Recycling Plastics, Reusing Water

Rhea-AI Summary

DOW announced the launch of its innovative washing technology, EVOWASH™, aimed at enhancing the quality of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resins. This technology addresses challenges in mechanical recycling by improving the cleaning process for recycled plastics, which is crucial for effective contamination removal. EVOWASH™ comprises biodegradable detergents and antifoams that optimize adhesive removal and minimize foam generation during washing. This supports a circular economy by maximizing water reuse and improving recycling rates, thereby aligning with DOW's sustainability goals. The technology has shown to comply with local regulations even in extended discharge cycles.

Positive

• Launch of EVOWASH™ technology improves mechanical recycling process.
• Biodegradable detergents enhance cleaning while supporting water reuse.
• Compliance with local regulations maintained even during extended discharge cycles.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 17, 2023 / DOW

Recycling plastics can save landfill space and conserve energy and water that would have been used to make new materials, among other benefits. But mechanical recycling also comes with its challenges.

To ensure high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resins, recycled plastics must be cleaned. The optimization of this process can be challenging, especially removing contaminants and properly separating materials, as well as controlling foam during the required washing steps.

That is why Dow has developed an innovative washing technology called EVOWASH™. It supports high-quality mechanical recycling for the production of PCR resins that meet customers' expectations, while also maximizing the reuse of process water.

"As a materials science company, an important part of our sustainability strategy is to design products and technologies that enable our customers and consumers to save water and other resources," said Juan Pablo Watty, Dow global segment leader, Mechanical Recycling. "By improving the mechanical recycling process, this technology helps support a circular economy and advance recycling rates."

Maximizing water circularity

Washing is a crucial step in the plastic recycling process since it removes some of the impurities that can degrade a batch of recycled plastic. The impurities targeted in this step commonly include things such as product labels and adhesives, as well as dirt and food residue.

EVOWASH™ is a range of biodegradable, industrial-grade detergents and antifoams designed to maximize adhesive removal, improve the optical quality of plastic resins, and reduce foam generation in the mechanical recycling of PET, HDPE, LDPE and PP. Because EVOWASH™ detergents are biodegradable and generate low foam, they have no impact to discharge water. In fact, our products have performed successfully in recycling systems with discharge cycles above seven days without impacting compliance with local regulations for process effluents.

Learn more about EVOWASH™

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DOW on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: DOW
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dow
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DOW

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/749605/Recycling-Plastics-Reusing-Water

FAQ

What is EVOWASH™ technology developed by DOW?

EVOWASH™ is an innovative washing technology designed to improve the mechanical recycling of plastics by enhancing the cleaning process for post-consumer recycled resins.

How does DOW's EVOWASH™ contribute to sustainability?

EVOWASH™ supports sustainability by optimizing water reuse in the recycling process and enhancing the quality of recycled plastics, thus promoting a circular economy.

What types of plastics can be recycled using EVOWASH™?

EVOWASH™ is designed to work with PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics, improving their recycling efficiency.

When was the EVOWASH™ technology announced?

The EVOWASH™ technology was announced on April 17, 2023.