Could you discuss the importance of waste management in addressing environmental concerns related to plastics?
“An evolution in waste management is critical to help solve the plastic waste issue. As our industry continues innovating and investing to repurpose used plastic back into new plastic products, we need feedstock to run those facilities. We are eager to partner with the waste management industry and others to ensure that used plastic can be collected, sorted, and sold to recycling facilities to keep it out of landfills and the environment. “
With numerous sustainability approaches within the industry, such as advanced recycling techniques and bio-based polymers, which do you find most promising for enhancing the industry’s sustainability?
The future of sustainability in our industry involves a combination of many strategies rather than relying on a single solution. Advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis are promising because they allow for the breakdown of plastics back into their original monomers, which can be reused to produce new plastics with virgin material qualities. Polystyrene, in particular, stands out due to its efficient conversion back to its original liquid form, making it one of the most recyclable plastics available.
Bio-based options reduce reliance on petrochemicals, they do not fundamentally change the need for effective waste management and recycling systems. Therefore, while bio-based solutions contribute to sustainability, they must be part of a broader strategy that includes advanced recycling techniques.
What are the main obstacles currently preventing wider adoption of pyrolysis and other advanced recycling technologies?
The adoption of advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis is hindered by a few challenges. First, the technology itself, while robust, requires a consistent and adequate supply of feedstock, which is not as readily available as materials for traditional manufacturing processes. Securing a steady supply of suitable waste plastics for recycling is a logistical and educational challenge that involves significant public engagement and changes in waste collection practices.
If the feedstock for oil was completely cut off, do you believe we would still be able to meet the demand for your products?
All companies strive to be profitable, but our ultimate goal is to satisfy our customers' needs. There is a growing consumer trend, increasingly evident in major retailers, where there is a high demand for products containing recycled content. This consumer behavior is guiding our production decisions and shaping our offerings. It’s not an overnight transformation, but a gradual shift towards sustainable practices. For example, our goal at AmSty is to achieve 30% recycled content in our packaging products by 2030, which will significantly reduce our reliance on oil-based feedstocks. This shift also ties into broader accountability systems similar to those used for green electricity credits, which promote environmentally responsible behavior across industries.
Could you elaborate on the Regenyx project - a 50/50 joint venture between AmSty and Agilyx - and its outcomes in terms of advancing recycling technologies?
Regenyx was a demonstration project based in Tigard, Oregon, designed to develop pyrolysis technology for recycling plastics, particularly polystyrene, which is among the easiest plastics to recycle due to its ability to revert to liquid form when heated. This project successfully demonstrated that polystyrene could be decomposed and reprocessed efficiently through pyrolysis, underlining its potential for large-scale recycling operations. After running for several years under a partnership with Agilyx, the project has concluded, proving the technology's effectiveness and its readiness for broader application in the recycling industry.
What concerns keep you up at night regarding the industry and its public perception?
I am generally optimistic, but one persistent concern is the industry's ability to communicate its importance and the benefits it provides to everyday life effectively. Our challenge is not just in maintaining operational excellence but in improving our engagement with the public to highlight how integral plastics and chemical products are to modern life—from food safety facilitated by packaging to the ubiquitous use of household appliances.
Looking ahead to 2027, what innovations in recycling do you anticipate will be most impactful?
By 2027, I foresee significant advancements in the recycling of plastics, mirroring the widespread recycling of materials like aluminum today. I expect large-scale advanced recycling facilities to be operational, significantly increasing the content of recycled materials in everyday products.
The shift toward a more circular economy in plastics will likely be well-established, with advanced recycling technologies becoming as common as traditional recycling methods.
