Modix Plastique manufactures high quality LDPE (low density polyethylene) resins by operating a complete treatment of post-consumer LDPE plastic films collected by sorting and recycling centers and other sources mainly in Quebec and throughout North America. Modix’s mission is to boost the circular economy by giving a second life to plastic waste thanks to the added value created by their scientists and operators, which can then be used by various manufacturers of plastic products and thus avoiding landfill thousands of tons of plastic.
Interview with Ludovic Azede, Project Manager, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy & Nathan Dewang Ma, Chief Technology Officer at Modix Plastique Inc.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Ludovic Azede & Nathan Dewang Ma: We are the only factory dedicated to 100% PCR soft plastics (SCS certification). Since 2019, we have received and processed more than 6,300 metric tons of flexible plastic waste. We have thus produced more than 4,000 metric tons of recycled resins from these residues. According to our assessments, our production of plastic resins has avoided the burial of approximately 10500 m3 of waste in landfills. In addition, our production has also reduced GHG emissions into the atmosphere by the equivalent of 11,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.
Modix Plastique is constantly improving its technology in order to reduce the volume of plastic waste going to landfill and to reduce the use of virgin resins in the plastic production industry. We are collaborating with more and more partners to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and make a better contribution to the sustainable development of local communities around the world.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
L.A & N.D.M: Modix is committed to providing high quality PCR LDPE resins to meet the increasing demand from our clients to reach their goal of PCR content in their products.
We are constantly improving our processes for different streams of raw materials according to their properties and contamination conditions to ensure the high quality and fulfillment of various applications of the clients. In fact, in the past few years we successfully transfer raw materials like Agri-film, peatmoss bags and curbside collection bales into high quality resins and acknowledged by our clients, and these materials directly went to landfill due to containing 30-50% of non-plastic contaminants before Modix starts to take them.
We are also constantly trying other source materials, like boat wrap, working with industrial partners to form closed loop programs, in which Modix works as a material transformer and connects the end-user and wrap manufacture, and thus boosting circular economy and avoid landfilling.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
L.A & N.D.M: As mentioned earlier, Modix provides a portfolio of PCR grade LDPE resins including Clear, Natural, Black, White, and greyish resins processed from dedicated source materials. These products are suited for various applications such as agricultural film, heavy-duty shipping bags, plastic-wood composite according to their source materials.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
L.A & N.D.M: Implementation of landfill bans and restrictions in various countries are driving the global plastic recycling market, and especially for LDPE. Sustainability is also driving the market in North America regarding growing concerns about plastic pollution and harmful emissions from the use of petrochemicals. The increasing use of recycled plastics in several industries such as packaging, building and construction for flexible plastics, is expected to boost the demand for plastic recycling in the United States and Canada, as well as the fluctuation of crude oil prices.
End-use industries in the market are turning to the use of recycled plastics due to the reduced carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing process of recycled plastics compared to virgin plastics. Companies are continuously developing product lines using recycled materials to address concerns about the effects of plastic waste on the environment.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
L.A & N.D.M: The recycling of post-consumer LDPE has not yet reached the stage of maturity. A revolution is in sight in the plastic recycling industry: indeed, in the face of multiple environmental objectives and challenges, programs and financial support for recycling and plastic recovery will be available.
Responsibility and commitment from manufacturers for the recovery and recycling of their products from beginning to the end of their life cycle is essential.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
L.A & N.D.M: Modix Plastique Inc. notably owns the 1st washing line in operation for finished products in Quebec and owns the only plant processing flexible plastic waste collected from households. Most of the processed plastic waste comes from local recycling facilities. All resins made from this upcycled plastic waste are sent back into the circular economy value chain and contribute to a second life in many different sectors such as construction, new composite materials, flexible packaging, etc.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
L.A & N.D.M: Support for sustainable development is an integral part of our vision and business model. We integrate ESG issues into our business and operational decisions. Modix Plastique is committed to having a positive impact in the community. Our principles demonstrate the importance we place on sustainable development and maintaining the best balance of interests between stakeholders in society.
In order to meet growing demand, we have begun the process of our expansion project for our pilot plant in Lachute (QC, Canada) and we plan to open other plants in the province of Quebec and other provinces in Canada, thanks to the accumulated experience. Faced with the lack of capacity and technical solutions for the recycling of flexible plastics, Modix will be considered as a North American hub for the recycling of LDPE. In this sense, we maintain good relations with several provincial and federal associations.
