Shortly before Christmas, the packaging industry came together once again at the Baden-Württemberg state representation in Berlin. The 5th conference of the three associations AGVU, BDE and bvse focussed on recyclability and the use of secondary raw materials in packaging. Circular economy in times of crisis.
The buzzword was certainly the recyclability of packaging. In a packed hall, the audience listened to presentations from various participants along the value chain, giving them an all-round view from theory to practical implementation. The multiple use of raw materials, whether through recycling or reusable systems, was just one of many topics that were discussed. After the keynote speech by Parl. Sts. Dr Bettina Hoffmann (B90/The Greens), the concerns of restaurateurs were also mentioned. How can return systems and the logistics of providing containers for food be guaranteed?
The conference, organised by AGVU, BDE and bsve, was dedicated to the upcoming reusable packaging obligation also the European Commission Regulation on the handling of packaging and packaging waste. Dr Wolfgang Trunk took the audience through the development of the regulation and received praise and recognition for the Commission's project.
The important role of consumers and how they contribute to recycling by separating waste in private households was emphasised time and again. Education and labelling of packaging were important points in the discussion. Almut Faller and Michael Krätke from Ferrero showed in their presentation how the confectionery manufacturer optimises packaging materials, taking into account both machine runability and consumer acceptance.
Overall, it became clear once again that many different cogs need to come together to enable a circular economy. Currently very relevant for the industry - the energy crisis. Dr Barbara Saerbeck from Agora Energiewende spoke positively about the measures taken by the German government to date, also recognises the need for long-term measures. She appealed for more flexibility and the use of renewable energies.
The last block of the event then focussed on two recycling methods and how they can or cannot work together. Jürgen Ephan, Managing Director of Remondis Recycling, gave an insight to the status of chemical recycling - pyrolysis. He spoke in favour of complementarity with mechanical recycling and highlighted current projects in Germany.
After the presentation by Dr Dirk Textor, Chairman of the bsve Plastics Recycling Association, on mechanical recycling, the discussion with the two experts and the audience began. Dr Textor clearly emphasised that that plastic, which is actually a durable material, is too often used in short-lived products. He also emphasised that a closed loop is not possible in terms of volume and sees the use of recyclates in more durable products.
