EFSA has finalised data call
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The BDE, PlasticsEurope Deutschland and the VCI have presented a joint mission statement and position paper for the circular economy of plastics in Germany. At a press conference in Berlin, the associations outlined recommendations for improving the recycling situation for plastics and focussed in particular on the role of mechanical and chemical recycling.
The core message of the paper is the clear Industry commitment to prioritising both mechanical recycling and appropriate framework conditions for chemical recycling. Mechanical, physical and chemical recycling must complement each other so that recycling is improved in terms of quantity and quality and environmental pollution can be reduced. All plastic waste that can be mechanically recycled must also be mechanically recycled.
„We support the development of a national circular economy strategy. We also see it as an impetus for economic players to endeavour to develop joint, ambitious and practicable proposals. In the concept, the plastics and recycling industries have succeeded not only in formulating their own ideas for improving recycling, but also in understanding the positions of their partners and dovetailing them with their own ideas. It helps nobody if mechanical and chemical recycling are only played off against each other. Both recycling routes must be sensibly linked. The priority for mechanical recycling is a shared conviction, but also the development of framework conditions that make chemical recycling possible for those waste streams that cannot be recycled mechanically. Our paper looks at the entire life cycle as well as international aspects and is based on the common understanding that plastic as a material is just as indispensable as the plastics industry in Germany.“
Peter Kurth, President BDE
In their submission, the industry associations urge, among other things, that already When designing the products, we focus on mechanical recyclability and reducing the use of materials. in the sense of waste avoidance. Much has already been achieved in the collection and sorting of plastic waste from private households, industry and commerce, but further efforts still need to be made.
„The BDE and its members are our partners in the common task of freeing plastics production from the consumption of fossil resources and the emission of CO2 decoupling. To achieve this, we must succeed in significantly strengthening mechanical recycling processes and supplementing them with chemical processes where we are still losing valuable raw materials today, for example through incineration. Together with the chemical industry, we can develop further alternative sources of raw materials by utilising CO2 as a raw material and via biomass. All of this together will help us to protect the climate and the environment and bring the plastic system back within planetary boundaries.“
Ingemar Bühler, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Germany
The three associations are once again campaigning for a Ban landfilling of plastic waste within the EU as soon as possible and argue in favour of thermal waste utilisation of plastic waste, in which the capture and use of the CO2 (CCU, Carbon Capture and Utilisation) should be integrated into the circular economy. The associations also want to actively support the global agreement against plastic waste in the environment.
„In order to successfully make the chemical industry circular and climate-neutral, we in Germany need to set the course now. From advanced recycling technologies to the legal framework - our National Circular Economy Strategy must be an all-round package. This is not only a step towards climate protection, but also an investment in Germany's position as an innovation leader in the chemical and recycling industry. However, without the right economic incentives, including competitive electricity prices, we risk leaving our innovation potential untapped. An industrial electricity price is essential for a successful transformation.“
Norbert Theihs, Member of the Management Board and Head of the VCI Capital city offices
Source: BDE
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