Innovative chemical recycling solutions can recover used valuable materials for reuse without creating additional environmental damage, making them an effective and sustainable choice for waste management. When examining recycling projects segmented by industries, we can also see how technology firms and startups accelerate innovation.
First, let's look at the automotive sector.
Automotive
Chemical recycling offers advantages to the automotive industry, particularly in managing end-of-life vehicle components. Many vehicle parts are made from materials that are challenging to recycle through traditional methods. These materials include valuable metals, rubber, and interior design materials like plastics, foam, carpeting, and upholstery. Through chemical recycling, these materials can be broken down into their original chemical constituents and used to create new automotive materials.
Many players in the mobility industry actively employ chemical recycling to reduce plastic waste.
- Innovative examples in automotive waste management
Audi - LyondellBasell
In 2022, Audi collaborated with the chemical company LyondellBasell to use recycled plastics in the seatbelt buckle covers of the Audi Q8 e-tron. The used recycled plastic was produced from mixed automotive plastic waste.
Mercedes - BASF - Pyrum Innovations
Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with startup Pyrum Innovations and BASF to increase the proportion of recycled materials in its vehicle fleet to an average of 40% by 2030.
Mercedes combines BASF's chemical recycling technology with Pyrum Innovations' solution for obtaining pyrolysis oil from used tires.
Gr3n sagl - Alcantara S.p.A
Gr3n sagl is a company that has developed technology enabling the chemical recycling of PET and polyester. In the chemical recycling process, the auxiliary chemicals required for reaction and processing steps are produced from by-products, creating a closed-loop cycle that only requires water and energy.
The company announced a partnership with Alcantara S.p.A., a company focused on automotive interiors. Together, they are working to recover end-of-life feedstock and production waste. Through depolymerization, they will obtain pure PET for new applications.
Workinlot provides the venture building methodology and intrapreneur in residence workforce to assist corporate innovation executives in implementing such projects.
At Workinlot we design process frameworks that enable companies to collaborate with technology firms and startups. To ensure these designs are optimally developed, we provide iterative project management support in partnership with the organization.
Through this collaborative and iterative knowledge transfer, we have helped establish corporate venture capital funds, open innovation platforms, and venture builder structures.
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Sources : Plugandplay - 6 Industries that Chemical Recycling is Poised to Disrupt