ReValue

The aim of the project was to give value back to what is valueless. The ReValue process was developed to recycle hardly recyclable composite plastics in such a way that they can be used as a valuable asphalt additive to increase the longevity of Nepalese roads and reduce their carbon footprint. The overall goal was to apply the process throughout Nepal. If successfully implemented, the process can be scaled up in other countries in the global south. One of the biggest challenges is the proper processing of the plastic, which is hampered by the poorly developed recycling infrastructure in Nepal. The project aimed to identify the necessary conditions for implementation and validate the reprocessing process through two pilot projects. In order to ensure the continuous expansion of recycling centres in Nepal, the process was linked to Verra's Plastic Credit Standard. Here, one credit corresponds to one tonne of plastic waste still in the environment today. After the end of the project, the Plastic Credits are sold to companies in the global North that are serious about reducing plastic in their supply chain. This will ensure the continued investment for the development of the recycling centres without the need for funds from Nepal. The feasibility study consisted of three parts: (1) Research on Nepal's plastic recycling market, (2) research on Nepal's road construction, and (3) the Plastic Credit System. Accompanying the research in Nepal, one recycling centre was established in an urban area and one in a rural area. The centres were expanded to include other plastic streams within the two years of the project. Ultimately, the recycling centres will not only be financially self-sufficient and recover up to 40 tonnes of plastic per month from the environment, but will also produce cleanly processed composite plastics for road construction. The interaction of the feasibility studies and the pilot projects provides valuable experience for the export of the sustainable ReValue process to countries in the global South.