Plastic waste utilization : current trends and practices in Europe
Vainio, Elina (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052817493
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052817493
Tiivistelmä
Plastic waste management is a pressing global challenge, with increasing emphasis on recycling and sustainability. This thesis examines the treatment and utilization of plastic waste streams in Europe, focusing on the role of recycling parks, regulatory policies, and technological advancements. The research was conducted in collaboration with LADEC Ltd., which seeks to improve plastic waste utilization and business opportunities in Finland.
The study utilizes a qualitative approach, including literature review and case studies of two European recycling parks: Van Werven in the Netherlands and Site Zero in Sweden. The research highlights key factors affecting plastic recycling, such as collection systems, sorting technologies, and value chain actors. While mechanical recycling remains the most common method, new innovations, including AI-powered sorting and chemical recycling, offer promising solutions to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste.
Findings suggest that enhancing waste collection methods, investing in advanced recycling technologies, and strengthening extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes are critical to increasing recycling rates and reducing plastic pollution. Collaboration between municipalities, businesses, and policymakers is essential to achieving a circular economy for plastics. The insights from this study provide valuable recommendations for improving plastic waste management in Finland and other European countries.
The study utilizes a qualitative approach, including literature review and case studies of two European recycling parks: Van Werven in the Netherlands and Site Zero in Sweden. The research highlights key factors affecting plastic recycling, such as collection systems, sorting technologies, and value chain actors. While mechanical recycling remains the most common method, new innovations, including AI-powered sorting and chemical recycling, offer promising solutions to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste.
Findings suggest that enhancing waste collection methods, investing in advanced recycling technologies, and strengthening extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes are critical to increasing recycling rates and reducing plastic pollution. Collaboration between municipalities, businesses, and policymakers is essential to achieving a circular economy for plastics. The insights from this study provide valuable recommendations for improving plastic waste management in Finland and other European countries.