Is closed-loop recycling the answer to a sustainable circular economy? 

In some of our previous blogs, we mentioned the lifespan of recovered materials such as paper and board. Discussing how the recycling process reduces the quality of material with each production cycle. However, what if there was a way for these materials to reduce their loss of quality?

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One promising solution that is gaining significant traction is closed-loop recycling systems. These systems focus on creating a cycle where materials can be used and reused indefinitely, without losing quality.

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But what exactly is closed-loop recycling, and why is it important for the future of our global circular economy?

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What is closed-loop recycling?

To put it bluntly, closed-loop recycling systems keep materials within the "loop", reused in their original form or as high-quality as possible and for as long as possible. This stands in contrast to traditional recycling, where materials are often downcycled, meaning they lose some of their original value or quality during the recycling process.

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How does it work?

The process of closed-loop recycling involves several steps, each designed to maintain the integrity and quality of the materials being recycled:

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Collection and Sorting: Materials are collected and sorted based on their type. For example, metals like aluminum or steel, plastics, and paper are all separated, as each requires specific processing techniques.

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Cleaning and Processing: The collected materials are cleaned to remove contaminants, and then processed to break them down into their raw components. This could involve melting down metals, shredding plastics, or pulping paper.

Re-manufacturing: The cleaned, processed materials are then re-manufactured into new products. In the case of closed-loop recycling, these products are often similar to the original product, maintaining a high level of quality.

Re-use: Finally, the new products are put back into circulation, used again, and eventually recycled once more, closing the loop.

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What materials are best for closed-loop recycling systems?

1. Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the best examples of a material that can be recycled in a closed-loop system. Aluminum products, such as beverage cans, can be collected, melted down, and reused indefinitely without any loss in quality. In fact, more than 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, thanks to its ability to be recycled endlessly.
   
   
2. Paper: Paper is another material that benefits from closed-loop recycling. High-quality paper can be shredded, pulped, and re-manufactured into new paper products that are just as good as the original. However, this process can become more challenging as the paper undergoes several cycles, as fibers break down over time. The key to closed-loop paper recycling is managing the recycling process carefully to prevent downcycling.
   
   
3. Plastic: Although plastics are more challenging to recycle in a closed-loop system due to their variety and chemical composition, advances are being made in this area. Companies are developing more efficient methods for recycling plastics like PET (used in water bottles) and HDPE (used in milk jugs) that preserve the quality of the material after each cycle.
   
   

Is it too good to be true? 

While closed-loop recycling offers a strong solution for continuous recycling, there are some challenges to its widespread adoption:

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Technological Limitations: Not all materials can currently be recycled in a closed-loop system. Some, like certain types of plastics, degrade too much during the recycling process to maintain their quality.

Economic Feasibility: For some materials, the cost of recycling may still be higher than producing them from virgin sources. To make closed-loop recycling economically viable, technological advancements and economies of scale are necessary.

Consumer Participation: Closed-loop recycling relies on consumers properly sorting and disposing of materials. If people do not participate in the recycling process or contaminate recyclable materials, it becomes harder to maintain the loop.

Could this process become the standard for future recycling?

Closed-loop recycling has immense potential to drive a stronger circular economy, but it requires ongoing innovation and collaboration across governments, businesses, and consumers.

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As technology advances and more industries embrace the reuse of valuable materials, closed-loop systems will become more efficient and widespread. Sustaining and strenghtening our global circular economy.

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