The way we deal with plastic is changing. Away from single use and towards continuous use in a cycle – from rubbish and waste to circular raw materials. This is the only way to achieve resource efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions at the same time. This requires close and new cooperation between all participants in the cycle and value creation that focuses on the use of recycled materials.
The VDI set itself the goal of advancing this process through a broad and solution-oriented dialogue. In 2019, a round table was held for the first time to bring together relevant players from all areas of the plastics cycle – the chemical industry, plastics processors, OEMs, retailers, consumers, waste disposal companies and recyclers – to identify opportunities and challenges from the perspective of the respective stages of the cycle. Representatives from politics and science as well as environmental and consumer associations were also included. This systemic approach of the VDI round table was key to understanding the requirements of the cycle participants holistically and developing the packages of measures that will be necessary in the future.

In the interview, participants in the round table discussion include Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich, Chairman of INZIN e.V. – Institute for the Future of Industrial Society and Co-Chair of the Resource Commission at the German Federal Environment Agency, Herwart Wilms, Managing Director of REMONDIS Assets & Services GmbH & Co. KG, Chair of the BDI Committee for Raw Materials Policy, Vice-President of the BDE Federal Association of the German Waste Management, Water and Raw Materials Industry, and Dr. Peter Orth, Managing Director of OPC Orth Plastics Consulting, VDI Society for Materials Engineering, Plastics Technology Division, with a special focus on the waste management and recycling industry.

Das vollständige Interview finden Sie hier.