Open-loop Recycling
Open-loop recycling is the process of repurposing materials from one product into a different product category. For example, PET plastic bottles may be turned into polyester fleece clothing, or crushed glass may be used as construction aggregate.
Unlike closed-loop systems, such as recycling an aluminum can into a new can, open-loop recycling often changes the material’s physical properties and usually leads to a gradual reduction in quality.
Although open-loop recycling diverts waste from landfills, it often requires substantial energy to connect different industries, such as the chemical processing needed to convert plastic into textiles.
Effective, data-driven management is necessary to keep these transitions carbon-efficient and to support true industrial sustainability, rather than simply postponing disposal.
