REUSE OR RECYCLE? THE ANSWER TO THE WORLD'S PLASTIC OVERCONSUMPTION

Global plastic consumption is growing at an alarming rate, with projections indicating it will nearly triple by 2060. However, the recycling rate remains insufficient, exacerbating the environmental problem. The real innovation lies in the ability to recycle plastic in a circular manner, without quality loss and with reduced energy impact. Re4Real proposes a revolutionary approach based on bio-based chemistry to transform recycling into a sustainable and scalable solution. A challenge that could radically change the fate of plastic in our ecosystem. 


The Problem of Plastic Overconsumption 

The data on plastic consumption is clear: from 460 million tons in 2019, the figure is expected to rise to 1,231 million tons by 2060. This growth will be driven primarily by Africa and Asia, where economic and demographic development will lead to an increased use of plastic materials. However, plastic waste management remains an unresolved challenge: in 2019, only 9% of plastic was recycled, a percentage expected to rise to just 19% by 2060. The remaining 81% will be disposed of through environmentally harmful methods, generating high CO2 emissions and contributing to marine and terrestrial ecosystem pollution.

Faced with this scenario, the term "Plastic Dystopia" has appeared. While plastic is an essential material, it must be at the forefront of scientific innovation to become part of the solution rather than the problem. The real question is: Are we truly recycling plastic, or are we merely reusing it? The distinction between these two concepts is crucial to understanding the effectiveness of current strategies.





The False Myth of Recycling 

Recycling is often confused with reuse. When plastic is recovered, it undergoes treatments that allow it to be used again, but with inevitable quality downgrading. This means that with each reuse cycle, plastic loses properties and value until it becomes unusable and ends up in landfills or incinerators. In other words, so-called "mechanical recycling" is often a temporary solution rather than a definitive answer to the pollution problem. In fact, it is not a truly circular process and applies only to PET, just one of many polymers. 

True recycling, on the other hand, should ensure: 

• Infinite reuse of plastic without quality loss. 

• An economically sustainable and scalable industrial process. 

• The ability to recycle various types of polymers beyond PET. 

• A concrete application of the circular economy, reducing plastic's impact on the ecosystem and CO2 emissions. 

• The elimination of dependence on fossil fuels for virgin plastic production. 

• The possibility of turning plastic waste back into raw material. 

Re4Real’s Innovation: True Plastic Recycling 

Re4Real, a brand of Repet, aims to usher in a new era of plastic recycling through scientific innovation and bio-based chemistry. The developed technology overcomes the limitations of reuse by breaking plastic down into its base components through a chemical depolymerization process. This means plastic can be infinitely recycled without losing its original properties. It is as if, from a loaf of bread, one could retrieve water and flour. Once these fundamental units are recovered, the original material can be reconstructed with the same characteristics as virgin plastic. 

Unlike traditional methods, Re4Real’s solution: 

• Produces plastic with the same properties as virgin material. 

• Can be applied to various types of polymers, expanding recycling possibilities. 

• Eliminates dependence on fossil sources, reducing environmental impact. 

• Operates at ambient temperature and pressure, thanks to an innovative bio-organic catalyst. 

• Drastically reduces energy consumption compared to conventional processes. 

This technology ensures an inherently sustainable process by minimizing the use of toxic substances and making it naturally biodegradable. A true paradigm shift that could revolutionize the recycling sector on a global scale. 


A New Paradigm for the Recycling Industry 

Re4Real’s goal is to bring this innovation to an industrial scale. Currently, small- and medium-sized prototype systems are being developed as Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for large producers and ecological operators in the market. The primary challenge is scalability, but laboratory results are highly promising. The project envisions collaborations with strategic industrial partners to accelerate large-scale adoption. 

The adoption of this technology could revolutionize several industries, including packaging and fashion: the textile sector consumes vast amounts of polyester, which is derived from plastic. Through this innovation, Re4Real positions itself as a pioneer in true plastic recycling, offering a sustainable and concrete alternative for both industry and the environment. A new vision that could redefine the future of recycling on a global scale. 



The awarding of the Lorenzo Cagnoni Prize for Green Innovation during Ecomondo 2024​


Re4Real and Its Connection to Ecomondo 

Re4Real is at the forefront of the plastic recycling revolution, aiming to evolve its innovative solutions from the laboratory into a sustainable industrial model. 
 
The company's commitment to this cause was acknowledged at Ecomondo 2024, where it was honored with the prestigious Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation while exhibiting in the Innovation District. Now, Re4Real is expanding its vision internationally by participating in Ecomondo China (April 1-3) at the Italy Pavilion. This initiative aims to connect research, industry, and the market to accelerate the transition towards a future focused on plastic recycling. 

Discover more: Re4Real.it