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As the global plastic waste crisis escalates, the necessity for innovative and sustainable solutions grows. One transformative approach is incorporating both recycled plastics and bio-based materials in the formulation of powder coatings. allnex is championing this shift with its ECOWISE™ CHOICE products, including CRYLCOAT® OCEAN powder coating resins.
The plastic waste dilemma
The escalating plastic waste crisis is a pressing global concern. Despite ongoing recycling efforts, a substantial amount of the hundreds of millions of tons of plastic ends up in in the oceans.
Figure 1: Per capita contribution to oceanic plastic pollution worldwide
The statistics from Our World in Data underscore the severity of the issue, revealing a concerning trend in plastic waste production and disposal. The unequal distribution of responsibility for plastic pollution across different countries is particularly striking. Given these trends, the need for innovative solutions to manage plastic waste effectively and sustainably is clear.
The benefits of powder coating
Traditional strategies for managing plastic waste, such as recycling and incineration, have so far proven insufficient to address the scale of the issue. By integrating recycled plastics into powder coating resins, we not only reduce plastic waste but also create a product with enhanced properties.
Transforming plastic waste into an opportunity
The solution to the plastic waste problem begins with raising consumer and industry awareness about the potential of recycled plastics and bio-based materials in powder coating resins.
Market awareness and circular economy initiatives
Figure 2: The linear and circular economy
Initiatives promoting a circular economy play a vital role in this transformation. The idea is to transition from a linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’, to a circular economy where waste becomes a resource.
Regulatory impacts and materials
Government regulations and the environmental impact of raw materials play a role in driving the shift towards sustainable solutions. The inclusion of recycled plastics and bio-based materials in powder coating resins aligns with these regulations and reduces reliance on non-renewable raw materials.
Sustainable powder coating resins
allnex has identified five pillars in its strategy towards sustainable coatings. These pillars are based on the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Here we will focus on ‘Cicural economy‘ and ‘Renewable sourcing‘.
A circular approach
A circular approach in the value chain is fundamental to transforming plastic waste into a resource. The aim is to recycle materials for the same or similar applications rather than downcycling them. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plays a key role in this by shifting the responsibility from consumers to producers.
Recycling waste PET
allnex are introducing new powder coating technology with up to 25% recycled PET (rPET) in these powde