Textiles

Tackling microplastics in the environment - evidence-based policy recommendations on pellet loss, tire abrasion, fibres, and paints

KALEH — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:21:39 +0000

Tackling microplastics in the environment - evidence-based policy recommendations on textile fibres, tire abrasion, and pellet loss KALEH Tue, 12/20/2022 - 14:21

Untertitel

09 March 2023, 09:00-15:00 CET | Brussels

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The event brought together around 70 scientists, representatives from the EU institutions, as well as stakeholders from civil society and businesses to discuss the non-intentional release of microplastics into the environment.

RD Dr. Martin Dubiel (Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union) opened the event and gave the introductory words of welcome. The welcome address was given by Dr. Frieder Kettemann from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. R. Andreas Kraemer, who moderated the event, gave a short overview on the current political framework regarding plastics and recent developments at different political levels.

In the introductory talk, Werner Bosmans (DG Environment) outlined the political mandate for (micro)plastics regulation at EU level, the relevant sources of the non-intentional release of microplastics into the environment and the existing regulatory framework for microplastics at the EU level. During the Q&A subsequently to the presentation, Mr. Bosmans emphasized that there is a lot more research needed with regards to sampling methodologies to gather information on the presence of microplastics in soils across the EU as well as how this could be monitored at member state level.

The first session addressed the issue of tire abrasion with presentations from Mag. Dr. Romana Hornek-Gausterer (Environment Agency Austria) and Prof. Dr. Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch (Technical University Berlin). Ms. Hornek-Gausterer focused on additives used in tires, more specifically on para-substituted phenylenediamines (PPDs). She concluded that environmental monitoring is needed to understand which substances/products are of concern and to learn about the occurrence, transport/fate and behavior in the environment for such particles and substances. Prof. Barjenbruch presented results from the RAU project on tire abrasion and suggested measures to reduce the entry of tire particles into the aquatic environment.

In the second session on textiles fibres, Dr. Korinna Altmann (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, RUSEKU project) explained the results of washing machine tests with regard to the release of textile fibres from clothes such as shirts during typical washing processes with a household washing machine. The second presentation, held by Nicklas Gustavsson (Ramboll), dealt with geotextiles which are, for instance, used in road construction or for erosion control. Mr. Gustavsson highlighted the major research gaps that exist regarding the use of geotextiles and the potential discharge of microplastics during the use phase or while removing geotextiles from the environment.

The third session started with a presentation of Felix Weber (RheinMain University of Applied Sciences) and Luisa Barkmann-Metaj (Technical University of Darmstadt) who presented results from the EmiStop project on industrial microplastic and pellet loss. The two researchers presented their findings on industrial microplastic emissions at industrial sites and possible reduction measures. Afterwards, the presentation by Dr. Ulrike Braun (German Environment Agency [UBA]) and Dr. Nizar Benismail (Nestlé Quality Assurance Center Vittel) introduced the work of the joint ISO working group on microplastics of which both are active members. A challenge in the standardization work is the harmonization of standards that are currently developed in several different working groups.

In the last session, Dr. Saskia Ziemann (Project Management Agency Karlsruhe) presented the key messages from the German research focus “Plastics in the Environment”, while Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch (University of Bayreuth) indicated future research needs that will – at least partially – be tackled by the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 Microplastics.

The event “Tackling microplastics in the environment” did take place on 9th March 2023 in the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union in Brussels and was organized jointly by Ecologic Institute for the research focus “Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions” of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 Microplastics at the University of Bayreuth and the Interest Group Plastics of the EPA network.

Presentations (videos and presentation slides)

Werner Bosmans (European Commission, DG Environment)
Current EU initiatives to prevent microplastics in the environment, Presentation slides

Mag. Dr. Romana Hornek-Gausterer, (Environment Agency Austria)
Tire wear and substances of concern, Presentation slides

Prof. Dr. Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch (Technical University Berlin, Germany)
Measures to reduce the input of tire material into the environment, Presentation slides

Dr. Korinna Altmann (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Germany)
Release of synthetic fibres during washing of typical household textiles: Findings from washing machine tests and resulting policy recommendations, Presentation slides

Nicklas Gustavsson (Ramboll, Sweden)
Geotextiles as a source of microplastics, Presentation slides

Luisa Barkmann-Metaj (Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany)
Felix Weber (RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
Industrial microplastic and pellet loss: status quo and possible reduction measures, Presentation slides

Dr. Ulrike Braun (German Environment Agency [UBA])
Nizar Benismail (Nestlé Quality Assurance Center Vittel, France)
Legal regulation and standardisation of methods to investigate microplastics in the environment, Presentation slides

Dr. Saskia Ziemann (Project Management Agency Karlsruhe, Germany)
Key Messages of the BMBF Research Focus “Plastics in the Environment”, Presentation slides

Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch (University Bayreuth, Germany)
Key Messages of the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 “Microplastics", Presentation slides

Location

Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union, Rue Wiertz 77, 1000 Brussels

Date

09 March 2023

Event type

Research Focus Event

Attachments

Agenda

Information about the Speakers

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

Analytics

Tire particles

Tire wear

Date sort

Thu, 03/09/2023 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Ergebnistyp

Further products

Factsheet 1: Plastikverpackungen - Welche Einsparmöglichkeiten gibt es beim Kleiderkauf?

