Orlando, Fla.-based PureCycle Technologies has released its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, saying that its proprietary purification process for recycling polypropylene waste uses less energy and has lower carbon emissions than new plastic production.
The claims, it said, are backed up in the report with third-party preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data.
PureCycle holds a global license to commercialize the patented, solvent-based purification recycling technology developed by Procter & Gamble Co. for converting waste PP into ultra-pure resin. The process removes color, odor and other contaminants from recycled feedstock resulting in an ultra-pure PP suitable for any market.
The report provides insight into PureCycle’s operational progress on the facilities it is building at Ironton, Ohio, and Augusta, Ga., as well as its growth in terms of workforce and technology advancement.
Based on the design of the company’s flagship facility in Ohio, carbon emissions are expected to be 35 percent lower compared to new PP production and to use 79 percent less energy. As well, the company says, the PureCycle process is expected to use 79 percent less energy than new PP production. PureCycle is also positioning itself to connect brands with high-quality, sustainable plastic to deliver on their promises to reduce new plastic production and to answer consumer demands for real sustainability, the company said.
The "born digital" plant will use the latest generation of automation technology, employing virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence to allow the company to complete projects faster, and operate with world-class performance and enhanced safety.
“As a plastic recycling technology company aiming to reduce plastic waste, partnering with leading brands to help them create sustainable consumer products and transforming the industry, it’s essential we also do our part to minimize our environmental impact and conserve resources,” CEO Mike Otworth said. “As we continue to refine our approach, we will look for impactful, innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions and utilize less energy. This is just the beginning.”