Use of recyclates in plastics processing
The pressure on the plastics processing industry to use more recyclates is steadily increasing. On the one hand from consumers, who are placing more and more value on sustainable products and packaging, and on the other hand from politics, which has recognized that the use of recyclates is indispensable for a functioning circular economy.
The plastic packaging manufacturers organized in the IK (Industrial Association for Plastic Packaging) have jointly set the goal of using one million tons of recyclates (Post-Consumer – PC and Post-Industrial – PI) in plastic products by 2025. Accordingly, the amount of high-quality PC recyclates must be almost quadrupled.
Large companies are also already investing in the principle of the circular economy and are continuously working on ways to improve packaging. Developers pay attention to reducing material usage, utilizing new material alternatives, and, above all, ensuring the recycling of materials. Large companies already use recycled materials such as rPET, recycled aluminum for cans, or recycled glass in bottle production. Especially PET already has a very good recycling record, at least in Germany. 30% of all PET beverage bottles are made from recycled material, with a rising trend.
Read more about the safe use of recyclates in the plastics industry in our White Paper! Here's what to expect:
- Pressure on plastic processors to use more recyclate
- Post-Consumer Recyclate versus Post-Industrial Recyclate
- Problems of plastic processors related to the use of recyclate
- Future-proof process landscape for the use of recyclate
- Conclusion