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:38:16 +0000

Factsheet 1: Plastic Packaging - What are the possibilities for reducing waste when buying clothes? janna.vakili@e… Wed, 02/10/2021 - 14:38

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The first factsheet of the research focus is dealing with the question of how consumers can save plastic when buying clothes. It is often difficult to know how much plastic is produced along the textile value chain, before a product arrives in the store. Due to this lack of visibility, it is usually not possible for consumers to estimate the actual amount of packaging of a garment and to act accordingly. The factsheet picks up on this issue and explains at which points in the supply chain plastic packaging waste is generated. It also discusses the role of industry and consumers in this context and points out avoidance strategies.

The contents of the factsheet are based on research results of the joint project VerPlaPoS. The factsheet is available here for PDF download.

Attachments

Factsheet 1 of the BMBF Research Focus Plastics in the Environment.

Joint project

VerPlaPoS

Year

2021

Type of Result

factsheets

Citation

Decker, Thomas; Lippl, Maria; Frommeyer, Britta; Koch, Julia; von Gehlen, Kristina; Tornow, Maren; Habermehl, Tabea; Niedermeier, Andreas (2021): Plastic Packaging: What are the possibilities for reducing waste when buying clothes? Fact sheet 1 of the BMBF research focus „Plastics in the Environment“.

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Querschnittsthema

QST 4

Diskussionspapier: Plastikverpackungen in der textilen Lieferkette

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 08:24:26 +0000

Discussion paper: Plastic packaging in the supply chain for textiles linda.mederake… Wed, 07/17/2019 - 10:24

Untertitel

An analysis from the consumer, industry and trade perspective

Titelbild

Beschreibung

This discussion paper presents the first findings of the joint research project VerPlaPoS on packaging in the textile industry and its supply chain.

The paper focuses on the role of consumers as well as industry and trade in reducing plastic packaging in the textile industry. The entire textile supply chain is considered and in this context the possibilities to influence the amount of packaging are examined by actor group as well as the limits that different actors face. The preliminary results show that consumers can only have a limited influence on the reduction of plastic waste along the textile supply chain through their demand and sustainable purchasing behaviour as well as through the proper disposal of plastic waste. Industry and trade, on the other hand, could significantly influence the volume of plastic packaging through better coordination between upstream and downstream players along the supply chain, through the use of alternative plastics and reusable packaging, or through their own product design. Studies along the supply chain reveal that consumers, trade and industry have had only limited influence on the reduction of plastic waste until now. The findings represent the current state of research and will be expanded, validated and published together with various practical partners in the further course of the project. The results serve as a basis for continued research in the joint research project.

Attachments

Discussion paper: Plastic packaging in the supply chain for textiles (in German)

Joint project

VerPlaPoS

Year

2019

Author

Britta Frommeyer

Julia Koch

Kristina von Gehlen

Philipp Schmitt

Gerhard Schewe

Tabea Habermehl

Maria Lippl

Thomas Decker

Manuel Lorenz

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Frommeyer, Britta; Koch, Julia; von Gehlen, Kristina; Schmitt, Philipp; Schewe, Gerhard; Habermehl, Tabea; Lippl, Maria; Decker, Thomas; Lorenz, Manuel (2019): Plastikverpackungen in der textilen Lieferkette: Eine Analyse aus Sicht von VerbraucherInnen, Industrie und Handel. Straubing.

Tags

Textiles

Packaging

Reduction of plastic use

Publikationstyp

Innoredux

Stephan.Guertler — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 10:30:10 +0000

Innoredux Stephan.Guertler Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:30

Business Models for Reducing Plastic Waste along the Value Chain: Paths to Innovative Trends in Retailing

The idea and goal of Innoredux was to develop and implement innovative packaging solutions in distance and stationary retailing using a living lab research approach in order to avoid or reduce plastic waste along the value chain.

The subject of investigation and the focus of research were innovations in trade for waste prevention and reduction within the framework of business models and the underlying value chains. The potential of their expansion from niches into the mainstream was investigated. The project focussed on reduction measures through a more efficient use of materials, substitution (alternative ecologically compatible materials) and through influencing consumers' decision-making behaviour in purchasing. Such innovative reduction measures can contribute significantly to the reduction of plastic discharges into the environment and at the same time generate competitive advantages.

In a living lab in the city of Heidelberg, business models were tested and implemented in cooperation with a number of partners from the retail sector and civil society. On the basis of the results of the living lab, guidelines for municipalities and companies were developed. The project focused on four product groups: food, cosmetics, office supplies and textiles.

