BASF Corporation

ChemCycling is the name of a new pilot project, being undertaken in partnership with Mondi, the global packaging and paper group, and COROOS, a food-industry supplier, by which Germany-based chemical producer BASF is further developing their process for the chemical recycling of plastic waste. Plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, such as mixed or contaminated plastics, is converted into a pyrolysis oil through thermochemical processes. This secondary raw material can be used as input in BASF's production process, thereby partly replacing fossil resources, to manufacture numerous chemical products. 

In celebration of Environment Week in Canada (during the week of June 5th annually) the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) and the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) highlighted the important headway their members are making in tackling the global challenge of plastic waste in the environment.

An alliance of global companies from the plastics and consumer goods value chain have launched a new organization to advance solutions to eliminate plastic waste in the environment, especially in the ocean.

BASF is breaking new ground in plastic waste recycling with its ChemCycling project. Chemical recycling provides an innovative way to reutilize plastic waste that is currently not recycled, such as mixed or uncleaned plastics. Depending on the region, such waste is usually sent to landfill or burned with energy recovery. But chemical recycling offers another alternative: Using thermochemical processes, these plastics can be utilized to produce syngas or oils. The resulting recycled raw materials can be used as inputs in BASF's production, thereby partially replacing fossil resources.

BioTuf compost-able bags are made using BASF’s Ecoflex Copolyes-ter and will biode-grade swiftly and safely during municipal or commercial composting. These bags are manufactured using a unique technology called Minapol, which is made from calcium carbonate, and is used to create a compound for can liners, trash bags and other bags.

BASF’s Ecoflex Copolyester is helping Heritage Bag, out of Carrollton, Texas, produce a compostable bag that will enable more food waste to be diverted to composting facilities, rather than landfills or incinerators.