Clariter, an international clean-tech company, has announced that its unique 
plastic recycling solution has achieved a net negative carbon footprint 
according to the results of a new study, meaning it does not add to, but rather 
depletes carbon from the planet.

The results stem from an independent initial Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) carried 
out by CE Delft, the renowned research and consultancy firm. The LCA determined 
that Clariter's carbon footprint is below zero indicating a net environmental 
benefit, with the solution actually reducing carbon emissions. 

The purpose of the study was to better understand Clariter's sustainability 
offering to its customers and other stakeholders and to further inform them of 
its engineering design activities.

Unlike the majority of the recycling industry which focuses on recycling 
plastic waste mechanically, Clariter recycles chemically. As a result, the 
innovative technology transforms unwanted plastic waste into high-value, 
ready-to-use pure industrial products, thereby providing a breakthrough 
solution for the plastic waste epidemic. 

Clariter complements mechanical recycling by upcycling plastic waste streams 
that cannot be processed mechanically. The company's patented 3-step chemical 
process results in the upcycling of plastic waste into sulphur-free, odourless, 
and pure chemicals: aliphatic solvents, white mineral oils, and paraffinic 
snow-white waxes. These are further used as ingredients for more than 1000 end- 
and consumer products. 

Clariter's near-term plan is to build and operate full-scale plants, each of 
which will recycle 60,000 tons of plastic waste and produce 50,000 tons of 
clean products annually. The LCA study also highlighted that the Clariter 
process offers significant benefits for the treatment of plastic waste that 
cannot be recycled mechanically. 

Geert Bergsma, Manager Supply Chain Analysis, CE-Delft said: "CE Delft 
performed a life cycle assessment for Clariter, from cradle-to-gate. The 
results indicate that their solution looks more attractive than alternative, 
non-mechanical recycling polyolefin disposal routes and an even stronger CO2 
negative footprint is well within reach. If fully renewable utilities are used, 
this statement can be made even more so." 

When comparing the recycling of plastic waste (polyolefins) by Clariter, with 
other waste treatment routes for polyolefins, the outcome includes both the 
impact of the production processes and the environmental benefits of avoiding 
conventional products or energy. The LCA results prove that:

1. Clariter's carbon footprint is negative (below zero), which indicates a net 
environmental benefit. Compared to others, Clariter is not polluting or 
depleting but rather cleaning the planet. 
2. The impact and benefits of Clariter's solution supersede those of the 
pyrolysis1 process, which produces intermediates, e.g. energy, fuel, or new 
plastics. The pyrolysis process prolongs the life of plastics, whereas Clariter 
ends it for good. 
3. Clariter's Full-scale Plants are expected to show favourable energy 
generation to that of incineration in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration 
(MSWI). It is also expected that they will be competitive against best-case 
pyrolysis processes, as Clariter's solution has a lower carbon footprint.

Petra Koselka, Clariter COO, said: "Being net carbon negative is a unique and 
strong position. With further optimization of our plants, and using renewable 
energy sources and possibly green hydrogen in the future, we expect Clariter's 
process to have an even more advantageous carbon footprint. Delivering such 
green products to our customers – offering the industry "a clean slate" - is at 
the heart of what we do. The outcome is not only an important step for us but 
the entire chemical recycling sector."

Clariter works with REYL & Cie as financial advisor.

About CE Delft
Through its independent research and consultancy work, CE Delft is helping 
build a sustainable world. In the fields of energy, transport and resources, 
their expertise is leading-edge. With their wealth of know-how on technologies, 
policies, and economic issues, they support government agencies, NGOs, and 
industries in pursuit of structural change. For 40 years now, the skills and 
enthusiasm of CE Delft's staff have been devoted to achieving this mission. For 
more information visit: www.cedelft.eu. 

About Clariter
Clariter has created a revolutionary chemical recycling (upcycling) process 
that provides a large-scale solution for the worlds' plastic waste problem. The 
technology accepts the majority of plastic waste streams, and not only helps to 
clean the planet effectively but also creates a strongly profitable business 
opportunity. Rather than recycling plastic waste into intermediates which 
require further processing, Clariter transforms it into 3 industrial, 
ready-to-use product families: oils, waxes, and solvents. These pure 
fossil-fuel alternatives are used as ingredients to make over 1000 clean, 
everyday end- and consumer products. The footprint of Clariter's process is net 
carbon negative and preferable to landfill, incineration and other 
pyrolysis-based solutions. Their technology is proven through an operational 
Pilot Plant in Gliwice, Poland, and a Demonstration Plant in East London, South 
Africa. Their offices are based in Israel, Poland, Luxembourg, and The 
Netherlands. Without compromise on profitability or sustainability – Clariter 
unlocks the value of the Circular Economy. For more information visit: 
www.clariter.com. 

Pyrolysis is a chemical process also known as thermal cracking.

SOURCE:  Clariter