Main areas of work

Analysis of interdependencies and decision-making processes along the value chain (production - trade - consumption)
Development of innovative business models to avoid packaging
Testing of innovative approaches for low-plastic packaging in a living lab in Heidelberg
Balancing the ecological, economic and social impacts of the business models identified as innovative
Development and dissemination of guidelines for companies and municipalities

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Developing a typology of plastic waste prevention business models through innovative packaging solutions

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, dm, Memo, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

In a first step, existing business models that contribute to the reduction of packaging (especially plastic packaging) along the value chain were examined and categorised. The project partners analysed existing innovative, instructive and plastic-reducing solutions with a strong leverage effect and estimated the reduction potential via quantity balances (waste types, waste quantities, etc.).

WP 2 Balancing, identification of best practices and success factors

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package analysed the ecological, social and economic impacts of business model innovations and identifies their success factors. To this end, key data and model examples were collected as preparatory work for the company checklists and the handbook for a municipal concept for comprehensive plastic prevention and reduction (so-called "conceptual handbook for municipalities"; WP 4). The potential impact of municipal support was assessed.

WP 3 Design of options for action and testing in a living lab

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package included the implementation of a living lab with retail companies, the City of Heidelberg, BUND and consumers. Here, a strategy to reduce plastic waste, consisting of suggestions to improve business models and support from municipalities, was developed and tested.
Case studies: A living lab was conducted, i. e. a geographically and temporally defined testing area was created in which knowledge was exchanged, strategic partnerships were generated and solutions were tested. Together with the associated partners, the objectives and intention of the intervention/experiments and questions were defined (co-design) before options for action were developed and adapted and tested in a strategy for the local context of Heidelberg. The effects of the living lab were evaluated during the process.

WP 4 Strategy development and development of company checklists and conceptual guidelines for municipalities

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

The living lab results from WP 3 were transferred into the context of the considered product groups and the existing strategies are revised. The research results were used to develop company checklists and a conceptual handbook for municipalities and the dissemination phase were prepared (cf. WP 5).

WP 5 Dissemination of results

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partner

ifeu

Short description

The transdisciplinary research approach required a reciprocal, project-accompanying transfer of knowledge and results. Therefore, an integrative work package was planned that encompasses all project work and affects all actors. In this work package, the focus was on describing the communication measures on the basis of the analysis of target groups and goals. The communication measures were based on the pillars "Information" - "Best Practice" - "Training" - "Imitation".

Coordinator

Dr. Frieder Rubik
Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
Bergstraße 7
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221-64916-6
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Website

www.plastik-reduzieren.de

Partner Institutions

ifeu – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg

Associated Partners

Alnatura GmbH

Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg

Avocado Store GmbH

Friends of the Earth Germany / BUND

Friends of the Earth Baden-Württemberg, Group in the District of Heidelberg / BUND Heidelberg

dm-drogerie markt GmbH & Co. KG / dm

Duration Period

February 2019

January 2022

Project sheet

Project-sheet-Innoredux-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

Fachkonferenz TextileMission

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 12:53:29 +0000

TextileMission: Expert Conference linda.mederake… Wed, 07/04/2018 - 14:53

Untertitel

Experts point out promising solutions

Titelbild

Further Links

detailed report on the conference

Beschreibung

What do we know about the extent of environmental pollution caused by microplastics? What role do synthetic textiles play in this? And how can the input of textile microplastics into the environment be sustainably reduced? These and other questions were the focus of a conference on 17 May 2018 at the Hotel Dietrich Bonhoeffer Haus in Berlin, which was organised by partner organisations of the joint project "TextileMission".

The aim of the event was to present the BMBF-funded project "TextileMission" to a selected expert audience, to discuss possible solutions and to offer an exchange platform for representatives from industry, research, politics and NGOs. The main issues to be discussed were:

- Microplastics in the environment - status quo of research
- Biobased plastics and biodegradability of fibre materials
- Potentials of textile technology research
- Filtering of microplastics in sewage treatment plants

Date

17 May 2018

Tags

Date sort

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

KuWert

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 16:12:48 +0000

KuWert KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 17:12

Ship-Based Treatment of Plastics for the Implementation of Value Chains in Less Developed Countries as well as for the Prevention of Plastic Inputs into the Environment and Especially in Marine Ecosystems

The aim of the project was to develop concepts and preliminary planning for the implementation of an infrastructure for the collection, ship-based treatment, and marketing of plastic waste in order to reduce the input of plastic waste into the environment and marine ecosystems. The project's target regions were primarily less developed countries in the Global South. Using West Africa as an example, strategies for reducing the input of plastics (in this case macroplastics) into the environment were researched, because the input of macroplastics into the environment is particularly high when functioning waste collection and disposal systems are lacking. Stakeholder dialogues were conducted to assess whether a commodity chain based on plastic recyclates is possible on the West African coast. A prototype model ship was developed and used to determine costs.

