Licella will conduct a joint feasibility study to determine the technical, economic and environmental benefits of a local advanced recycling industry.
It is carried out in collaboration with the recycler iQ Renew, Coles, the polymer manufacturer LyondellBasell and Nestlé.
The study examines potential locations in Victoria for an advanced recycling plant using the innovative Australian Cat-HTR (Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor) technology, a form of hydrothermal liquefaction technology developed by Licella.
Cat HTR technology was recognized by Prime Minister Scott Morrison for its potential to address the growing global problem of plastic waste.
Dr. Len Humphreys, CEO of Licella, explains why advanced recycling in Australia can give food brands access to the recycled food-grade packaging they want.
"We believe that advanced or chemical recycling has an important place in the future circular economy for plastics and creates higher value and fewer emissions than waste to energy," says Dr. Humphreys.
Speakers from the individual companies comment on the advantages of this study:
“Advanced recycling complements existing mechanical recycling as it can process hard-to-process plastics such as plastic. B. soft plastics, multiple packaging and plastics that have broken down through repeated mechanical recycling, ”says iQ Renew CEO Danial Gallagher.
“We are committed to working with the industry to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment and we understand the importance of being part of a more sustainable plastic packaging future for our customers, our team and the communities we serve. ”Thinus Keeve, Coles Group's Chief Sustainability, Property & Export Officer, says.
“Our goal is to produce and market two million tons of recycled and renewable polymers annually by 2030. This is an important commitment that, in turn, enables our customers and value chain partners to transform their businesses, ”added LyondellBasell Australia's Managing Director, Mitchell Killeen.
Sandra Martinez, CEO of Nestlé Australia, sums it up: “While Nestlé wants to reduce the use of virgin plastics and increase the use of recycled packaging, it will not do so without collaboration across the plastics value chain. This feasibility study will provide an important key to developing a brighter future for soft plastics in Australia. "
