IFAT Munich: roadmaps for the circular economy
for plastics
There is a continuing global flood of plastics – with significant consequences for the environment and the climate. The challenge is to convert the gigantic flow of materials into a cycle. The necessary political plans, legal regulations, and technological solutions are among IFAT Munich’s central topics.
The current life cycle of plastics is anything but circular, which is one of the messages of the “Global Plastics Outlook: Economic Drivers, Environmental Impacts and Policy Options” report that the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) presented at the end of February 2022. According to the 200-page paper, over the past two decades, both the annual production of plastics and the amount of plastic waste have more than doubled worldwide – with the latter amounting to 460 million t in 2019. Only 9% of these were recycled, while 19% were incinerated and nearly 50% were sent to landfills. The remaining 22% ended up in non-controlled dumps, were incinerated in open pits, or entered the environment.
Recycling of plastics with high potential for climate protection
In addition to the much-discussed environmental problems with micro and macroplastics, plastics also carry a significant carbon footprint: throughout their life cycle, they contribute to 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Closing material loops could significantly reduce this footprint.
In this regard, for example, the German plastics and recycling industry published a joint position statement last October. This paper unites the positions of Plastics Europe Deutschland, the German Association of the Plastics Converters (GKV), VDMA’s Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association, the Federal Association of the German Waste, Water and Raw Materials Management Industry (BDE) and the Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Management (bvse). They identify recycling-friendly product design, the handling of exports of end-of-life plastics, an EU-wide end to the landfilling of plastic waste, and the expansion of disposal and recycling structures as effective starting points. Additionally, the market conditions for the use of recyclates must be further enhanced, requiring a clear political roadmap and the necessary legal framework.
Circular economy as an essential part of the EU Green Deal
The Green Deal announced by the European Commission in 2019 is expected to have a high steering effect at EU level. According to the ambitious plan, the EU is supposed to be carbon-neutral by 2050. The circular economy plays a central role among the measures envisaged for this purpose. Example: by 2030, only reusable or recyclable packaging is to be produced in the EU. Also, a new regulatory framework for biodegradable and bio-based plastics is to be established. Whenever waste cannot be avoided, its economic value must be recovered. Impacts on the environment and climate change are to be prevented or minimized.
International treaty aims to end global plastic pollution
At the beginning of March, the resolution of the fifth UN Environment Assembly in the Kenyan capital Nairobi provided an international perspective on the future management of plastics. The representatives of 175 countries want a worldwide legally binding convention to be developed by the end of 2024 to end global plastic pollution. The planned treaty will also define standards and measures that cover the entire life cycle of plastics. The resolution emphasizes the importance of a sustainable circular economy in this context.
Circular economy and plastics recycling: central topics at IFAT Munich
Circular design, chemical recycling, and political market control – these buzz-words and many other aspects of the circular economy in general and plastics recycling in particular will be featured in the professional supporting program at IFAT Munich. In addition, the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management will feature a “Process World Plastics Recycling” organized by VDMA’s Waste Treatment and Recycling Association as well as a special area where the BDE and the German Association for Plastic Packaging and Films (IK) will present best-practice examples of recycling management. Supported by the bvse, plastics recycling companies will also showcase their range of services.
