The growing importance of plastic recyclates (R) is not only an answer to the increasing demand for raw materials, but also a crucial component for a functioning circular economy. While many talk about recycling itself, the role of logistics is often underestimated — yet it is the backbone of the entire process. Because without efficient collection, sorting and transport chains, plastic waste never reaches where it can be processed as valuable secondary raw materials.

From collection to sorting

The chain starts with collection: household waste, commercial waste or production waste are collected and brought to collection points. Organization is already decisive here: Separately collected plastics are of higher quality and easier to recycle than mixed fractions. Modern collection systems are increasingly working with digital tracking solutions to transparently document the origin and quantity of waste.

The next step is sorting. State-of-the-art technologies such as optical sensors, near infrared recognition (NIR) and machine learning are used here to separate different types of plastic. This process determines the quality of the subsequent recyclates and therefore their possible uses — for example in the packaging industry or in automotive engineering.

Transport: containers, general cargo and efficient routes

After sorting, the logistical question is: How do recyclable materials get to the recycling plants? Different types of transport play a role here:

• container logistics: Especially for large quantities that have to be transported over long distances. Containers are standardized, easy to stack and can be used anywhere in the world — from road to rail to ship.
• General cargo transportation: They are more flexible and are used when smaller batches are required or different material flows need to be bundled.

An efficient combination of different modes of transport — such as trucks for the first mile, rail for longer distances and ships for international transport — not only reduces costs but also the CO2 footprint.

From waste to raw material

At the end of the logistical process, there is a recycling plant, in which the sorted plastics are shredded, washed, melted and processed into granules. These recycled granules form the basis for new products and thus close the cycle.

Logistics ensures that this route runs smoothly. It combines waste management with the manufacturing industry — and turns plastic waste into valuable raw materials of the future.

Without intelligent and sustainable logistics, there is no functioning circular economy. It is the link that decides whether plastic waste can be efficiently recycled and made reusable. Container and general cargo logistics play key roles here — and create the basis for a resource-saving future.