Chemical Recycling: Behind the Industry Hype
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Amid overwhelming plastic pollution and an exponential rise in plastic production, the fossil fuel industry has touted chemical or “advanced” recycling as a solution to the plastic crisis. However, through extensive research GAIA has uncovered that the true nature of “chemical recycling” falls far short of the industry hype. In fact, our findings show that chemical recycling is polluting, energy intensive, and has a track record of technical failures.
We have no more time or money to waste on dysfunctional and potentially dangerous techno fixes like chemical recycling. As we recover from the economic ravages of COVID-19, we must invest wisely in proven, common-sense solutions that will support public health and a safe environment.
Speakers:
- Denise Patel, US and Canada Program Director, GAIA
- Yobel Novian Putra, Climate and Clean Energy Campaign Associate, GAIA Asia Pacific
- Dr. Andrew Neil Rollinson, specialist in alternative thermal conversion technologies, University of Loughborough
- Dr. Neil Tangri, Science and Policy Director, GAIA
- Janek Vahk, Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Coordinator, Zero Waste Europe
