Summary:
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Controversial Recycling Technique
Exxon Mobil has promoted its “advanced recycling” process as a solution to the plastic crisis, but critics argue it mainly involves burning plastics to create fuel rather than recycling them. -
Low Remake Rate
At Exxon’s facility in Baytown, Texas, only 8% of processed plastic is converted into new material, with the remaining 92% turned into fuel that is ultimately burned. -
Legal Action Against Greenwashing
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit to stop Exxon from labeling this process as “advanced recycling,” stating that the majority of the plastic is destroyed, not reused. -
Criticism from Experts
Environmental advocates and policy experts have condemned the practice, describing it as a continuation of outdated technology akin to a “blast furnace.” They argue that the process does not significantly improve recycling outcomes. -
Misleading Marketing
Concerns have been raised about industry-backed misinformation campaigns that misrepresent the efficacy of plastic recycling, with accusations that Exxon has been rebranding old technology as new since it holds a patent for it dating back to 1978.
Read more at: Yahoo News