Circular economy with plastics: Towards a unified approach

Munich, 13.05.2024 – At IFAT, the world’s largest recycling trade fair, plastics manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental organizations are collectively seeking solutions to enable a circular economy for plastics. At Plastics Europe panel, a shared vision became tangible on Monday morning. Circular product design, alternative raw materials, reuse and refill, electrification, intelligent collection and sorting of plastic waste, and recycling processes must all interconnect to close the plastic loops. Furthermore, fossil resources must be significantly reduced in all phases of the value chain and replaced by alternative raw materials, for example, from biomass, recycled materials, and CO2.

„The discussions at IFAT 2024 offer reasons for optimism“, remarks Ralf Düssel, Chairman of Plastics Europe Germany. „Regarding the circular economy, plastics producers, recyclers, and environmental organizations pursue a shared vision. The common goal is waste prevention, to minimize resource consumption and to prolong the utility of plastic applications, while also strengthening reuse systems, as well as the right to repair and design for recycling. All the technologies required to close plastic cycles are already at our disposal. Now, the focus shifts to determining the appropriate incentives to modernize production processes and to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.“

At the booth of Plastics Europe (A6.121), the companies Arcus Greencycling Technologies, BASF, Carboliq, Dow, Evonik, Neste, and OMV demonstrate how carbon can be kept in circulation through various recycling processes and circular raw materials. To access the virtual booth and exhibits of Plastics Europe, visit: https://plasticseurope.org/de/ifat2024/

Über den Verband

Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe. For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change. https://plasticseurope.org/

---

---