Plastic recycling to hit oil producers
The rise of plastics recycling plants may stunt demand for oil
Reaction against the environmentally damaging effect of plastic packaging is fuelling the development of plants in Europe and elsewhere that can recycle it as liquid feedstock or fuel in a trend that is likely to reduce refineries' demand for oil. Many say the chemicals industry will have to undertake a fundamental shift towards recycling if it wants to prevent consumers rejecting plastics—and especially single-use packaging—in a widespread swing against harmful materials. Coincidentally, public consciousness of the dangers that packaging represents for marine life rose following the release of David Attenborough's Blue Planet II documentary. But further pressure is mounting from major brand
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