastics has emerged as both a potential solution and a subject of spirited debate. The concept of transforming post-use plastic into usable resources equivalent to virgin materials through chemical processes holds significant promise. However, several pitfalls and question marks have been raised around how sustainable the process and its outcomes truly are.

In this instalment of our debate series, our panel of experts have come together to dissect the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of integrating chemical recycling into our journey towards a sustainable future. They discussed:

• The methodologies behind chemical recycling. Can the process be sustainable, and how?
• The opportunities and positive impacts of chemical recycling, and the potential trade-offs and pitfalls.
• How brands are approaching chemical recycling in their plastic-reduction strategies.
• The future of this approach. Is there a sustainable way forward with it, and how can we get there?

Our expert panel:

• Chris Dixon, ocean campaign lead, Environmental Investigation Agency
• Nick Cliffe, deputy challenge director, UKRI
• Charles Van Reij, global lead packaging, paper and print, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
• Inari Seppa, director, circular advocacy, EMEA, Eastman

This webinar was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director at Innovation Forum.