Follow
Follow
LinkedIn Facebook X Youtube e-mail
LinkedIn Facebook X Youtube e-mail

Plastic packaging under pressure - but with a future? Dr Isabell Schmidt (IK) talks about regulation, recycling and realistic

What is the real state of plastic packaging in Germany and Europe? In our talk with Dr Isabell Schmidt, Managing Director of the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, we clarify where the industry stands today, what hurdles need to be overcome - and what urgently needs to change so that plastic can find its place in the circular economy.

Plastic packaging under pressure - but with a future? Dr Isabell Schmidt (IK) talks about regulation, recycling and realistic

What is the real state of plastic packaging in Germany and Europe? In our talk with Dr Isabell Schmidt, Managing Director of the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, we clarify where the industry stands today, what hurdles need to be overcome - and what urgently needs to change so that plastic can find its place in the circular economy.

As Managing Director of the Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK), Dr Isabell Schmidt represents the interests of an industry that is often viewed critically in the public debate - and yet plays a key role in product protection, hygiene and CO₂ reduction. In the video interview for FACHPACK 2025, she talks about the current state of the market, the challenges for manufacturers, processors and recyclers - and explains why bold steps are now needed to stabilise the material cycle.

Key topics include the status of recyclate use (currently 17 % on average), the economic situation in industrial and consumer goods segments, as well as specific proposals such as the „PCR savings phase“: a mechanism designed to reward companies for early use of recyclate and thus trigger investment.

A particular focus is on the EU packaging regulation PPWR, which, according to Schmidt, can only work if it is material-neutral and does not favour or disadvantage certain materials. There are also challenges such as the new EU-wide declaration of conformity, which will be mandatory for all packaging from 2026 - a topic that, according to Schmidt, has not yet reached all companies.

The talk concludes with an outlook: What needs to happen to ensure that the industry is not only compliant but also fit for the future by 2027? And how can politicians ensure that the necessary innovations are initiated today?