Dow and Procter & Gamble (P&G) have announced a pioneering partnership with the aim of developing cutting-edge recycling technology. This innovative technology is intended to transform difficult-to-recycle plastic packaging into recycled polyethylene with near-virgin quality, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions footprint. The collaborative effort will draw from the companies’ respective patented technologies and expertise in the dissolution process, with a particular focus on recycling polyethylene and targeting post-household plastic waste, including rigid, flexible, and multi-layer packaging.
The ultimate goal of this new technology is to produce high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer with a considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions footprint compared to traditional, fossil-based polyethylene. By leveraging this PCR polymer in their packaging, P&G aims to create a circular process that maximizes resource utility and minimizes the amount of materials destined for waste treatment.
The global partnership between Dow and P&G is set to commence immediately and is anticipated to continue until commercialization. Both companies boast decades of expertise in materials science, manufacturing capabilities, and large-scale supply chain management, all of which are poised to play a pivotal role in the development and eventual deployment of this revolutionary recycling technology on a commercial scale.
Dave Parrillo, Vice President for Research & Development at Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics and Hydrocarbons, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Dow is committed to transforming plastic waste into circular solutions that can be made into high-quality resins demanded by our customers while helping to accelerate a circular economy. We are excited to work with P&G who has similar sustainability goals and commitment to innovation.”
Lee Ellen Drechsler, Senior Vice President of Corporate Research and Development at Procter & Gamble, also emphasized the significance of the partnership, asserting, “Our partnership with Dow helps P&G advance our objective to scale industry solutions as we help create a circular future where materials are recycled and remade instead of becoming waste.”
Both Dow and P&G have set ambitious targets to drive circularity within their operations. Dow has pledged to transform waste and commercialize three million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions by 2030, while P&G aims to ensure that 100% of its consumer packaging is designed to be recycled or reusable by the same year. This joint effort is a significant step towards achieving these sustainability goals and revolutionizing the landscape of recycling technology.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Dow and P&G represents a major leap forward in the quest for sustainable, circular solutions within the plastic packaging industry. By partnering to develop an innovative recycling technology, these two industry giants are poised to pave the way for a more environmentally-conscious and resource-efficient future.