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NOVA Chemicals is trying to address hard-to-recycle plastics | xxlphoto/Shutterstock
NOVA Chemicals is planning a pilot-scale reactor for plastic pyrolysis, the resin maker’s latest recycling step, in 2022.
In his Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2021NOVA also reported that it has recycled more than 99% of its PE industrial scrap, about 7,000 tons, and grossly diverted another one Send 1,200 tons of PE from the landfill, lumps and strands resulting from production changes to a plastics company for processing.
NOVA now in partnership with Enerkem plans start building a Pilot scale reactor. The reactor aims to tackle hard-to-recycle plastics will use Pyrolysis to convert discarded plastic into raw materials for new plastic production.
“We are exploring pyrolysis technology and continue our work with Enerkem, the first company in the world to produce renewable methanol and ethanol from non-recyclable, non-compostable municipal solid waste on a full commercial scale,” the report reads. “Together we are working together to expand this breakthrough technology to convert hard-to-recycle municipal waste, including plastics and other items such as household waste and construction materials, into raw materials that can be used to make new plastics.”
The report also noted that the company has introduced its first grades of 100% recycled PE from distribution centers or agricultural film feedstock. It is available in commercial quantities for a range of flexible film applications such as: B. collectable shrink and stretch films, agricultural films, heavy shipping bags and garbage bag liners, to name just a few.
“In October 2021, we reached a milestone and delivered railcar quantities of rPE,” the report reads.
NOVA also showcased a range of customizable recycled PE film constructions that can be tailored for applications such as high-capacity bags, collectable shrink film, stretch film, agricultural film, garbage bags and liners, bubble wrap and air cushions.
In addition to the recycled PE linens, NOVA 2021 also launched a PE resin, HPs267-AB, which acts as a moisture barrier. This could allow the company to replace mixed-material packaging such as metallized or non-recyclable PET laminate films.
“This resin enables packaging engineers to develop a wide range of food packaging films that protect contents from contamination and spoilage without compromising moisture barrier performance, toughness or recyclability,” the report states.
Looking ahead, NOVA plans to meet its annual target of zero loss of plastic pellets to the environment from plants, meaning no resin pellets are spilled during manufacturing or transportation.
“This goal aligns with our belief that plastic doesn’t belong in the environment,” the report said. “In the last three years we have not experienced any plastic granule loss and we aim to maintain that performance.”
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