7 April Thermal Waste Technologies and the Plastics Industry

Transcription

1 7 April 2016 Thermal Waste Technologies and the Plastics Industry

2 Who are we?, the umbrella organisation for the South African plastics industry is registered as a Non Profit Company (NPO), and is funded by membership fees based on sales of locally manufactured plastics raw material, importers; other contributions and sponsorships from industry associations. Most of the income is from own training activities to the Plastics Industry is a Federation of Associations. Together with our industry associations we play an active role in the growth and development of the South African Plastics Industry. We strive to address plastics related issues, influence role players and to make plastics the material of choice for today and the future represents all sectors of the South African Plastics Industry including polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers, fabricators and recyclers 2

3 Vision = Growth!

4 South African Plastics Industry Statistics

5 South African Plastics Industry Estimated 1800 companies mainly SMME s Apparent virgin material converted in 2014 is tons and recyclate Plastics industry employs > people Approximately 55% of all polymer goes into packaging Market size ex converter is estimated to be around R 50 billion

6 Plastics Industry Market Sectors Europe (2014) Packaging 39.6% Automotive 8.5% Building 20.3% Electrical 5.6% Agriculture 4.3% Other 21.7%

7 SA PLASTICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY 2014 South Africa RECYCLES approx. 285 ktpa South Africa DIVERTS approx. 315 ktpa Approx. 221 recycling companies Employs people formal sector Employs in informal sector Recycle 20,4% of all virgin polymer converted and divert 22,5% (315 ktpa) from landfill Recover 32,9% of all PACKAGING material % amongst highest mechanical recycling in the world No commercial energy from waste, or Fuel from waste activities

8 Plastics Industry Initiatives

9 Strategic Initiatives for the Industry 1. Zero Plastics to Landfill Growth through Exports and Import Replacement 3. Innovation and Skills Development 4. Industry support through Public Private Partnerships and cooperation

10 Mechanical Plastics Recycling is the Preferred Option Source: PlasticsEurope

11 Plastics mechanical recycling is the preferred option however Fuel / Energy recovery is needed ENERGY/FUEL and Fuel Source: PlasticsEurope

12 The Plastics SA Sustainability Council Strategy Aspirational Vision Packaging Zero plastics to landfill by 2030 Other: construction material, medical & sanitary, automotive, agriculture, e-waste, furniture (including carpets), geotextiles and industrial textile The primary motivations for the vision are to drive maximum value of plastics and enhance the reputation of the Plastics industry in the eyes of key stakeholders.

13 Sustainability Council Strategic Projects 2015 Strategic Sustainability Projects Separation at Source infrastructure strategy and plan Technology solutions on problematic waste streams Communication strategy to drive Separation at Source consumer behaviour Enabling key decision-makers to implement Separation at Source

14 Environmental Comments Some of the major challenges that the Plastics Industry faces in terms of sustainability are, amongst others, the following: Waste Management Amendment Act Waste Classification Pricing Strategy PPIWMP and Central Bureau Diversion from landfill is critical - consistent stream of clean waste for recycling Solution = separation at source Packaging = only half of all plastics Lack structured approach to Fuel/Energy from waste Consumer education important to change mind set on waste and responsibility Industry have achieved recycling targets through a voluntary system

15 Waste-to-Energy Research Extraction of value from solid waste by pyrolysis conversion : pilot scale optimisation At Stellenbosch University several research projects have confirmed at laboratory scale the potential of pyrolysis The next step would consist in larger scale conversion in order to better estimate the mass and energy balance of the process for energy, economic and environmental assessments A pilot scale reactor the pyrolysis residue can be used to produce heat, energy, oil or produce valuable chemicals. Purpose: to extract value from plastics wastes that are not currently economically recycled and are landfilled Multilayer Tubs, trays and punnets

16 Current Situation Many pilot pyrolysis sites Focus mainly on tyres Kraaifontein Integrated Waste Management Facility (KIWMP) Cape Town Opened on 4 November 2015 Donation by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Plastics Types: PE, PP, PS Use clean material 500 kg/day

17 Thermal Energy Recovery Resin Derived Fuels Consistent blend of size reduced plastics, mixed plastics and other combustible materials, e.g. Unused labels Wax-coated board Liquid drink containers Smaller bales can be fed as alternative fuel into cement kilns, industrial boilers MJ/Kg = good grade anthracite = 26 MJ/Kg Pay for MJ and not for kg (MJ = Megajoules)

18 Challenges Market Saturation Level for Mechanical Recycling - 45%? Guaranteed Supply of Waste Mix or recipe of feedstock All plastics but not Sorting and mixing add to costs Price of waste material Mechanical vs Thermal Logistics transport of waste to waste plant Fit for purpose vs economy of scale Metropolis vs Rural vs Deep Rural

19 THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE TECHNOLOGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE RECYCLING RATES AND TO DIVERT PLASTICS FROM LANDFILL CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL

20 Presented by: Anton Hanekom Executive Director Plastics SA Cell: Land line: