Plastics that can’t easily be recycled are still a valuable energy source. The cement industry, for example, began using high-calorific plastics waste for generating heat in the mid-1990s. Since then, the amount of plastics used as a fuel source for making cement has increased ten-fold. Studies have shown that using plastics for generating heat in this way not only provides economic advantages, but also provides environmental benefits.. Used plastics are also a very cost-effective and efficient way of providing heat and electrical power in cities around Europe, which reduces land-fill space and helps save the environment.
PlasticsEurope supports the diversion of ‘calorie rich’ plastics waste from landfill and actively promotes the end-of-life management of this material through recycling or recovery to achieve the most eco-efficient solution. Eco-efficient waste management of plastics is part of an integrated waste management system; all options (mechanical recycling, feedstock recycling and energy recovery) are needed.