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Materials Ecosystem

Advanced Recycling

Learn how advanced recycling technologies and systems like chemical recycling are making plastics more sustainable as part of the materials ecosystem.

The role of advanced recycling in the materials ecosystem

To enable broader use of recycled plastic, Dow is investing in an innovative technology called chemical recycling, also known as advanced recycling, a complementary technology to mechanical recycling. Advanced recycling offers massive, untapped market potential and the ability to bring sustainability and circularity to previously incompatible areas such as food-grade and medical-grade packaging. Advanced recycling allows the same material to be reused while offering the same high-quality plastic.

How it works

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Plastics are heated up

While advanced recycling technologies vary (such as gasification and pyrolysis), the goal is the same: to use heat in the conversion of plastic waste to a liquid or gas feedstock — which can be further refined, removing contaminants.

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Converting plastic waste

Advanced recycling allows plastic to be reused in a wide range of products, including food and medical uses.

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Reusing plastic

As advanced recycling technologies expand and mature, progress in increased recycling rates, less energy use, CO2 emissions reduction, and improved economics will be realized — when compared to incineration.

plastic packaging being placed in a Plastic Only recycle bin

Dow X Mura Technology

Alongside our partner Mura Technology, we are planning and building multiple chemical recycling facilities in the U.S. and Europe, adding as much as 600 kilotons of recycling capacity by 2030. In October 2023, Mura opened the world’s first commercial-scale HydroPRS™ (Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution) advanced plastic recycling plant in Teesside, U.K. The purpose-built facility at the Wilton International industrial site will process flexible and rigid mixed plastics, including films, that are currently considered ‘unrecyclable’.

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granulated plastic waste in gloved hands

Dow X Valoregen

Valoregen, a Dow partner, is building France’s most significant single hybrid recycling site, combining mechanical and advanced recycling technologies. Valoregen will be able to reduce the overall carbon emissions produced from these processes by limiting the transportation of waste products between sites. The ultimate goal: a systems approach capable of recycling all plastic waste in one place. To succeed, we must create a viable marketplace for varied recycling technologies and waste materials. There is no single solution, but a combination of new partnerships and innovative technologies is driving a systems evolution.

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How mass balance creates more certainty for circular plastics

If we want to tackle the plastics problem effectively, mass balance accounting is an essential piece of the puzzle. The risks of not recognizing this process can create confusion for consumers, and brands and retailers will struggle to meet legal requirements on recycled content and consumers' expectations of recycled content targets. 

Explore other collaborations

Dow X Feunix partner for 100% circular plastic

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Dow X Nexus Circular advanced recycling partnership

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