Pyrolysis and other chemical recycling
Heats mixed plastic without oxygen to make oils. Promoted as a fix for hard-to-recycle plastic, but its benefits are strongly debated.
Much pyrolysis output has been used as fuel rather than new plastic, and “mass balance” accounting lets companies claim recycled content that may not be physically present. Independent researchers and many NGOs question its climate and pollution footprint. We list it so readers can judge claims carefully, not as an endorsement.