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Charting a Course for Chemical Recycling in Europe

At the recent Advanced Recycling Conference in Cologne, Germany, John Sewell of Chemical Recycling Europe outlines what’s needed to make chemical recycling a success story.

John Sewell, secretary general of Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE)
John Sewell, secretary general of Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE)

The packaging industry is at a pivotal juncture as it grapples with the challenges of plastic waste and the pursuit of a circular economy. A recent talk by John Sewell, secretary general of Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE), at the Advanced Recycling Conference in Cologne, Germany, Nov. 28-29, shed light on the current state and future aspirations of chemical recycling in Europe.

With over three decades of experience in the polymers industry, Sewell emphasized the critical role of chemical recycling in addressing plastic pollution. CRE, established in 2019 and based in Brussels, advocates for the adoption of advanced recycling technologies. As of September 2023, the association boasts 23 members, including technology developers, inventors, operators, and licensors, as well as universities and infrastructure entities.


   Read this related column from Packaging World Editor Matt Reynolds, “Should We Call it Advanced, Chemical, or Molecular Recycling?”


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