Regulation

Without a Debate on Sufficiency, a Circular Plastics Economy will Remain an Illusion

This opinion paper reflects on key issues currently under discussion regarding the implementation of a circular plastics economy. To do so, the paper covers issues raised at the 2021 edition of the Tutzing Symposion, an annual event organized by DECHEMA, the German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. These issues include renewable feedstock, life cycle assessments, chemical recycling, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and the allocation of responsibilities to curb plastic pollution.

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Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen

The volume of plastics entering the environment is growing worldwide. Since existing regulations are not sufficient to curb the problem, the ever-increasing plastic production and use must be reduced. A systemic approach is needed that holds all actors responsible who produce, use, recycle, dispose and trade in plastic products and packaging.

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A circular plastics economy - Current discussions, trends and political challenges

The article reflects on the 59th Tutzing Symposion entitled "Polymers for a better life and circular economy" that took place as an online event in October 2021.

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Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU

Plastic pollution – especially the dramatic littering of the oceans – and the public concern about it, has powerfully brought the issue on the European and German political agenda. This background paper provides an overview of existing and new laws and initiatives regarding plastics in Germany and the EU.

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Avoiding plastic packaging from entering the environment

This policy paper shows municipal policy options for enabling and supporting companies and consumers to reduce and avoid plastic packaging. Core elements in the support of companies are various offers and activities for the establishment of a low-packaging product range and for the expansion of reusable systems.

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Packaging volume and regulatory framework

This background paper was developed within the framework of the Innoredux joint research project and describes which materials shape the volume of packaging and packaging waste in Germany. Moreover, the paper outlines the most important German and European legal regulations relating to packaging in the context of the project.

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The Transnational Governance of Plastics

In International Relations, little research exists that examines the specific actors, structures and processes involved in the diverse regulatory activities regarding plastics. This paper provides a framework for such an analysis.

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Plastic Atlas 2019: Facts and figures about the world of synthetic polmers

Plastics have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. Plastic products make a lot of things easier, but they also endanger our health and flood our planet with garbage. The Plastic Atlas offers data and facts about a world full of plastics. In 19 chapters, it sheds light on very different aspects of plastics, each of which is illustrated with infographics.

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InRePlast

Environmental Policy Instruments to Reduce Plastic Pollution of Inland Waters through Drainage Systems

January 2019

December 2021

The project aimed to make a significant, transdisciplinary contribution to applied research on the prevention of plastic discharges into water bodies via drainage systems from a behavioural and environmental economics perspective.