SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): A recent report titled “Quantitative Comparison of LCAs on the Current State of Advanced Recycling Technologies", released by the City College of New York (CCNY) Grove School of Engineering highlights the climate benefits offered by advanced plastics recycling.
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The report authored by Dr. Marco J. Castaldi, professor of chemical engineering and director of CCNY's Earth Engineering Center (EEC), and EEC research associate Lauren Creadore noted that advanced recycling has contributed in avoiding climate impacts by transforming hard-to-recycle plastics into new products with a much lesser carbon footprint. Furthermore, it helps reduce demand for energy sources and contribute towards expanding a circular economy. The study analysed as many as thirteen recently completed life cycle assessments (LCAs).
In addition to delivering products with reduced global warming potential, advanced plastics recycling reduces the use of fossil energy resources by nearly 97%, compared to landfilling. Also, it leads to significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to usual processes.
Castaldi pointed out that advanced recycling will play a key role in helping the world achieve its ambitious sustainability goals.
