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The challenge of recyclability

Alternative packaging solutions are giving "classic" ones an increasingly poor reputation. But sustainability is not the same as recyclability.

Alternative packaging solutions are in demand and are giving "classic" plastic packaging an increasingly poor reputation - and not always rightly so. Materials such as vegan spider silk, protective packaging made from grain husks or silphia are made from renewable raw materials and often appear to be more sustainable alternatives. But is this really the case?

Axel Subklew from the "Waste separation works" initiative would like developers to think about recycling and closed-loop recycling as early as the packaging design process. After all, bio-based or sustainable does not always mean recyclable.

The demand for alternative packaging solutions is high and is also fuelled by a Changed awareness on the part of consumers strengthened. Innovation and research into materials are important, but in some cases sustainability stops at disposal if the packaging cannot be sorted and recycled. Axel Subklew also recognises this. The business graduate is spokesman for the Waste separation works" initiative.

Talk with Axel Subklew at the interpack 2023

"It would be important to think about this at the outset: 'What is the correct allocation to the material flow and how does the material really behave in the recycling solutions currently available to us? Recycling at the end should be directly considered and discussed in the design process and when selecting the material."

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Axel Subklew, spokesman for the initiative "Waste separation works"

The Waste separation works" initiative of the dual systems would like to draw attention to the potential that lies in correct waste separation and subsequent recycling. Especially when the volume of packaging waste is increasing, it is all the more important that it is correctly separated and disposed of. However, the initiative often discovers that particularly Multi-component packaging that has to be separated by hand and disposed of in different streams - a challenge for consumers represent. Such packaging can become a problem during subsequent recycling.

Not everything that is sustainable is also recyclable

The current Trend towards the increased use of fibre-based packaging leads to difficulties on the consumer side. Anyone who has decided against plastic packaging is faced with the question of which bin to dispose of the alternative packaging solution in. Overall, this is lacking, to consistently consider recyclability in the development of packaging. Alternative packaging can only be recycled and reused if it can be clearly assigned to an existing material flow.

"In our context of waste separation and recycling, we ask the question: 'Is this packaging recyclable? But we also start at the step before that and ask: 'Can it always be correctly allocated to a material flow?" To do this, we need the packaging in the right collection system."
Axel Subklew

The distinction between a sustainable and recyclable packaging is complex. The dual systems focus on the recyclability of packaging and are supported in this by the Packaging Act and, in particular, Section 21. Particularly in the current situation and with a persistent shortage of raw materials and existing supply bottlenecks Recycling an important way of generating raw materials.

"Packaging is always too valuable to lose in residual waste and forfeit the chance of recycling."
Axel Subklew

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