One year after the opening of the advanced hard plastics sorting facility in Acht, Eindhoven, waste-to-product company Renewi reflects on the progress. The facility has increased processing capacity and delivers recycled hard plastics with a purity of at least 95%. However, the market for these high-quality recyclates remains challenging, as low cost virgin plastics continue to dominate.

High-Quality Recycling

A year ago, Renewi opened its state-of-the-art hard plastics facility, an event marked by a visit from Queen Máxima and former Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen. Since then, the facility has proven that high-quality recycling of hard plastics is technically feasible and can make a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction. Using advanced sorting and purification technologies, Renewi produces high-grade recyclates that meet the stringent requirements of sectors such as the automotive industry. These recycled materials offer substantial CO₂ savings compared to virgin plastics. Although the potential market for recyclates is significant, today’s market still often opts for cheaper primary raw materials. The import of recycled materials from outside the EU leads to unfair competition, as these are offered at much lower prices than what recyclers like Renewi can offer. Moreover, these primary materials and “recyclates” do not always meet the same environmental standards as those enforced in Europe.

Facts and Figures: One Year of the Hard Plastics Sorting Facility

• Increased capacity: 19,500 tons of hard plastics processed.
• High purity: The recyclates, PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene), have a purity of at least 95%, suitable for high-end applications.
• CO₂ reduction: The use of these recycled materials leads to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions compared to virgin materials.
• Market challenge: Low cost virgin plastics continue to suppress demand for recyclates.

Encouraging Recycling

To better compete with low cost virgin plastics, a more level playing field is needed—one supported by stronger regulations and incentives that increase demand for European recyclates. Jan-Pedro Vis, Director of Material Management & Outbound Sales at Renewi, urges the market to take responsibility: "Our facility proves that high-quality recycling of hard plastics is possible and offers significant benefits for the environment and the circular economy. But without a fair price for recycled materials, the market remains stuck in the status quo: the desire to become more sustainable is there, but there’s still hesitation to incur additional costs or adapt processes. We call on companies to stop choosing the easy, low cost option of virgin plastics and instead invest in more sustainable and circular solutions. Only then can we collectively shift to a circular economy and reduce our dependency on imported raw materials.”

Renewi Continues to Invest in Circular Innovation

Renewi remains committed to a circular future. Through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and investments in new technologies, the company demonstrates to the market that high-quality recycling is not only possible, but essential.