Plastic Back receives BIRD Foundation grant to tackle hard-to-recycle plastics

Plastic Back, an Israeli startup specializing in low-temperature chemical recycling, is working with an undisclosed recycler based in Connecticut to address hard-to-recycle plastics. 

The collaboration, aimed at reducing plastic scrap through chemical processes, is supported by the BIRD Foundation (The Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation), the Israel Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Energy.

According to Plastic Back, more than 400 million tons of plastic scrap is produced globally every year, with less than 6 percent being recycled and the remainder leaking into the environment or ending up in a landfill. The Jerusalem-based firm says this results in an estimated resource loss of $120 billion annually, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Plastic Back says its technology facilitates the conversion of hard-to-recycle material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), into high-value oils and other valuable byproducts. It adds that its process reduces plastic landfilling and decreases the need for virgin feedstock, contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

Plastic Back says its chemical recycling process is rooted in advanced research developed in collaboration with Yissum, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This partnership has enabled the transformation of “cutting-edge” academic discoveries into scalable industrial solutions.

The startup says it technology addresses the global plastic scrap crisis by providing a scalable solution to recycle difficult-to-treat plastics, such as PVC, which would otherwise contribute to landfill overflow and environmental pollution. By transforming plastic scrap back into valuable resources, this solution supports a circular economy, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes a more sustainable future for industries and communities worldwide.

“We see the PVC chemical recycling segment as a major opportunity,” Plastic Back CEO Tal Binder Cohen says. “The support from the BIRD Foundation strengthens our ability to commercialize our solution in the U.S. and close the loop on difficult-to-treat PVC waste streams.”

Plastic Back plans to develop and test the chemical recycling of PVC streams at a United States-based recycler into products like naphtha-range oils and brine solutions. Both byproducts can be reintegrated into existing petrochemical processes for producing new products, thereby reducing reliance on traditional plastic manufacturing methods. The company has set the goal of upcycling 100,000 tons of plastic by 2030.

"BIRD Energy fosters innovative projects through partnerships between leading Israeli and U.S. companies in renewable energy," Israel Innovation Authority CEO Dror Bin says. "This collaboration aligns with the global trend of investing billions into clean energy solutions.”

Sponsored Content

Labor that Works

With 25 years of experience, Leadpoint delivers cost-effective workforce solutions tailored to your needs. We handle the recruiting, hiring, training, and onboarding to deliver stable, productive, and safety-focused teams. Our commitment to safety and quality ensures peace of mind with a reliable workforce that helps you achieve your goals.