Circularity

The circularity of plastics refers to the degree to which plastic materials are kept in a closed-loop system, where they are reused, recycled, or otherwise repurposed rather than discarded as waste. The circular economy model aims to minimize waste and pollution by keeping materials in use for as long as possible, and plastics play a crucial role in this effort given their widespread use and persistence in the environment.

Circularity involves designing products and packaging to be recyclable or biodegradable, establishing effective collection and sorting systems to capture plastic waste, and creating markets for recycled materials. Achieving a circular economy for plastics requires the cooperation of industry, government, and consumers, and involves a shift away from the linear "take-make-dispose" model of the traditional economy.

Chemicycle harnesses a process involving a patented formulation to release and break down the chain length in plastics. The chain length of a "plastic," refers to the length of the polymer chains that make up the plastic material. Polymer chains are made up of repeating units called monomers, and the length of the polymer chain depends on the number of monomers that are joined together.

In general, plastics with longer chain lengths tend to have higher molecular weights and are more durable and resistant to degradation. However, longer chain lengths can also make the plastic more brittle and difficult to process. The chain length of a "plastic," can be controlled during the polymerization process by adjusting the conditions such as temperature, pressure, and the ratio of monomers used. The resulting plastic can have a range of properties based on the chain length and other factors such as the type of monomer used and any additives or fillers added to the material. Read more about options when planning for circularity - be it reuse, repurposing or recycling.