Natalia Scherbakoff, Vice President, Technology & Innovation at Trinseo
Before we bade farewell to 2023, I wrote a Forbes Technology Council article diving into the impact of chemistry on sustainability and sharing my two cents on several considerations and opportunities in relation to depolymerization as a kind of chemical recycling. As the sequel here, I would like to write about my thoughts on the anticipated hurdles and how to overcome them.
The Catalysts For Change
Although chemical recycling holds great potential, it comes with its fair share of obstacles. One significant hurdle is scalability. Developing large-scale chemical recycling facilities demands substantial investments in infrastructure and technology. In addition, ensuring consistent feedstock quality is vital for optimal results, as variations in input materials can affect the output quality. Striking a balance between environmental and economic considerations is crucial to achieving widespread adoption of this revolutionary technology.
Along with these challenges, the industry is witnessing remarkable advancements that push the boundaries of what's possible. Researchers are exploring catalysts that can enhance the efficiency of chemical reactions, making the process more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Partnerships between recycling companies and petrochemical manufacturers are emerging, fostering a circular economy by integrating chemical recycling products into new plastic production processes.
Next-Generation Technology For The Next Generation
The horizon of chemical recycling is full of futuristic technologies that have the potential to revolutionize plastic sustainability.
Collaboration To Enable Innovation
As these technologies mature, they hold the promise of surmounting current limitations and ushering in a new era of plastic sustainability. However, successful implementation requires a holistic approach that involves collaboration between governments, industries and research institutions. Regulatory support, funding for research and development and public awareness campaigns are vital components of driving the adoption of chemical recycling technologies.
Governments and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to chemical recycling technologies. Developing clear guidelines and regulations that support the safe and responsible deployment of these technologies is essential.
In addition, incentivizing and encouraging the design of plastic products with recycling in mind can alleviate challenges downstream. Designing for disassembly and recycling can streamline the chemical recycling process and enhance its overall efficiency, helping to create a truly closed-loop ecosystem.
Imagine industries from automotive to consumer electronics and everywhere in between beginning their product design process with the end in mind—knowing that eventually, a range of pieces and parts are going to come back to them through a closed-loop system that greatly extends the life of the original product or its components.
Forward Thinking To Help Us Move Forward
The journey toward a sustainable future that uses smart plastics is not without its obstacles, but chemical recycling offers hope. By addressing the complexities head-on and embracing a collaborative approach, we can navigate the challenges that chemical recycling, including depolymerization, presents.
The integration of innovation, research, industry engagement and regulatory support will be pivotal in shaping a future where plastic waste is a valuable resource rather than a burden on our environment. In this pursuit, chemical recycling stands as a testament to our determination to reshape the plastics industry into one that reflects sustainability, responsibility and forward-thinking ingenuity.
Natalia Scherbakoff is a member of Forbes Technology Council. Get more insights from Scherbakoff’s thought leadership by reading her posts published on Forbes.com (English only).
