Ingemar Bühler: “We Are Convinced That the UN Plastics Agreement Can Contribute to the Transformation of the Entire Plastics System”
General Manager, PlasticsEurope Germany eV
Member States of the United Nations want to end plastic pollution by 2040. Plastics Europe welcomes UNEA Resolution 5/14 “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument” and supports the overarching goal of strengthening the circular economy. Among other things, the association advocates the introduction of binding recycling quotas for plastics.
Mr. Bühler, what measures do you think are necessary to combat the problem of plastic waste in the environment?
Ingemar Bühler: This requires a holistic approach that promotes both sustainable production and the closed cycle of plastics.
Non-fossil, circular raw materials can make a significant contribution to zero emissions in the plastics industry. This includes the extraction of carbon from recycled plastic waste and the separation of carbon from biomass and other carbonaceous raw materials (CCU). In order to promote the diversification of raw material sources and the increase in recycling rates, large-scale investments should now be made in these technologies.
Circular design is also essential to ending plastic waste pollution. The global plastics agreement should focus on the following core areas: reusable systems, sustainable use of plastic applications and design for recycling and circularity.
Waste management systems are the foundation of a sustainable circular economy. We support the establishment of such systems, which include the collection, sorting and recycling of all waste.
How do you see recycling rates?
Bühler: We firmly believe that setting recycling quotas is an effective measure to encourage investment in expanding the infrastructure for the targeted collection and recycling of plastics. Binding recycling quotas would help increase the demand for recycled materials in various sectors such as packaging, consumer goods and the automotive sector. At the same time, it gives the industry the necessary planning security for extensive investments in the circular economy in order to achieve the ambitious goal of the agreement.
What do you suggest regarding bioplastics?
Bühler: For the transition to a climate-neutral circular economy, it is important to differentiate between bio-based plastics and biodegradable or compostable plastic applications in the agreement. We therefore support the introduction of global standards such as ISO 17088 for compostable plastics and ISO 16620 for bio-based plastics.
The biodegradability of plastics depends both on the properties of the plastic and on external environmental influences. It is therefore important to make a clear distinction in the agreement between certified compostable plastics that support the recycling of organic waste and ecologically biodegradable plastic applications. This distinction and clear labeling are crucial to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Under no circumstances should biodegradability in the environment lead to an increase in waste generation or be used as an excuse to dispose of plastic waste in the environment.
Microplastics represent a major challenge in preventing plastic pollution. How can this challenge be addressed?
Bühler: We work closely with scientists to gain a better understanding of the formation of microplastics and their impact on the environment and health. At the same time, we are also engaging with policymakers and regulators to develop new measures to curb the release of microplastics.
A significant example of this is the Brigid5 project, an independent five-year research project involving renowned microplastics experts from around the world. This project is part of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) MARII6 initiative, which focuses on industry-supported research on the impact of microplastics. The Global Plastics Agreement should continue to support such research initiatives.
What is your position as Plastics Europe on the UN plastic agreement?
Bühler: Combating environmental pollution from plastic waste is a key challenge of our time. We therefore welcome the goals of the UN agreement and are determined to decouple the plastics industry from the consumption of fossil resources. In order for plastics to continue to be used sensibly in the future, they must be recycled and kept in the cycle for as long as possible. However, harmonized criteria must be developed for this, which take into account the respective national and local circumstances as well as the political framework.
We are convinced that an international agreement that serves as a guide for global standardization and involves all stakeholders involved can make a significant contribution to the transformation of the entire plastics system.
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