ChemSec

There is a gap between supply and demand when it comes to recycled materials. This report provides the results from a survey and in-depth interviews with several major consumer product brands (the demand side), regarding the current state of play for recycled plastics, as well as future needs and demands.

To the brands, the importance of supply chain transparency, stricter standards, and correct information regarding actual recycled content far outweigh the “100% recycled” labels that suppliers go out of their way to achieve.

Increased use of virgin materials and low recycling levels show that a circular economy is far from being realised. The presence of chemicals of concern in materials is an im­portant reason for this. Mechanical recycling will remain the main recycling technology for the foreseeable future, which makes establish­ing non­toxic waste streams the key to scaling up the circular economy.