In the new Packaging People-podcast Patrick Neumann and Jonathan Cheque from Interzero about the results of the current study Circular Packaging 2030. They show why the packaging industry is heading into a dangerous supply gap for post-consumer recyclates - and which strategies urgently need to take effect now.
One million tonnes - that's how big the PCR gap is, which the recycling service provider Interzero are expected by 2030. This figure has caused quite a stir in the industry. Because it shows: The demand generated by the EU packaging regulation (PPWR) The required recyclate quotas cannot be achieved with the current availability of materials.
In the Packaging People-Podcast discussed Jan Malte Andresen with Patrick Neumann, Director of Product Management at Interzero, and Jonathan Cheque, packaging developer and recycling expert, on the causes and consequences of this development. Both make it clear: Time is of the essence - those who fail to act now risk production stoppages and fines.
The study shows that there is a lack of high-quality Post-consumer recyclate (PCR) The reason for this is that investments in recycling infrastructure, sorting technology and material processing have lagged behind demand for years. At the same time, many companies continue to rely on virgin material for cost reasons. This further exacerbates the situation - while the PPWR with fixed quotas is drawing ever closer.
„Many smaller businesses have to give up because they simply can't keep going. And that was also a bit of a motivation to raise awareness and say, hey guys, if something doesn't happen slowly, then everyone will have a problem and not just the recycling or waste management industry.“
„Many smaller businesses have to give up because they simply can't keep going.“, says Patrick Neumann in the podcast. „If something doesn't happen slowly now, everyone will have a problem - not just the recycling industry.“
Jonathan Scheck also sees an urgent need for action: „Recycling plants are not sewage treatment plants. What goes in at the front goes out at the back - design for recycling is the key to closing this gap.“
The discussion is about concrete solutions: from Design for Recycling about Multi-track PCR procurement up to strategic partnerships between packaging manufacturers, brands and recyclers. Companies that act at an early stage can not only secure material, but can also Competitive advantages and security of supply.
Why should you listen? Because the episode is a practical demonstration, how the PPWR quotas can still be achieved - and what companies need to do now to avoid facing empty plants in 2030.
„Our late boss always said that recycling plants are not sewage treatment plants. The shit-in, shit-out principle applies. So what goes in at the front goes out at the back. [...] And that's why it's so important that the packaging is designed in such a way that it favours these processes and doesn't torpedo them by inappropriately designing the individual packaging components.“
