Chemical Recycling Scientist: solution or scam?

In this episode, we discuss one of the most controversial topics in the circular economy debate: chemical recycling. Between ambitious promises for the future, harsh realities, and heated discussions on social media, we take a scientifically grounded look at the current landscape.Our guest, Dr Alexander Hofmann from the Fraunhofer Institute, explains:What technologies currently existWhere the technical limitations lieWhy “mechanical vs chemical” is a false dichotomyThe role of regulation, mass balancing, and recycled-content targets in the EUWhy sorting residues, multilayer films, and plastics from e-waste are difficult to make circular without chemical processesWhy mechanical recycling should always be the first choice, but is not enoughEnergy use, life-cycle assessments, and carbon footprintsWhy pyrolysis is not actually a new technology, but is now being given a new opportunityHow realistic true “closed loops” really areIf you want to understand where chemical recycling stands today, which approaches have a future, and where the limitations lie, this episode is for you.