CPIA head favors plastic-to-energy

CPIA head favors plastic-to-energy

By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling

The U.S. could benefit by following the lead of other countries and embracing plastic-to-energy technology, according to Canadian Plastics Industry Association President and CEO Greg Wilkinson.

Speaking on a broadcast [1] of Environment & Energy Daily's OnPoint, Wilkinson, who is also an advisor to the American Chemistry Council, discussed the new ACC-backed study [2] from Columbia University that highlights the potential of converting or refining plastics into oil.

Wilkinson said there is a persistent attitude in North America that plastics are something "we need to get rid of, hide or bury." However, Europe, which has 400 energy recovery plans, is better poised to expand into this new technology than the U.S., he said. He also cited data in the study saying plastic has 25 percent more energy capacity than coal and that plastic-to-oil technology actually increases recycling rates instead of lowering them.

To return to the newsletter, click here [4]