Plastics solutions: innovations in recycling on either side of the Atlantic

In conjunction with the meeting of G7 Environment, Oceans and Energy Ministers, Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) and Citeo announce the very first Québec-France forum on innovations in plastic packaging recycling. The goal of the forum is to share experiences and innovative projects taking place on either side of the Atlantic in order to promote the emergence of new solutions that will limit the impact on the environment and further the development of plastic packaging recycling.

The forum, titled “Plastics solutions: Innovations in recycling on either side of the Atlantic”, will be held in Paris next February and bring together a dozen leading-edge start-ups specializing in innovations pertaining to the recycling of plastics as well as international industry leaders: consumer product and distribution companies who use plastic packaging, recycling manufacturers, and investors. In France and in Québec respectively, Citeo and ÉEQ represent companies who use packaging and fund its curbside recycling system.

Their aim is to speed up innovations in plastic packaging recycling in order to take the process to the industrial level and deliver on its commitment to a circular economy. Indeed, the forum will present and promote new approaches based on technologies and processes derived from polymer research: depolymerization, dissolution and purification enable the production of very high quality recycled materials. Start-ups presenting their innovations include Québec’s Loop Industries, Polystyvert and Pyrowave, Europe’s APK, Carbios, Demeto, Garbo and Ioniqa as well as Japan’s Jeplan. They will be joined by other American and European companies involved in this innovative niche.

This joint initiative is aligned with the goals set forth in the Ocean Plastics Charter adopted by Canada, France, the European Union and three other members of the G7 during the summit held in Canada last June. In particular, the Charter confirms these countries’ commitment to driving innovation that leverages sustainable technologies and solutions throughout the entire life cycle of plastics.

“We are pleased to partner with Citeo in organizing this forum, which will introduce innovative plastic packaging recycling technologies developed by companies on both sides of the Atlantic”, said Maryse Vermette, President and Chief Executive Officer of ÉEQ. “In addition to supporting the development of these start-ups, the forum will enable them to establish relationships and undertake projects both with investors and collaborating companies we represent, such as major durables and consumer goods retailers, distributors and manufacturers”.

“Recycling plastics is an urgent worldwide matter: solutions will emerge through greater cooperation between the various parties as well as through technological innovation”, said Jean Hornain, Chief Executive Officer of Citeo. “We are proud to join forces with ÉEQ to showcase leading-edge innovative solutions and foster companies who invent them and strive to develop them.”

About Éco Entreprises Québec

Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) is a private non-profit organization that represents the companies that place containers, packaging and printed matter on the market in Québec in their responsibility to finance the costs of effective and efficient municipal curbside recycling services. As an expert, ÉEQ optimizes the curbside recycling value chain and implements innovative approaches with a view to sustainable development and a circular economy.

About Citeo

Citeo is a not-for-profit company founded from the merger of Eco-Emballages and Ecofolio with a view to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and paper. 250 committed, passionate Citeo employees work to help companies find solutions to their recycling problems, advising them on environmental responsibility, optimizing low-cost sorting and recycling procedures and motivating the public to adopt user-friendly effective sorting.

  ─ 30 ─

Éco Entreprises Québec contact

Jacques A. Bouchard
Communication advisor
Éco Entreprises Québec
514 987-1491, ext. 247
jbouchard@eeq.ca

Citeo contact

Olivia Retali
Media Relations Manager
Citeo
+33 1 81 69 05 83 / +33 6 42 82 81 74
olivia.retali@citeo.com