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Moving quickly towards a circular economy and greenhouse gas neutrality

Plastics Europe welcomes the new report „Reshaping Plastics: pathways to a circular, climate neutral plastic system in Europe“, which emphasises the role of the circular economy on the path to greenhouse gas neutrality. 

For a functioning circular economy and greenhouse gas neutrality, the cooperation of all players in the value chain and politics plays an important role. Plastics Europe also comes to this conclusion. The association welcomes the new report "Reshaping Plastics: pathways to a circular, climate neutral plastic system in Europe". 

The recently published report "Reshaping Plastics" was compiled by the think tank Systemiq with the support of an independent steering committee and expert panel; representatives from EU institutions, non-governmental organisations, universities and industry were involved. The aim of the commissioned by the European plastics producers Report is to find answers to the climate crisis, the consumption of resources and the littering of plastic products.

To this end, the report assesses initial progress and solutions and analyses various levers that can be used in the transition to a CO2-neutral, circular economy by 2050. The report analyses a range of scenarios based on currently available market data on innovations, obligations and political measures that are currently being implemented or planned, and analyses their potential in any interaction with new technologies.

Demand for political measures

Plastics Europe supports the report's recognition of the need for more rapid change and a more intensive and effective cooperation between the European plastics value chain and political decision-makersto achieve the goal of a circular, greenhouse gas-neutral plastics industry. There is also agreement that the Circular economy alongside the sufficient availability of renewable energies is the most important medium-term lever for a comprehensive transformation of the industry. In order to accelerate the necessary transition, Plastics Europe proposes several measures, such as the creation of a political framework that provides a stronger incentive for investment and innovation in climate-friendly technologies.

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Circular economy as a lever

One of the report's findings is that the circular economy plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industry. Progress must therefore be made, Utilising levers along the entire value chain, such as material and chemical recyclingthe use of alternative raw materials such as biomass and the increased development of recyclable and reusable products. According to the report, access to green electricity for industrial processes is also necessary to significantly reduce greenhouse gases. Consequently, rapid change is required Investments by private and public actors as well as other technological innovations, new infrastructure and business models.

"The plastics industry plays an important role in reducing emissions, minimising waste and strengthening the circular economy. It is high time to replace fossil-based raw materials with recyclable materials that have a significantly lower carbon footprint. The new report sets out a number of options and scenarios for how we can achieve this, and we will now be analysing these in detail. Of course, we do not yet have an answer to all the challenges facing our industry. That's why we support the report's call for more intensive and effective collaboration with the value chain and political decision-makers."

Dr Markus SteilemannPresident of Plastics Europe

Plastics producers are aware of the scale and complexity of the task. To this end, they are investing in collaboration with partners from the plastics value chain to promote new ways of thinking and behaviour, more efficient products in terms of environmental design and performance, and a green infrastructure. The companies are drivers in Investments in modern recycling technologies, renewable energy sources as well as the production of plastics from renewable raw materials and other sustainable carbon sources such as CO2-separation.

"It is encouraging that the report recognises the prominent role of plastics in achieving the EU's goals of a climate-neutral economy. The material helps to reduce emissions in other important sectors such as construction, automotive, packaging and medical; and it is essential for the development of renewable energy technologies."

Dr Markus Steilemann

Package of measures for greenhouse gas neutrality

"Our members are making significant investments and undergoing a far-reaching reorganisation of their production and technologies. To accelerate the transition of industry, we need new policy frameworks that create a stronger incentive for investment and innovation, for example by fostering a creative competitive environment. We need to harness the power of the EU single market and establish additional strong implementation mechanisms and measures to keep European industry internationally competitive while the EU accelerates the transition to a low-carbon economy.2-neutrality."

Virginia JanssensManaging Director of Plastics Europe

Plastics Europe is proposing a package of measures to support the implementation of the recommendations in the report and the industry's transition to CO2-neutrality and the circular economy. This includes, for example, the development of a Sustainability roadmap with milestones and interim targets for Plastics Europe and its members. In 2022, a multi-stakeholder platform modelled on the "Plastics transition committee" proposed in the report is also to be set up in order to intensify dialogue and cooperation with political decision-makers and the plastics value chain.

Source: Plastics Europe

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