The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has unveiled its third Solution Model playbook, “Capturing Value Through Basic Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Waste,” offering an innovative guide to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources.
This playbook builds on the Alliance’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Jacob Duer, President and CEO at the Alliance, explained: “Tackling plastic pollution requires a multifaceted, multi-stakeholder approach.
“Solution Model playbooks are aimed at improving the understanding of the many stakeholders across the plastic value chain about what is possible and what else is needed to drive systems change to end plastic waste in the environment and develop a circular economy for plastics.
“Our hope is that the playbooks will encourage other organisations to scale and replicate these solutions as we seek a wide range of partners to accelerate the achievement of a circular economy that transforms plastic into a sustainable material.”
What is mechanical recycling?
Mechanical recycling is a straightforward yet effective method of processing plastic waste without altering its chemical composition.
By shredding, melting, and reforming plastics, this approach transforms discarded materials into usable products.
Unlike advanced chemical recycling, mechanical recycling relies on simple, scalable technologies, making it an accessible solution for diverse regions.
It is particularly effective for creating products like furniture, construction materials, and eco-aggregates.
Practical recycling solutions for a global challenge
The playbook emphasises practical recycling strategies that can be adapted across various economic contexts, from regions with minimal waste management infrastructure to countries with advanced recycling systems.
It focuses on two crucial aspects of the recycling value chain:
- Collection: Ensuring a steady supply of plastic waste for recycling. This step emphasises streamlining the gathering of mixed-plastic-waste streams, which are often challenging to process economically.
- Processing and converting: Utilising low-tech, scalable recycling methods to transform waste into marketable products, keeping plastic in circulation and out of landfills and oceans.
Key benefits of basic mechanical recycling
The playbook highlights the advantages of adopting mechanical recycling solutions. One of the primary benefits is the low capital investment required, making these technologies accessible to low-income regions and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the process converts plastic waste into valuable products such as furniture and construction materials, contributing to the creation of a circular economy.
Mechanical recycling also stimulates local economies by creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities. In areas with limited resources, establishing recycling operations can provide vital income and drive economic growth.
Environmentally, the solutions outlined in the playbook offer a way to divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans, supporting global sustainability goals and reducing pollution.
Global applications and local impact
The playbook targets countries with emerging waste management systems, often characterised by limited infrastructure, informal waste pickers, and entrepreneurial recycling efforts.
However, its recommendations are equally applicable to residual waste streams in more advanced economies.
Projects implemented by the Alliance in regions such as Costa Rica, Ghana, South Africa, the USA, and the Philippines have informed this model.
These initiatives demonstrate how mechanical recycling can bridge gaps in waste management while promoting local entrepreneurship and sustainability.
A broader vision for circularity
This new playbook is the latest in a series developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group.
Earlier releases, including “Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection” and “Unlocking Value Through Basic Manual Sorting of Municipal Waste,” have provided complementary frameworks for addressing the global plastic waste challenge.
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group, added: “Speed, efficiency, and scalability are critical to addressing the challenges of plastic waste management, especially in the face of rising global plastic consumption.
“At BCG, we are committed to advancing sustainability and circularity, which is why, in close collaboration with the Alliance, we applied our expertise to help design, document and disseminate these Solution Models.
“We hope these playbooks, enriched with practical insights, lessons learned, and real-world examples, will empower stakeholders to strengthen recycling systems and accelerate progress towards a circular economy.”
By focusing on mechanical recycling, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste underscores the importance of accessible, scalable solutions to build a more sustainable future.
With its potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and reduce environmental harm, mechanical recycling represents a crucial step toward achieving a truly circular economy.
