Welcome to the web pages of PLASTCYCLE.

A large number of additive chemicals are added to different polymers to improve the quality of plastic products. Some of these chemicals are classified as hazardous substances or chemicals of concern that should not be recycled and used in new products. However, a lack of knowledge and transparency in the supply chain of plastic hinders the proper identification and removal of these chemicals prior to the recycling process. Plastics waste can also get contaminated in the waste stream, and/or additive chemicals can be transformed into other toxic substances. Overall, lack of market, financial incentives, infrastructure to effectively collect and separate plastics in the waste stream, and concern regarding the quality of recyclate pose a systematic challenge that hinders the sufficient recycling of plastics.

The European Commission set the ambitious target to increase the recycling rate of plastics to 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030. To meet these targets, collaborative efforts by stakeholders are needed to ensure the safe design of products and sound management of plastics in the waste stream.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and runs from 2020-2023.