Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, polluting not just our environment but also even our bodies. Thankfully, the latest advancements in plastic waste recovery and recycling are paving the way towards a more sustainable future. 

Join Marguerite McCaughan as she explores the complexities behind these processes and speaks with experts about cutting-edge solutions and the role EU policies play in promoting recycling.  

 In this episode Paloma Aldeguer, Chief of Staff at Recycleye, shares insights into how artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising plastic sorting and recycling. Joana Xavier, Director of Transformation and Sustainability at Valorsul, also discusses the technologies currently employed at Portugal's largest municipal waste processing plant. Pauline Vandoolaeghe, a patent examiner in polymer chemistry, joins the conversation to explain the chemical processes involved in plastic recycling, which include pyrolysis, chemolysis and enzymatic depolymerisation. Together, they provide an insightful look into the future of sustainable plastics.  

Narrator: Marguerite McCaughan, Communications manager, EPO 

Guests: 

Paloma Aldeguer, Chief of Staff, Recycleye 

Joana Xavier, Director of Transformation and Sustainability, Valorsul 

Pauline Vandoolaeghe, Patent examiner, EPO 

Further information:

EPO technology platform on plastic waste management and alternative plastics

Full report "Plastics in transition - technologies for plastics waste management"

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