Plastics & Rubber
Mechanical recycling
Mechanical recycling is one of the most important ways to make plastic waste reusable. Through several steps—collection, sorting, shredding, washing, and regranulation—new plastic granulates are produced without altering the chemical structure of the polymer.
By playing a key role in closing plastics loops, mechanical recycling makes a significant contribution to resource conservation. Its low energy demand results in a small environmental footprint while reducing the use of virgin materials. When material purity is high, high‑quality recyclates can be produced. For more demanding applications, however, additional material and compounding solutions are required.
When is mechanical recycling the right solution?
Mechanical recycling is particularly suitable for clean, well‑sorted plastic streams such as packaging materials, shoe soles, fishing nets, automotive components (e.g. seats) and EPS insulation materials. The more homogeneous and cleaner the waste stream is, the more efficient the recycling process.
The more homogeneous and cleaner the waste stream, the more efficient the recycling process.
Contribution to the Circular Economy
Mechanical recycling helps close plastics loops efficiently by processing plastics into new recyclates without altering their chemical structure. It is a core pillar of the circular economy and enables plastics to be used across multiple life cycles.
These examples illustrate how BASF applies mechanical recycling in practice, translating the concept into concrete solutions across applications:
Mechanical recycling: Accelerating the circular economy for plastics with additive solutions
BASF offers additive solutions for mechanical plastics recycling to enhance the quality of recycled polymeric materials. We leverage the expertise of our partners like Sirmax to accelerate our journey towards a circular economy for plastics. Sirmax Group, headquartered in Cittadella, Italy) is a leading independent European producer of polymer compounds used in all sectors: Automotive, Household Appliances, Power Tools, Electrical & Electronics, Construction and Furniture. In 2019, Sirmax acquired 100% of SER in Salsomaggiore Terme, specialized in the recycling of plastics.
Mechanical Recycling: Next-gen recyclable PU foams
In collaboration with Vitra, BASF has developed a new generation of polyurethane foam that can be thermoplastically recycled at the end of its life cycle. The fully recyclable material combines the comfort characteristics of conventional PU foams with the benefits of recyclability, meeting Vitra’s high standards for quality and sustainability.
Designed for recycling, the foam enables the transformation of polyurethane waste into valuable raw material for new foam products. This innovation supports the transition towards a closed-loop material system, promoting circularity in industries such as furniture manufacturing, shoe production, automotive manufacturing, and construction.