We’re all familiar with the shocking statistics by now: in 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes of plastics. It now produces over 450 million tonnes.
However, according to a Plastics Europe report: circular plastics now account for 13.5% in new plastic products manufactured in Europe. This means that the European plastics system is halfway towards the interim ambition – established in the ‘Plastics Transition’ roadmap – to use 25% of plastics from circular sources in new products by 2030.
Positive inroads into our shared waste problem.
To take a closer look into our ‘topic of the month’ Libby Munford, Editor, Packaging Europe, is pleased to share expert opinion from Elizabeth Staab, Global Packaging Sustainability Manager at H.B. Fuller.
Strategic Challenges
We kick off by exploring the strategic challenges facing the circular economy when it comes to plastics.
She comments, “For rigid and flexible plastics, I’d say the most challenging aspect really for the circular economy is that there are so many players that must cooperate”. She stresses that infrastructure is “absolutely crucial” for plastics.
As an adhesive developer and manufacturer, H.B. Fuller focuses on continuous development – they “cannot wait for guidelines” (Here, referencing the ‘Designed for Recyclability’ guidelines that are ready to come into force, in 2027, as part of the PPWR) – underlining that they have been working on adhesives, for example, “that are designed for recyclability for many years now -whether for labels on beverage containers, for flexible packaging, intended for mechanical recycling.”
H.B. Fuller, therefore, already has several innovations in its product line. Staab stresses, “Because substrates keep developing with increased recycled content, we are already well into many years’ worth of development and new product launches, and that will continue for the foreseeable future.”
It seems, that companies, such as H.B. Fuller, within the packaging industry, keep steps ahead of legislation – pushing innovation forwards in order to stay ahead and on top of imminent guidelines.
From pillar to post
Talking in broader terms, Elizabeth Staab confirms they continue to use known existing raw materials, but of course, are always looking for alternative raw materials and sustainable alternatives (Such as renewable raw materials or chemically recycled raw materials).
Our conversation leads on to the next question: What challenges do you face when it comes to meeting the various recyclability standards across Europe? How do you ensure alignment?
“We really do see differences from one country to the next,” states Elizabeth Staab. Specifically focusing on PET labelling, Staab notes considerable differences in the collection and sorting rates, outlining that it makes a huge difference if a country has a Deposit Return Scheme. She shares that the PPWR demands that by 2028, all EU countries have Deposit Return schemes – “This will considerably help and boost the overall recycling rate of PET”.
It’s apparent that steps are being taken towards a more joined up approach, a long overdue response to a widespread issue, which should see a huge increase in recycling rates.
Mirroring Reality
There has long been discussion and grey areas around the recyclability of products compared with how/whether they are being recycled in reality, due to a wide range of factors.
Staab states that H. B. Fuller’s products must live up to the range of certifications and standards across the European Union. However, she divulges, “Of course, we are relying on the fact that these testing protocols, in a laboratory, are mirroring as best as possible what is happening in reality at the recyclers. There are many studies and discussions ongoing about how well that represents what is actually happening in the real world.”
With incoming legislation and the support of the PPWR, we expect to see more clarity and unification across the industry when it comes to this particular issue.
Working in Unison
My final question for Elizabeth Staab is: how do we work together across the value chain over the next few years to meet requirements, and ensure optimum design and infrastructure as well?
She responds, “I’d say overall the industry is really trying hard to work together already, if we look at the various industry associations that are working along the supply chain for a specific material type, whether that’s fibre-based or plastics, of course…”
“And these associations, they really span the entire supply chain, starting with raw material suppliers, recyclers, brands, and everybody in between. So that communication is already ongoing. Obviously, each company has their own interests at heart, but at the end, we need to achieve the circular economy and also make sure that the packaging industry is functioning well under the PPWR, so more work needs to be done.”
Communication is key, as always, and an understanding that certain compromises need to be made along the way. “I think overall, we need more investment in state-of-the-art recycling facilities, and an openness to innovation and new materials. But at the same time, also simplification of material combinations is needed, just to pinpoint a few issues.”
To Summarise…
Circular plastics - it’s definitely a space to watch over the next few years. Alongside the PPWR and incoming legislation, on top of an already innovative sphere we predict an onslaught of ongoing innovation.
Elizabeth Staab leaves us with firm last words, “I’m a strong believer in innovation, and I really do believe that with collaboration, we will be able to crack this and achieve a circular economy when it comes to packaging here in Europe.”
Watch this space.
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