Framework developed for basic mechanical recycling of mixed plastic
Alliance to End Plastic Waste guide identifies technologies and supporting processes to create marketable products from problematic waste streams, particularly for early-stage waste management systems.
With global plastic consumption projected to nearly triple by 2060, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste has released a playbook to improve the recycling process of mixed plastic waste using basic mechanical technologies.
The Capturing Value Through Basic Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Waste guide, created in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, provides strategies for businesses, governments, municipalities, and investors to develop scalable recycling solutions, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.
Commenting on the release of the playbook, Jacob Duer, President and CEO at the Alliance, said: “Solution Model playbooks are aimed at improving the understanding of the many stakeholders across the plastic value chain about what is possible and what else is needed to drive systems change to end plastic waste in the environment and develop a circular economy for plastics.
“Our hope is that the playbooks will encourage other organisations to scale and replicate these solutions.”
Overcoming barriers to mixed plastic recycling
Plastic waste management has struggled with a number of inefficiencies, particularly in handling mixed plastic waste streams. These streams often pose economic and technical hurdles due to contamination and the diversity of materials. The marketability of recycled mixed regrinds also remains limited, with end-users wary of their reliability and quality.
The playbook, using insights from the Alliance’s projects with CRDC Global, the Plastic Flamingo (PLAF), and ASASE Foundation, tested multiple different technologies, solutions, and partnerships to reduce these challenges.
The Alliance’s project with CRDC Global tested technology to convert mixed plastic waste into RESIN8, an eco-aggregate used in construction applications such as concrete and asphalt. This solution aimed to show how technology can be used to transform low-value waste into high-demand products.
With PLAF, the second project focused on engaging the community by designing eco-boards for emergency shelters. Community education and partnerships with leading brand owners were crucial to the success of this project, as well as the utilisation of plastic credits to supplement traditional revenue.
In the third initiative, the Alliance and ASASE Foundation supported local entrepreneurs in Accra, Ghana, to collect and process plastic waste. The resulting materials were sold to recycling firms for use in household and building products, creating both environmental and economic benefits for the community.
Success factors
Across these initiatives, the playbook identifies core strategies that professionals can adopt to strengthen or expand recycling initiatives:
- Policy and stakeholder alignment: Establish collaborations across the value chain, engaging governments, NGOs and businesses to secure feedstock and ensure market access
- Innovation in technology: Use basic mechanical recycling methods, such as the RESIN8 eco-aggregates, to transform waste into marketable products
- Community-driven models: Educate communities on the value of recycling and provide accessible collection points
- Financial tools: Leverage mechanisms like plastic credits and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to supplement traditional revenue
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, added: “Speed, efficiency, and scalability are critical to addressing the challenges of plastic waste management, especially in the face of rising global plastic consumption.
“We hope these playbooks, enriched with practical insights, lessons learned, and real-world examples, will empower stakeholders to strengthen recycling systems and accelerate progress toward a circular economy.”
The playbook is the third output from the collaboration between the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and the Boston Consulting Group, with the Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection and Unlocking Value Through Basic Manual Sorting of Municipal Waste frameworks released in March 2024.