As we wrestle with the plastic waste crisis, exploring every potential solution is critical. Advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis—a process that breaks down materials using heat (400°C–800°C) in the absence of oxygen, preventing combustion—offer new hope, promising significant benefits but also presenting notable challenges. How can these innovations fit into a broader mission to reduce plastic waste and reliance on fossil fuels? Jodie Morgan, CEO of Nexus Circular, believes advanced recycling technologies are poised to become the norm, with an increasing recognition of their necessity as plastic use grows. “This growth in plastic, unfortunately, will likely lead to more visible environmental pollution, which in turn will drive the push for effective recycling solutions.”
Morgan highlights the limitations of traditional mechanical recycling, particularly for certain plastics and food-safe materials. Morgan's vision for Nexus Circular includes processing 5 billion pounds of post-use plastic by 2030. “We believe that we can reach the point of decoupling manufacturing from extraction and reducing the dependence on new fossil-based resources by ensuring that the plastic resources that we already have above ground stay in play.”
Simon Critten, SVP and strategic market lead energy North America at Mott MacDonald, points out a crucial market shift: “Historically, recycled materials were sold at a discount, but now they can achieve parity or even a premium over virgin materials. This pricing shift encourages compa
nies to integrate advanced recycling into their operations, maintaining material quality and meeting stringent environmental standards.” This change represents a pivotal moment for the industry, aligning economic incentives with environmental benefits.
Despite the optimism surrounding advanced recycling, it faces its fair share of criticism. Concerns include the energy and resources required for processes like pyrolysis, which may offset environmental benefits. Additionally, integrating these technologies into existing systems can be complex and costly. Frederic Schmuck underlines the complementary nature of advanced recycling. “Our approach complements existing me- chanical recycling methods by enhancing the recycling rates and tackling plastics that are currently deemed nonrecyclable.”
By blending the strengths of mechanical and advanced recycling, sub- stantial strides can be made to not only reduce plastic pollution but the reliance on fossil fuels. As some of my interviewees confirmed, including Morgan, we have already dug up all the fossil fuels needed for future plastic demand. Just recycle it.
And due to their high solubility, they do not degrade and can lead to widespread contamination. Michael Kozak, business unit president - environmental & infrastructure at Minerals Technologies Inc., explains: “These compounds are notorious for their persistence and ability to spread quickly through groundwater, increasing the risk of exposure and potential harm to human health. The ubiquity of PFAS is alarming due to their proven adverse effects on human health, leading to significant regulatory attention worldwide, including stringent limits on PFAS levels in drinking water.”
Understanding water quality is not just a task for regulators; it is something we all need to be aware of. Melissa Aquino, senior VP of the water quality segment at Veralto, offers practical advice: “I recommend that individuals take the time to read and understand their local water quality reports, which are sent out by municipalities. These reports detail the contaminants tested for and their levels in the water supply. It is important for everyone, especially families, to be informed about what is in their water and understand the measures being taken to ensure its safety. At home, I engage my children in this learning process, showing them how water testing works using simple kits that even children can use.”
Aquino also touches on the complexities of regulating water contam- inants: “The intention behind setting such low regulatory limits for contaminants like PFAS is to exert pressure on the system to eliminate harmful chemicals. However, another challenge is the practicality of dealing with these contaminants once captured—whether in filters or granulated activated carbon, they still need disposal.”
Water management is more important than ever before. As the impact and awareness of contamination grows, so will the need to take action. We can take action ourselves with increased awareness of what may be in our water.