Around 150 experts from retail, the consumer goods industry and the recycling sector sent out a clear signal at the „Future Resources 2019“ conference: against wasting resources and in favour of consistent producer responsibility for packaging.
„The continued high level of interest in the joint event organised by Interseroh and the German Packaging Institute (dvi) shows just how much this topic is on the minds of everyone involved in the packaging cycle,“ explained Markus Müller-Drexel, Managing Director of INTERSEROH Dienstleistungs GmbH. „At the same time, the best-practice examples presented emphasise that sustainable packaging design is possible when manufacturers, retailers and recyclers work together.“
However, in order to recycle the currently much-discussed plastic packaging as raw materials after use, politicians need to rethink their restrictive regulations. In addition to the standard suitable for food, there would also need to be a Quality standard for cosmetics and personal care products and a third for Cleaning agents, to significantly strengthen the sales markets for recyclates, says Müller-Drexel.
This demand is also supported by Gunda Rachut an, Chairman of the Central Agency Packaging Register Foundation. „Today, every manufacturer is called upon to scrutinise their packaging with regard to prevention, design for recycling and the use of recyclates. This is the only way to avoid regulatory measures,“ said Rachut at the Frankfurt Dialogue Forum. In order to promote the use of recyclates, a whole Package of measures required, including a Further standardisation for example via standards.
Food packaging as a pioneer
groku Kunststoffe GmbH is one of the companies playing a pioneering role in the introduction of recyclable plastic packaging. The company specialises in the production of plastic buckets for the food and non-food sectors and already launched a Fully recyclable paint bucket made from 100 per cent post-consumer recyclate. The packaging saves 30 per cent CO2-emissions.
„The current plastics debate is finally bringing the necessary attention to recycled packaging. This is a great opportunity to sustainably increase the acceptance of recycled materials.“
Henrik Großekämper, Managing Director of groku Kunststoffe GmbH
Schur Flexibles Germany GmbH proves that it is even possible to design packaging for meat and cheese that is suitable for recycling. „By changing our strategy, we have succeeded in combining product protection, processability, handling and logistics, which are essential for food packaging, with recyclability,“ explained Schur Flexibles Germany GmbH. Max Wolfmaier, Manager Sustainability at Schur Flexibles Germany GmbH.
„The Future Resources event once again lived up to its claim. After all, it highlights exemplary solutions and approaches that the entire industry can adapt in order to achieve a rapid transition from resource-intensive packaging production to a climate- and recycling-friendly circular economy,“ summarises Winfried Batzke, Managing Director of the German Packaging Institute (dvi).
Source: ALBA Group
