Zero Waste Challenge
Beyond mechanical sorting, mechanical recycling is the cornerstone of the circular economy. It processes homogeneous materials (such as clean PET bottles) into new products. However, this process has physical limits: it can only handle materials of a certain purity.
According to industry data, mechanical sorting facilities must reject approximately 10% of incoming materials. These mixed materials (soiled plastics, complex packaging, blends) unfortunately still end up in landfills or incinerators.
Enerkem steps in where traditional recycling stops
We are the essential complement to mechanical recycling. Enerkem’s technology recovers value from materials rejected by traditional recycling streams to maximize the overall diversion rate.
The materials we recover:
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Heterogeneous and soiled plastics: Materials contaminated by food or other substances.
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Multilayer packaging: Complex films that cannot be separated mechanically.
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Sorting rejects (SRF): The residual stream from material recovery facilities.
Our processes handle feedstocks that comply with Annex IX, Part E of the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
The advantage of gasification over incineration
0%
Incineration (energy recovery) recycles 0% of the material.
90%
Enerkem’s gasification technology recycles up to 90% of the material, turning carbon into new molecules rather than smoke.
Deconstructing to rebuild better
We don’t melt plastic: we deconstruct it. Our gasification process breaks the chemical bonds in waste to return to its basic building blocks (carbon and hydrogen). This allows us to:
- Process heterogeneous materials that no one else can recover.
- Remove contaminants during the gas cleanup process.
- Recreate virgin-quality products (methanol, ethanol) with no loss of quality, cycle after cycle.
How does Enerkem’s technology fit into the recycling ecosystem?
Selective collection
Mechanical recycling
Chemical recycling for homogeneous products
Enerkem technology
Closing the loop
Secure your supply today
Don’t let regulations catch up with you. Talk to our team to secure your energy transition.