Main areas of work

Data collection, analysis and evaluation (local conditions in less developed countries)
Preliminary planning of waste treatment plants
Design of a concept for suitable ship and plant technology
Development of strategies for the implementation of value chains in less developed countries
Analysis and evaluation of results (economic, ecological)

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Basic evaluation – recording of plastic waste

Contact person
Dr. Martin Wittmaier, IEKrW, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, e-mail: wittmaier-office@hs-bremen.de

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, Nehlsen, University of Mauritius, University of Sierra Leone

Short description
It was of utmost importance for the processing of the entire project to gain knowledge of the composition of the plastic waste that potentially was collected in less developed countries. To this end, data and information (types, qualities, quantities, framework conditions, logistics, etc.) were first collected, analysed and evaluated, including on site in the example countries Sierra Leone and Mauritius.

WP 2 Pre-design of a treatment and recovery plant

Contact person
Dr. Sven Rausch, Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG, Wilhelm-Karmann-Str. 5, 28237 Bremen, e-mail: sven.rausch@nehlsen.com

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, IEKrW, University of Mauritius, University of Sierra Leone

Short description
In this WP, waste treatment plants were planned in various variants. For this purpose, national and international framework conditions connected with the construction and operation of the ship-based facilities to be developed were determined. Various known procedures were evaluated and tested for their suitability, as were requirements for operation, maintenance and repair. On this basis, the objectives for the treatment of plastic waste were defined, followed by the development of conceptual designs.

WP 3 Concept development (ship and plant engineering)

Contact person
Fridtjof Rohde, TECHNOLOG, Vorsetzen 50, 20459 Hamburg, e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Project partner
IEKrW, Nehlsen

Short description
Preliminary designs for up to three variants of carrier vessels/semi-submersibles for the treatment of plastic waste were developed with alternative shipbound logistics concepts. Rough planning included room planning and process-oriented arrangement of facilities, equipment for maritime technology, equipment for waste treatment plants, etc. The production costs and energy requirements were also determined and the variants were compared economically.

WP 4 Marketing potential of secondary raw materials

Contact person
Dr. Sven Rausch, Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG, Wilhelm-Karmann-Straße 5, 28237 Bremen, e-mail: sven.rausch@nehlsen.com

Project partner
IEKrW, TECHNOLOG

Short description
The market for secondary raw materials was examined, since these are fundamentally valuable. Tradeable products from plastic waste were identified and the quality requirements to be met specified. Possible revenues were also estimated. The resulting technical requirements for processing technology and quality management were taken into account in the other WPs. Based on the results, strategies for the most economical processing and marketing of products made from plastic waste were developed.

WP 5 Profitability analysis and life cycle assessment

Contact person
Dr. Martin Wittmaier, IEKrW, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, e-mail: wittmaier-office@hs-bremen.de

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, Nehlsen

Short description
The concepts and preliminary planning for the ship-based collection, processing and marketing of plastic waste from less developed countries developed in the project were evaluated under economic and ecological aspects. On the basis of the results, the ecological advantages (reduction of the input of plastics into the environment, protection of resources by recycling plastic waste) were determined. The evaluation of the economic efficiency was intended to assess the chances of realisation and provide a planning framework for potential investors, funding providers and operators of a ship-based collection and treatment plant for plastic waste.

WP 6 Project management, public relations, recycling concept

Contact person
Fridtjof Rohde, TECHNOLOG, Vorsetzen 50, 20459 Hamburg, e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Project partner
IEKrW, Nehlsen

Short description
Within the framework of WP 6, work was carried out on internal and external communication (project meetings, workshops, communication between national and international partners including maintaining contacts with interested shipping companies/shipowners, public relations, etc.) and project management (administrative and content-related reporting, work and progress control and coordination, etc.).

Coordinator

Fridtjof Rohde
TECHNOLOG Services GmbH
Vorsetzen 50
20459 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 7070768-20
e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Website

http://www.KuWert.hs-bremen.de

Partner Institutions

Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences, Institute for Energy, Recycling and Environmental Protection / IEKrW

Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG

Duration Period

August 2017

December 2019

Tags

Waste reduction

Waste management

Methodology of analyses

Environmental accounting

Optimization process

Plastic littering

Reduction of plastic use

Polyamide (PA)

Polyester

Polyethylene (PE)

High density polyethylene PE-HD

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Resource conservation

Risk assessment

Secondary raw materials

Sorting

Stakeholder

Material flow managment

Project sheet

13_Projektblatt_KUWERT_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

revolPET

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:53:14 +0000

revolPET KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 16:53

Development of a Recycling Technology for PET Waste Plastics from Multilayer Material and Other Waste Composites

As part of the revolPET project, a solvolytic recycling process for waste PET plastics (Polyethylene Terephthalate) from multilayer and other mixed materials was elaborated and experimentally tested. Inactive patents for solvolysis of single-variety PET waste formed the basis for this research: those solvolytic processes were be enhanced into a continuous waste treatment concept that can recycle PET waste. This enabled the recycling of the PET materials present in the mixed waste and the separation of differing amounts of interfering substances, with the latter being redirected to other uses. The recycling process generates the basic components of PET: monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The flexibility of the process enables sorting of waste from very inhomogenous materials sources such as marine and technical PET wastes. The new recycling process was tested and evaluated in a pilot plant. The data from this testing is included into continuous economic and ecological assessments of the procedure and its integration into the value chain.

