Co-development of industrial-quality post-consumer recycled plastic: the example of Groupe SEB and Veolia

The introduction of quality recycled plastics from closed loop post-consumer waste is an important issue for manufacturers in their efforts to roll out circular economy strategies. But the lack of pre-existing recycling capabilities means that tackling it requires a co-development approach that presents unexpected difficulties and potential. The project discussed in this interview centers on a pioneering partnership between Groupe SEB and Veolia to develop post-consumer recycled polypropylene for use in electrical and electronic appliances. The project proved highly beneficial for both partners. For Groupe SEB, it was a way of highlighting the potential for incorporating post-consumer recycled plastics, which now encompass various product families, types of plastics and geographical regions. For Veolia, it was the first stage in the development of a recycling process that is now applied worldwide across a range of different sectors.