Female worker sorting recyclable materials into separate bins in a recycling facility
Materials Ecosystem

Collecting

Learn the collecting, cleaning and sorting processes Dow is developing to increase circular plastics availability to meet downstream demand.

Collecting, Cleaning & Sorting

Circularity hinges on collecting, sorting and cleaning plastics waste. There is a greater downstream need for circular plastics than the available supply. Local players in waste management, recycling, design, and manufacturing are essential to ensuring that waste reaches its full potential through local recycling options, infrastructure, education, and incentives. To bridge the gap in demand, Dow is enabling new ways of working, technologies, and processes built around the needs of the waste management industry.

Our plastics collecting, sorting and cleaning process

Collaboration

Collaborative efforts are crucial for promoting the adoption of innovative technologies in tackling global plastic waste challenges.

Technology

Harnessing technology, such as artificial intelligence, to process and analyze large volumes of data rapidly and with great accuracy can significantly improve the efficiency of waste sorting and collection.

Investment

Prioritizing investments in recycling technology innovations can better align economic viability with environmental sustainability.

Woman Carrying Blue Recycling Bin filled with items

Dow X Ambipar

Dow and Ambipar are expanding their strategic alliance to transform the plastic materials recycling industry in Brazil. By combining Dow’s materials science expertise with Ambipar’s leadership in environmental options, the partnership aims to increase polyethylene recycling from 2,000 tons to 60,000 tons per year by 2030. Together, they are creating an integrated center for circular economy, advancing mechanical recycling technologies, and transforming post-consumer waste into valuable, high-quality products.

Recycling bins in front of a home.

Dow X WM

WM and Dow have launched the first major residential recycling program for plastic films in the U.S., allowing curbside collection of hard-to-recycle materials like bread bags and cling wrap. Starting with a pilot in Hickory Hills, IL, this initiative is expected to divert over 120,000 metric tons of plastic films from landfills annually. Combining WM’s recycling expertise and Dow’s material science innovation, the program aims to expand nationwide, advancing circular options for flexible plastics.

Product shot of Hefty Energy Bag with full bag behind it.

Dow X Hefty® EnergyBag® program

The Hefty® EnergyBag® program, Dow, and ByFusion partnership diverts hard-to-recycle plastics from Boise’s landfills, transforming collected waste into ByBlocks®—durable, construction-grade blocks. ByFusion’s Blocker technology repurposes plastic waste for community projects like benches and walls, supporting sustainable development. Since 2018, Boise residents have contributed over 1,000 tons of plastic waste to the EnergyBag® program, showcasing an innovative model for recycling challenging plastics into valuable resources for local infrastructure.

Mr Green Clean Up

Mr. Green Africa

Dow has invested in Mr. Green Africa, a Certified B Corporation and recycling pioneer, to transform waste management systems and accelerate circular options for plastics in Africa. This partnership aims to recover 90 kilotons of plastic waste over four years and create sustainable, high-quality post-consumer recyclates for new packaging. The collaboration supports local communities, improves livelihoods for waste pickers, and promotes circular economy initiatives across the continent.

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Contact us

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