Main areas of work

Development of the technical basis for continuous solvolysis
Operation of the pilot plant for experimental development and technological validation of the solvolysis process
Development of a mass and energy balances of the continuous processing methods (for pure and mixed PET waste)
Development of a model-based tool for the analysis and assessment of environmental impacts
Determination of market requirements with regard to recycling routes and required specifications for new streams of recyclable materials
Opening up new sources of supply for PET waste composites from post-consumer collections and technical applications

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Basic research, process and apparatus design

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Scholl, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Langer Kamp 7, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: s.scholl@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, Reclay Materials GmbH, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The technical fundamentals for continuous solvolysis of initially pure PET to multilayer and mixed PET were developed. The data served as the basis for the planning, design, construction and commissioning of a modular pilot plant, which enabled investigations of different apparatus.

WP 2 Pilot studies

Contact person
Carsten Eichert, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Feldstraße 29, 21335 Lüneburg, e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, TU Braunschweig ICTV, Reclay Materials GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The central experimental elaboration and technological validation of the solvolysis process took place through the operation of the pilot plant. The process engineering solutions found in the basic investigations in WP 1 were implemented here. First, PET of a higher purity was processed. For this purpose, the continuous operation is represented. The final goal was the continuous operation of the pilot plant for mixed PET waste streams.

WP 3 Accounting and multi-criteria rating

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Herrmann, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology, Langer Kamp 19B, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: c.herrmann@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
TU Braunschweig ICTV, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Reclay Materials GmbH

Short description
The aim was to establish a closed and consistent mass and energy balance of the continuous processing method (for single-variety and mixed PET waste) parallel to the experimental development of the recycling process. This was first created for the continuous operation of the pilot plant, compared with the operating data and then scaled to potential market scenarios. Based on the formulated requirements and the data from the pilot plant, a model-based tool for the analysis and evaluation of environmental impacts was developed.

WP 4 Market analysis and technology implementation

Contact person
Carsten Eichert, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Feldstraße 29, 21335 Lüneburg, e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, TU Braunschweig ICTV, TU Braunschweig IWF, Reclay Materials GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The market requirements with regard to recycling routes and required specifications for new streams of recyclable materials was determined. By means of potential analysis, the proportion of recyclable technical waste in machine tools and industrial plants in Germany was also estimated. Based on this, new sources of supply for PET waste composites from post-consumer collections and technical applications was developed. New potential partners for the implementation of the newly developed solvolysis process in the value chain and the new disposal channels was identified.

Coordinator

Carsten Eichert
RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH
Feldstraße 29
21335 Lüneburg
Phone: +49 4131 - 408 55 44
e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Website

https://revolpet.eu/?lang=en

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Braunschweig

Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering / ICTV

Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology / IWF

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering / ICT

Reclay Materials GmbH

SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH

VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Duration Period

October 2017

March 2021

Tags

Fluorescence marker-based sorting technology

Industry

Industrial emissions

Consumption

Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental accounting

Optimization process

Plastic littering

Polyester

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Resource conservation

Secondary raw materials

Solvolysis

Sorting

Material flow managment

Project sheet

11_Projektblatt_solvoPET_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

VerPlaPoS

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:27:25 +0000

VerPlaPoS KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 13:27

Consumer Behavior Related to Plastic and its Avoidance at the Point of Sale

Consumers buying products made of or wrapped in plastic play a decisive role in plastic consumption in Germany. A complete avoidance of plastic in everyday life, while unlikely to occur in full, would only be possible with extremely high restrictions. Moreover, many consumers are not aware of how much plastic is put into circulation or into the environment by buying a product. The consumer can, however, influence the use of plastics with targeted product selection at the point of sale (PoS) (e.g. the choice of plastic-free products).

Against this background, this project investigated to what extent the consumer can avoid the generation of plastic waste by making a purchase decision at the PoS. Another aspect was to what extent help can be provided for this decision, e.g. through different avoidance strategies. This was examined using food packaging and clothing textiles as examples. The former was chosen because food packaging has the highest capital costs for the environment in absolute terms (UNEP 2014). Textiles were chosen because they are made of plastic, a high proportion of synthetic fibres is used and a lot of plastic is produced by packaging the textiles.

