Today CHEM Trust publishes a detailed report on 'Chemical Recycling', a set of technologies that are often claimed to be on the cusp of revolutionising the recycling of plastics. This study finds that these technologies in reality have major problems, including substantial energy use, a need for pre-sorted, good quality plastic input and concerns over hazardous … [Read more...] about Chemical recycling: Is it worth the energy?
Recycling
MEPs to vote on contaminated PVC recycling – A clean or a dirty circular economy for Europe?
**Update: MEPs voted to reject the Commission's proposal to allow higher levels of lead in recycled PVC on Wednesday 12th February, with 394 votes for, 241 votes against and 13 abstentions** Some PVC plastic waste - for example from old PVC window frames - contains lead, a well-known health hazard which is no longer used in new PVC produced in the EU. This has led to … [Read more...] about MEPs to vote on contaminated PVC recycling – A clean or a dirty circular economy for Europe?
CHEM Trust joins with other NGOs to highlight the importance of REACH to the Circular Economy
The debate on the 'Circular Economy' is hotting up, as the Juncker Commission tries to work out what changes it is going to make to the existing proposal to make it 'more ambitious'. CHEM Trust have already pointed out the importance of chemical regulation - in particular REACH - in cleaning up the circular economy. We've now joined with European Environmental Bureau (EEB), … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust joins with other NGOs to highlight the importance of REACH to the Circular Economy
REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
On 24th March I took part in an event in Brussels, organised by EurActiv, discussing the relationship between the REACH chemicals regulations and the Circular Economy, in particular the interaction between REACH & recycling. The other panelists included representatives of the European Commission (both DG Environment and DG Growth), the plastic pipe industry and an MEP, Paul … [Read more...] about REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
