European Firms Establish JV to Boost Plastics Recycling

Newly formed company aims to address end-of-life vehicles in Europe.

CFF Recycling and Compagnie Plastic Omnium have announced a plan to increase the recycling of polyethylene from wheeled waste containers and plastics from end of life vehicles and household items.

CFF Recycling and Compagnie Plastic Omnium are both based in France.

According to the companies, PO Recycling, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of CPO, has issued new shared for purchase by CFF Recycling.

Starting the beginning of this month (December), the two companies will each own a 50 percent stake in the new company.

The decision to create a joint venture operation is expected to enhance both companies’ skills to develop markets for the material.

This year PO Recycling recycled 8,000 metric tons of plastic, primarily from E-O-L containers and scrap automobile bumpers. With the new arrangement, the newly created company will have access to large quantities collected by CFF Recycling and contained in shredder residue. It also will benefit from the development of Compagnie Plastic Omnium’s technological skills in eco-design and in the reuse of recycled plastic in automobiles and household waste collection equipment.

Starting tin 2006, EU legislation will require that 85 percent of end-of-life vehicles be recycled.