Main areas of work

Investigating the understanding and behaviour of consumers when buying (or co-acquiring) plastics
Identification of plastic avoidance strategies along the textile and food supply chains
Holistic evaluation of different plastic alternatives (life cycle assessment)
Development of new products/processes that help to reduce plastic consumption/use
Information on product-specific plastic consumption using a plastic app

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Project coordination and project management

Contact person
Dr. Thomas Decker, Stadt Straubing, Theresienplatz 2, 94315 Straubing, e-mail: thomas.decker@straubing.de

Project partners
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, General and Textile Industry Research Institute, University of Muenster, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, University of Stuttgart, Philipps-University Marburg, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
The City of Straubing coordinated the consortium in the supervisory WP 1. This included the coordination of content, operations (link between science and SMEs) and organisation (project meetings, telecons, reports, timetable, etc.). In addition, the City of Straubing was responsible for public relations (reciprocal and interactive communication with stakeholder groups in the study region and in Germany, presswork, Internet media, etc.).

WP 2 Consumer purchasing behavior when buying plastic articles

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Department of Marketing and Management of Renewable Resources, Petersgasse 18, 94315 Straubing, e-mail: klaus.menrad@hswt.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
The behaviour of customers in the shops of partners in the City of Straubing was assessed in regard to food packaging and clothing textiles, with particular attention paid to plastic. The aim was, on the one hand, to capture the open, observable shopping behaviour of consumers with its connected plastic consumption. On the other hand, the knowledge and problem awareness in plastic matters were determined. Furthermore, common themes were also examined when purchasing plastic-packed food or textiles.

WP 3 What role does plastic play in commerce?

Contact person
Dr. Thomas Decker, Stadt Straubing, Theresienplatz 2, 94315 Straubing, e-mail: thomas.decker@straubing.de

Project partners
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
The respective offer at the PoS was very important for consumers' purchasing decisions. For this reason, the assortment of practical partners in the food and textile commerce as well as the disposal routes of plastic waste produced in shops were being investigated. This provided a business level overview of the respective volume of plastic. The selected shops were examples of different types of food retailing and textile merchandise management.

WP 4 Plastics along the value chain

Contact person
Sven Sängerlaub, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, Giggenhauser Straße 35, 85354 Freising, e-mail: sven.saengerlaub@ivv.fraunhofer.de

Short description
The aim of this work package was to obtain a general overview of the occurrence and use of plastics (especially intermediate packaging) in the supply chains for textiles, with a focus on functional textiles and men’s fashion, and foodstuffs. The aim was to investigate the areas in which the use of plastic is necessary and where it could be reduced or avoided. Thus, there were various possibilities within the value chains to reduce or avoid the use of plastics, e.g. by optimizing the transport packaging systems between the individual stations.

WP 5 Development and provision of alternative packaging options

Contact person
Sven Sängerlaub, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, Giggenhauser Straße 35, 85354 Freising, e-mail:sven.saengerlaub@ivv.fraunhofer.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, University of Stuttgart, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
For the practical testing of alternative packaging and communication with retailers and end customers, suitable materials were being developed, samples produced and appropriate specifications drawn up for incoming and outgoing processes for manufacture and recycling. Various packaging alternatives for the food sector were then manufactured at IVV on a pilot-plant scale for pilot applications or produced by industrial partners. These patterns represented different approaches to avoid or reduce the use of plastics.

WP 6 Avoidance of plastic along the entire textile supply chain

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schewe, University of Münster, Chair of Business Administration, Universitätsstraße 14–16, 48143 Münster, e-mail: orga@wiwi.uni-muenster.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, University of Stuttgart

Short description
Within the scope of a business case, innovative strategies were developed for analysing the entire textile supply chain regarding avoidable plastic use, together with practice partners from the textile industry. First the object of investigation was defined and delineated to provide a specification sheet for the analysis of the actual state, for the formulation of the target state under consideration of cost positions, for monetary advantages, and non-monetary aspects, and for functional, and nonfunctional requirements.

WP 7 Innovative recycling strategies for the textile sector

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schewe, University of Münster, Chair of Business Administration, Universitätsstraße 14–16, 48143 Münster, e-mail: orga@wiwi.uni-muenster.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, University of Stuttgart

Short description
For the unavoidable use of plastics in the textile supply chain, sustainable recycling strategies were developed in a business case in cooperation with practice partners from the textile commerce who see plastics as a promising resource for innovative manufacturing and production processes (for the areas of men’s fashion and functional textiles). The focus was on additive manufacturing processes (colloquially: 3D printing) that offer innovative recycling solutions across divisions and industries thus forming a link to the research area of food packaging.

WP 8 Context-specific life cycle analysis of the product examples

Contact person
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Albrecht, University of Stuttgart, Faculty 2: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics (IABP), Department of Life Cycle Engineering, Wankelstraße 5, 70563 Stuttgart, e-mail: gabi@iabp.uni-stuttgart.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, General and Textile Industry Research Institute, University of Muenster, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, University of Stuttgart, Philipps-University Marburg, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
Which global problems were caused by plastics along their supply chain and how severe are these? This question was answered by means of a context-specific analysis with regard to the entire life cycle of possible product solutions (textile, food) or plastics (e.g. food packaging) and the entire range of problems based on the life cycle assessment method and information from the previous work packages. Various practice partners from the textile and food commerce provided support.

