MVW Lechtenberg Projektentwicklungs- und Beteiligungsgesellschaft GmbH, a global consulting firm for the production and use of alternative fuels for the cement and lime industry, and Empower, a provider of innovative traceability solutions, are launching a large project for the recycling of plastic waste from household waste in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a press statement. 

Globally, the generation of plastic waste has risen to about 360 million tonnes per year, with a significant portion either ending up in landfills or entering the environment. Saudi Arabia reflects this global challenge: around 17 million tonnes of municipal waste are generated annually in Saudi Arabia, 20 percent of which consists of plastic.

Together with Saudi Investment Recycling (SIRC), MVW Lechtenberg & Partner Middle East has established a joint venture to sort municipal waste, recycle recyclable materials and process non-recyclable materials into environmentally friendly substitute fuels for the local cement industry.

By processing 3 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per year, 35% of which will be converted into sustainable substitute fuels and 14% will be recycled, the project will divert waste from landfills and convert it into valuable fuel for energy production. This approach not only reduces landfill waste, but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports sustainable energy solutions. The estimated CO2 emission reduction if the project is fully implemented will amount to approximately 1,791,300 tonnes per year.

With Empower's blockchain technology, transparent tracking and management of plastic waste from collection and recycling to refuse-derived fuel use will be ensured. Products produced from recycled plastics will be traceable. The system enables real-time monitoring of waste management activities and provides valuable data for stakeholders such as municipalities, governments and environmental organisations.

Plastic credits and economic impact

An important innovation in this project is the integration of plastic credits and refuse-derived fuel use. Plastic Credits incentivse responsible waste management by offering financial rewards for verified plastic waste collection and recycling activities. These credits can be traded or sold to companies that want to neutralize their plastic footprint or comply with environmental regulations, thus promoting a circular economy.

Plastic Credits will help bridge the financial gap between the cost of collecting and processing plastic waste and the market price of recyclable materials and RDF. By providing a sustainable revenue stream, these credits will ensure the long-term financial viability of this waste management initiative and make it more attractive to investors and stakeholders.

The verification of these credits is based on the GPx traceability standard, which was developed by GPN Corporation as a member of the International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN). This standard ensures a high level of transparency, traceability and accountability, which are crucial for building trust and ensuring the participation of various stakeholders.