Recycling - 10 things you should know

摘要

What is the recycling economy? A recycling-based economy is an alternative to the prevailing principle of a linear economy, where the raw materials are used and disposed of at the end of their service lives. In the packaging sector, the only exceptions since the start of industrial production have been paper and glass. Growing population figures and finite resources, however, require that all materials be utilized better. This is particularly the case since they are major cost factors and a burden on the environment in the form of waste. And this is also reflected in the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC, which specifies recycling targets. Why the focus on packaging? Alarming waste volumes, especially in the world's oceans, have raised environmental awareness. Since packaging is usually a short-lived product, it figures prominently in daily waste volumes. Consequently, its necessity is questioned. However, results of a 2018 survey from the German Packaging Institute showed that about two thirds of Germans lack information when it comes to packaging. They want to know more about functions and recyclability of packaging from retailers, product and packaging manufacturers. Unfortunately, the waste avoidance awareness instigated by the 1990 Packaging Ordinance has declined. Consequently, packaging waste, which had initially decreased, increased again from 15.5 million tons to 17.1 million tons within a period of ten years. Curbing waste in the environment According to estimates, there are about 10 million tons of plastic waste in our natural environment. It is rare for waste to land in nature without human involvement. This requires global awareness raising among consumers regarding sustainable consumption and the collection and sorting of waste, and for the introduction of sanctions for littering. In the EU, in addition to the consistent implementation of existing waste legislation, a landfill ban for packaging waste is said to be enforced. Waste exports to developing countries are seen as unacceptable. As about 80 percent of the waste in oceans originates from Asia, and only about one percent from Europe, emerging countries reportedly must be supported in implementing infrastructures.