WP 9 Testing "new solutions"

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, General and Textile Industry Research Institute, University of Muenster, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, University of Stuttgart, Philipps-University Marburg, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
The newly developed products/solutions of WP 5 and 6 were verified for consumer acceptance and tested in the stores of partner companies in the food and textile industry for a period of two weeks. In addition to the sales figures, further consumer reactions were also collected in 300 personal interviews. The developed app (Android and iOS version) was also included in the test and tested for applicability.

WP 10 Elaboration and documentation of practice-oriented recommendations for action

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schewe, University of Münster, Chair of Business Administration, Universitätsstraße 14–16, 48143 Münster, e-mail: orga@wiwi.uni-muenster.de

Sven Sängerlaub, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, Giggenhauser Straße 35, 85354 Freising, e-mail:sven.saengerlaub@ivv.fraunhofer.de

Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Department of Marketing and Management of Renewable Resources, Petersgasse 18, 94315 Straubing, e-mail: klaus.menrad@hswt.de

Project partners
Stadt Straubing, Philipps-University Marburg, Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Short description
Based on the results obtained, recommendations for action were formulated for the industries examined and then summarised into compact documentation. The recommendations for action were derived in close coordination with all partners and on the basis of the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and risks of the solutions and strategies jointly identified throughout the course of the project. The aim was to achieve a clear impact assessment for the solutions and strategies developed and thus contribute to a reduction in use of plastics on the consumer side.

Case Studies

Several case studies in the areas of food packaging and textiles were conducted within this project. For example, alternative packaging variants were developed for the following areas: service packaging, bowls/trays and bags for baked goods. These packaging alternatives were tested in the course of the project with regard to "quality", ”consumer acceptance” and for improvement of the "plastic index".

In the field of textiles, innovative strategies for the analysis of the entire textile supply chain to identify avoidable use of plastics were established together with practice partners. In addition, sustainable recycling strategies were developed that consider plastics as a promising resource for innovative manufacturing and production processes (for men's fashion and functional textiles). The focus was on additive manufacturing processes (colloquially: 3D printing) that offer innovative recycling solutions across divisions and industries.

Coordinator

Dr. Thomas Decker
Stadt Straubing
Theresienplatz 2
94315 Straubing
Phone: +49 9421 944-60167
e-mail: thomas.decker@straubing.de

Website

http://www.plastikvermeidung.de/

Partner Institutions

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Department for Marketing and Management of Renewable Resources

General and Textile Industry Research Institute, University of Muenster

Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging

University of Stuttgart, Institute of Acoustics and Building Physics, Department of Life Cycle Engineering

Philipps-University Marburg, Department of Bioinformatics

Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH

Duration Period

October 2017

March 2021

Project sheet

05_Projektblatt_VerPLasPoS_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

TextileMission

KALEH — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:39:44 +0000

TextileMission KALEH Wed, 12/06/2017 - 16:39

Microplastics of Textile Origin - A Holistic View: Optimized Processes and Materials, Material Flows and Environmental Behavior

Textiles made of synthetic fibres can lose microparticles during household washing, which can then enter rivers, lakes and oceans. The goal of Textile- Mission was to reduce the related environmental impact. The project pursued an interdisciplinary approach with partners from the Sport Goods Industry, research, the detergent and household aplliance sectors, and environmental protection. On the one hand, sport and outdoor textiles with significantly lower microplastic emissions than in the past were developed through textile technology research and the optimisation of production processes. Textile researchers and the sportswear manufacturers involved also tested biodegradable fibres as an environmentally friendly alternative. With the support of the WWF, care was taken to ensure that other aspects of sustainability were also considered. On the other hand, a contribution was made to optimise wastewater treatment plant technology. Practical innovations at this level also help to reduce microplastic inputs from non-textile sources. In parallel, data on the extent and range of microparticle emissions from different textiles were systematically collected through tests of washing and laboratory wastewater treatment plants to improve the understanding of the respective material flows.

Main areas of work

Status quo analysis: the microplastic output of marketable textiles
Wastewater treatment plant technology: the retention capacity of different cleaning or purification steps
Holistic perspective: sustainability aspects of alternative materials
Textile research: biodegradable materials and new cutting and processing possibilities
Product development: production and testing of prototypes

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Project management, communication and project-related research

Contact person
Nicole Espey, Federal Association of the German Sporting Goods Industry e.V., Adenauerallee 134, 53113 Bonn, e-mail: nicole.espey@bsi-sport.de

Short description
The Federal Association of the German Sport Goods Industry e.V. (BSI) coordinated the project and was responsible for public relations in consultation with the WWF. In addition to maintaining the website and sending out press releases, this also included organising multi-stakeholder events. The BSI conducted a study on the spread of microparticles and the polyester-based microparticle emissions associated with household laundry and collect data on the annual emissions of textile polyester microparticles. Finally, recommendations were given on how new materials, manufacturing processes, optimised wastewater treatment plant technology, etc. can help to sustainably reduce microparticle emissions.

