The report “Sustainable Plastic Strategy” has been released by the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem) and its partners – Cefic, PlasticsEurope, European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and the European Composites, Plastics and Polymer Processing Platform (ECP4).
This report presents a shared vision and demonstrates how collaboration within the plastic value chain can be a driving force for change. It outlines the future research needed to fulfil the objectives of the European Strategy for Plastics and the Green Deal priorities, where the technology solutions described are part of an integral approach to render plastics more sustainable.
The report identifies the challenges and solutions towards sustainability in three main areas: Sustainability by design, sustainable recycling and alternative feedstock. It highlights the need of a holistic approach based on a measurable science-based framework that aims at preventing waste, enabling consumer awareness, and implementing eco-design-based solutions towards sustainability aligned with the EU aim to be climate neutral by 2050.
Technologies are needed to improve the labelling, identification and appropriate separation of waste streams of plastics and composites. These polymers should be reprocessed for reuse in new products and/or fully recycled as feedstock by i.e. chemical recycling. With these technologies, the chemical industry will develop solutions to treat mixed or contaminated plastic waste that otherwise would be incinerated or sent to landfill. The sustainability for plastics is also deeply linked to the efficiency in the design of the materials and the transition to renewable feedstock. This means using renewable energy and alternative feedstock from waste and renewable resources.
These are envisioned by the authors of this report that invite you to read and share it.
Read the report here.