As long as the production of materials involves chemicals of concern to such a large extent, reusing and recycling these materials is problematic. An additional concern is legacy chemicals remaining in the system from previously produced materials.
This report from takes a closer look at available and proposed recycling methods - particularly plastic packaging and textiles - and their ability to tackle and eliminate chemicals of concern from input waste materials. It also presents a new and unique analysis, aiming to look into the financial opportunity that could be realized if the stumbling block of “chemicals of concern” was removed from the path to a circular economy.
Acknowledging the many uncertainties about future market developments, coupled with developing policies and technologies, the report analyses a number of different scenarios. While the potential market opportunities vary, even a conservative estimate shows a substantial market potential, which can be added to the many reasons for ridding the economy of chemicals of concern.