The plastics industry says this technology could help banish pollution. It's ‘an illusion,' critics say

A recycling facility in Tigard, Oregon, that aimed to use chemical recycling to process polystyrene and transform it into building blocks for new products has closed after just five years of operation. Regenyx, the facility’s operator, claimed that its closing demonstrated the feasibility and potential of chemical recycling. However, Regenyx fell far short of its capacity, managing only 3,000 tons of plastic waste in five years instead of the projected 3,650 tons per year. Critics argue that chemical recycling has not lived up to its promises and has faced challenges such as missed targets, plant closures, and environmental incidents. Chemical recycling enthusiasts argue that it can produce high-quality plastics, but critics counter that much of the produced plastic is not used for new products but rather for fuel. Despite its potential, chemical recycling still struggles to handle the variety of plastics and contamination issues. It also requires significant amounts of energy compared to mechanical recycling. The industry has faced difficulties in scaling up, with current chemical recycling facilities in the US capable of recycling less than 1.3% of plastic waste. Experts emphasize that reducing plastic production is essential to addressing the plastic crisis. The plastics industry has resisted production restrictions and instead has pushed for recycling solutions like chemical recycling. However, critics argue that chemical recycling may be seen as a way to delay taking necessary action to address the plastic pollution problem. Policymakers may find chemical recycling appealing as it offers a potential solution without requiring difficult decisions. Ultimately, some experts suggest that we need to acknowledge that we cannot continue using plastics in the same manner as before.