Chemical Recycling: False Solution to the Plastic Pollution Crisis

As the plastics industry gears up to increase production four-fold by 2050, it's now promoting "chemical recycling" (also referred to as "advanced recycling") as the solution to the plastic pollution problem, overcoming plastic recycling failures and creating a "circular economy" in plastic. However, the evidence to support these claims is scant.

In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Neil Tangri, Director of Science and Policy at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), briefs us on Chemical Recycling of plastic, also known as “advanced recycling”. Drawing on the findings of a suite of well-evidenced scientific reviews by GAIA over the past three years, Dr. Tangri explains why chemical recycling is not really recycling and doesn't close a loop for a circular economy in plastic. Specifically, he explains the chemical recycling process, how it differs from the mechanical recycling of plastic, its impact on human health, its carbon and energy footprint, its economic viability, and where it is currently being practiced. Following the presentation, Del. Sara Love provides an overview of her bill, HB 21, that would exclude this process from Maryland's definition of recycling, and ban the process in the state. It features Q&A by participants, including some state delegates, in the last half hour.