CHEMICAL RECYCLING | INNOVATION


Chemical recycling: towards a clearer horizon


Chemical recycling is a strategic solution not only to plastics waste but also to dependencies in feedstock for plastics production. Laura Florez reports on progress in projects in Europe and elsewhere


Chemical firms are pioneering different initiatives, certifying assets and integrating chemically recycled feedstock into their existing systems designed for fossil-obtained derivatives. This anticipation of the development of an economy framework is set to define plastic waste as a strategic supply asset, besides a solution to environmental strain. The major contribution of this new development


may, however, be a change in the narrative around chemical recycling and a new perspective for plastics production within Europe. The develop- ment of chemical recycling could enable not only circularity, but the surge of a new bond in the supply chain, where chemical manufacturers may position themselves strategically as emerging suppliers of secondary raw materials. This would reduce the dependencies currently in plastics


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production and stabilize feedstock supply. The need for naphtha independence was sorely felt during the last few months, with the escalating tensions in the middle east. According to Biliana Hrsitova, from the intelli- gence platform ISI Markets, “circularity and chemical recycling can be considered tools to reduce the EU’s import dependency in plastic production and conversion and stabilize feedstock supply within the 27-nation bloc”. She points out that chemical firms are not waiting for chemical recycling to be fully defined and are acting early to position themselves in this value chain (see box on mass balance). “This early positioning could allow them to capture first-mover advantages as regula- tory frameworks solidify and demand for circular plastics accelerates”. Recent indicators point towards a steep expan-


July/August 2026 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 15


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