Plastics recycling technologies compete in circular economy
A backlash against single-use plastics is encouraging recycling into intermediate products and fuels, complicating world oil demand forecasts
The factors feeding into world oil demand forecasts in recent years have been complicated by the rise of electric vehicles and ride-sharing, a change in world crude quality brought on by the US shale revolution and the challenge of new fuel blends for shipping arising from the International Maritime Organisation's 2020 sulphur restrictions. Now, plastics recycling is likely to further reduce demand expectations as technologies compete to establish themselves as the most efficient recyclers. Initiatives from international bodies such as the UN and World Bank, and China's decision last year to ban the import of foreign waste, including many plastics, have helped focus attention on the need to
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
