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18 Nov 2025

It’s Not AR or MR — It’s AR and MR

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Business Circular Economy
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It’s Not AR or MR — It’s AR and MR

One of the biggest misconceptions in the recycling world is that Advanced Recycling (AR) will replace Mechanical Recycling (MR). But in truth, these two technologies aren’t rivals— they’re stronger together.


Mechanical Recycling (MR) does an excellent job with clean and sorted plastics—PET bottles or HDPE containers. It’s efficient, proven, and has powered most of the recycling system we know today. But when it comes to mixed or contaminated plastics, Mechanical Recycling reaches its limits. That’s where Advanced Recycling comes into play.


Using Advanced Recycling (AR), it converts those complex plastics waste into new, virgin-like feedstock that can be used even in food-grade or pharmaceutical packaging. It’s not replacing Mechanical Recycling—it’s filling the gaps and expanding what’s possible in plastic circularity.


To achieve true circularity, we need both. Mechanical Recycling for the clean streams, and Advanced Recycling for the tough ones. Together, they form a complete system that keeps more plastic in use and less in the environment. ♻️


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