Environment
> Environment > Recover energy
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Energy recovery above all concerns small, lightweight and soiled plastic and flexible packaging items for which sorting is technically and/or economically unsuited to recycling.
It involves using combustible packaging waste to produce energy by direct incineration with or without other waste but with heat recovery.
How much energy do the main plastics yield?
|
Material |
NCV* MJ/kg |
Energy yield** MJ/kg |
|
PE |
43 |
22 |
|
PP |
44 |
24 |
|
PS / EPS |
40 |
22 |
|
PVC |
17 |
9 |
|
PET |
22 |
12 |
* Net Calorific Value
** After adjustment according to nature of material
Plastics' energy yield makes them suitable for heat recovery in relevant facilities (household or specialised waste).
The energy recovered can be used for urban heating or electricity generation.
Every year, 300,000 tons of oil equivalent are saved in this way in France.