WP 2 Development of textile structures for sports and outdoor applications with reduced particle emission in textile washing and based on biodegradable polymers

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Maike Rabe and Prof. Dipl.-Des. Ellen Bendt, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Research Institute for Textile and Clothing, Reinarzstraße 49, 47805 Krefeld, e-mail: maike.rabe@hs-niederrhein.de

Short description
Starting with a status quo analysis, the risk of microparticle emissions from textiles during household laundry were determined in cooperation with the Technical University of Dresden and the BSI. For this purpose, standard articles from German households, problem articles made of fleece and ”top sellers” from the industrial partners involved were washed to quantify the microparticles released. Another focus was on the development of alternative materials, cutting and processing possibilities. For this purpose, low-emission construction, processing and finishing methods were researched and materials made of or in combination with biopolymers were produced. Finally, as a recommendation for the textile industry, a method for predicting the emission risk of newly developed textile articles was presented.

WP 3 Microplastics of textile origin – A holistic approach: optimised processes and materials, material flows and environmental behaviour.

Contact person
Hilke Anna Patzwall, VAUDE Sport GmbH & CO. KG, VAUDE Straße 2, 88069 Tettnang, e-mail: hilke.patzwall@vaude.com

Short description
The outdoor clothing specialist VAUDE provided materials and finished products for status quo analysis and assist in the selection of other test materials and products. Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences developed new materials and construction methods to be tested in coordination with the partners. After passing the performance test, the materials were then assembled into prototypes. The knowledge gained during the manufacturing process was in turn reflected into the research network - here the question was about i.a. the processability of the materials using conventional sewing machines, among other things.

WP 4 Polyester fibres: Reduction of microparticle release and material flow analysis in the environment

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Stefan Stolte, Technical University of Dresden, Institute of Water Chemistry, Chair of Hydrochemistry and Water Technology, 01062 Dresden, e-mail: stefan.stolte@tu-dresden.de

Short description
At the TU Dresden, an analysis and sample preparation method was established that makes it possible to quantify microparticles from wastewater streams and fractionate them according to size. In addition, the researchers investigated the retention capacity of textile (fluorescence-labelled) microparticles in the different stages of a laboratory wastewater treatment plant and identified efficient retention possibilities. Material flows were analysed including a first estimate of the Germany-wide textile microplastic emission from wastewater into water bodies /soils was made. In addition, biopolymer-based microplastics (obtained from washing tests with alternative materials at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences) were tested according to their environmental stability to derive design proposals.

WP 5 Consideration of other environmental issues related to the project, stakeholder involvement and communication at the end of the project

Contact person
Dr. Bernhard Bauske, WWF Germany, Kaiserstraße 70, 60329 Frankfurt e-mail: bernhard.bauske@wwf.de

Short description
Throughout the course of this project, WWF Germany ensured that sustainability aspects were taken into account even though they were not directly linked to the topic of microplastics. WWF conducted a study about possible areas of tension that may arise with alternative fibres made of bio-based plastics and wood. For example, the cultivation of textile raw materials vs. cultivation of foodstuffs. Another study focused on the retention of textile microfibre particles through various purification stages in wastewater treatment plants. At the same time, the WWF wanted to involve important stakeholders from NGOs, consumer associations and academia in the project.

Associated partners and their contributions

adidas AG provided materials and finished products for status quo analysis and assist in the selection of additional test materials and products. The sporting goods manufacturer examined the newly developed materials at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences for general marketability and participate in the production and testing of prototypes. The company also supported the BSI in its press and public relations work.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA advised the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences on the construction of the test bench. The company also supported household laundry and wearing test by contributing its expertise on typical household washing and drying parameters.

Miele & Cie KG provided the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences with four household washing machines for the course of the project. In cooperation with Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, the washing machine manufacturer accompanied the household laundry tests and supported the modification of the washing processes with its expertise.

Polartec LLC: The world‘s largest fleece manufacturer Polartec LLC supported the project with its expertise in the production of fleece and provide standard products for comparisons. In addition, materials developed by the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences were prototyped and tested for scalability at the Polartec production sites.

Coordinator

Nicole Espey
Federal Association of the German
Sporting Goods Industry e.V. / BSI
Adenauerallee 134
53113 Bonn
Phone: +49 228/926593-0
e-mail: nicole.espey@bsi-sport.de

Website

http://textilemission.bsi-sport.de/

Partner Institutions

Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences

Technical University of Dresden

Vaude Sport GmbH & Co. KG

Associated Partners