Extrusion International 2-2023

12 Extrusion International 2/2023 INDUSTRY NEWS making it possible to pro- duce bottles from as high as 100% recycled PET (rPET). Also, bottle-to-bottle recy- cling has been able to meet the high safety standards required for food packaging with no risk of contamina - tion. Another innovation is the development of tech - niques in recycling of multi- layer flexible packaging that now, 100% of multilayer film production waste can be recycled. Processing technologies are now well able to adhere to the circularity targets. Injection molding systems, extrusion technologies and blow molding systems ca- pable of processing recycled materials are the result of huge investments poured into R&D by companies to adapt to this trend. In the same manner, materials solu- tions geared toward improv- ing the properties of recycled resins, such as additives and stabilizing agents, have been supporting the plastics industry’s bid for sustain- ability. Asia’s adoption of circular economy presents huge opportunities The adoption of circular economy in the plastics indus - try presents multiple opportunities for recycling tech- nologies, plastics production systems that are capable of processing recycled materials, and new materials with recycled content or content from renewable sources. It also offers opportunities for producers of finished plastic products who are eager to meet market trends and consumer preference for environ - mentally-friendly products. It is projected that by 2030, a circular economy could generate an ad- ditional US$4.5 trillion in annual economic output, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Countries in Asia have started to provide the necessary frame - work towards a circular economy. China is spearheading this direc- tion as the country has started its circular economy journey since the 1990s. Innovations for Circular Economy at CHINAPLAS 2023 At CHINAPLAS 2023 more than 3,900 exhibitors will present their latest innovations in adherence to the circular economy concept. To showcase and highlight how the industry is transitioning towards a circular econo- my, 4 eco-friendly thematic zones, including Recycling Technology Zone, Recycled Plastics Zone and Bioplastics Zone, Eco-friendly Additives Zone, will be set in CHINA- PLAS 2023. Over 200 machine makers and materials pro - viders are about to showcase full array of sustainable solutions in these 4 theme zones with over 13,000 sqm, to meet the demand of both large enterprises and SME manufacturers. 
www.chinaplasonline.com The market for products made from recycled plastics is growing as consumers become more environment-conscious (Image: Pexels) Countries in Asia have started to provide the necessary framework towards a circular economy