Downcycling: what is it and why do we pursue high-quality recycling?

Downcycling plays an important role in the world of plastic recycling, but it is not the ideal solution. At downcycling recycled materials are processed into products from lower value and quality. This means that the material loses its original properties and is often no longer suitable for high-quality recycling again.

At KIVO we believe in the importance of high-quality recycling: materials that return after processing as raw materials for the same product, such as collection bags that are then recycled back into collection bags. This is a crucial step towards a circular economy, where plastic stays within the chain and retains its value as much as possible.

What exactly is downcycling?

Downcycling occurs when recycled plastics are no longer suitable for the same high-value application. Instead, they are used for products with lower technical requirements and a shorter lifespan. This may seem like an efficient solution to waste, but it comes with challenges:

• The materials lose their original value.
• The product often cannot be recycled again.
• Ultimately, these products usually end up as residual waste, often in the incinerator.

Examples of downcycling

1. From plastic bottles to plastic furniture
   PET bottles that cannot be highly recycled are often made into garden furniture, flower pots or park benches. Although functional, these products cannot be recycled back into bottles.
2. LDPE packaging film to bin liners
   Contaminated or coloured LDPE film after recycling, is often used for rubbish bags. These bags are difficult to recycle and often end up in the incinerator.
3. Plastic packaging waste by construction materials
   Mixed plastics are sometimes processed into building materials, such as plastic tiles or composite panels. These products have less stringent quality requirements, but can no longer be reused at high quality.
4. Textile fibres made of recycled PET
   Recycled PET bottles are sometimes made into polyester fibres for clothing or carpets. Due to contamination and wear and tear, these fibres usually cannot be recycled again.
5. Mixing plastic to pallets or street furniture
   Plastics composed of multiple polymers are often used for pallets, paving slabs or traffic signs.

Why is downcycling not the solution?

While downcycling is better than dumping or incinerating plastic, it does not offer a sustainable long-term solution. The material loses its circular value and does not contribute to a true closed circuit. This contrasts with high-quality recycling, in which plastics are repurposed for their original application.

At KIVO, we strive for a circular economy in which plastic is recycled as often as possible without loss of quality. We do this by:

• Designing well-recyclable monomaterials.
• Applying Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content in our products.
• Collaborate with our partners to continuously improve packaging solutions.
• High-quality recycling of production surplus at KIVO Recycling and of industrial waste at our own recycling site REKS.

KIVO's vision of high-quality recycling

Our focus is on quality, functionality and durability. High-quality recycling ensures that plastics not only stay longer in the chain, but also contribute to a lower environmental impact. This fits perfectly with our vision, where we focus on:

1. Reduce: Thickness and size reduction of packaging.
2. Recycle: Increase recycled material (PCR) where possible.
3. Redesign: Improve recyclability of packaging.
4. Renew: Deployment of bio-based materials where technically and economically justified.

Together towards a circular future

Downcycling can be reduced by investing in sustainable packaging solutions. At KIVO, we are committed to innovative solutions which meet the highest quality standards and are optimally recyclable. Thus, we ensure that plastic packaging retains its value and contributes to a circular future.

Wondering how we can help you improve your packaging and make it ready for high-quality recycling? Contact us and find out how we can work together to create a more sustainable solution.