An Introduction to Plastics Recycling
Module 1: (3 hours & 15 minutes)
20 minutes Welcome and introduction to the course
45 minutes Waste – collection to processing
- Collection infrastructures
- Post industrial waste
- Deposit vs kerbside collection
- Difference between recycling input routes
10 minutes Break
45 minutes Production routes to new use
- Flake
- Pellet
- Food grade
45 minutes Analysing market dynamics across polymers
- Overview of collection and growth rates in Europe
- Impact on virgin markets from recyclates
- Assess the impact of uncontrollable factors on recycled materials
30 minutes Q&A and summary
Module 2: (3 hours & 15 minutes)
1 hour Breaking down pricing and sales processes
- Review the main price drivers for the recycled market
- How do markets function and how are prices set?
- Discuss the sales process for food grade versus flake versus bale
15 minutes Q&A
15 minutes Break
30 minutes Clarifying market terminology
- Overview of the key terms used in the recycled polymer market
- Pricing jargon—what is contract versus spot pricing?
- Who are the key market players?
45 minutes Future challenges for recycling technologies
- Legislative framework
- Addressing contamination
- Disruptive technologies – bio-based feedstocks, light weighting
- Influence of brand and consumer pressure
- What is the current state of recycling across European markets?
15 minutes Q&A
15 minutes Summary
Module 3: (2 hours & 20 minutes)
45 minutes Chemical recycling
- Types of chemical recycling
- Status of development
- How disruptive will chemical recycling be?
15 minutes Q&A
10 minutes Break
45 minutes What are the end markets for recycling polymers?
- How end markets will dictate the evolution of recyclate markets
- Which end markets are set to decline
- What will be the impact of the refocus on design for recycle?
15 minutes Q&A
10 minutes Summary and course conclusion