Strategy on plastics

Eine Kreislaufwirtschaft für Kunststoffe – Aktuelle Diskussionen, Trends und politische Herausforderungen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 12:59:35 +0000

A circular plastics economy - Current discussions, trends and political challenges linda.mederake… Wed, 02/23/2022 - 13:59

Untertitel

A reflection of the Tutzing Symposion 2021 „Polymers for a better life and circular economy“

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Beschreibung

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. Based on the presentations at the symposium, the contribution provides an overview of current debates on the circular plastics economy, as well as insights into existing political regulations, present challenges, and possible future developments with regard to this major societal project.

Among other topics, the article addresses the comparability of life cycle assessments, (chemical) recycling, and challenges in developing new business models. It also addresses the material and political limits of the circular economy and criticizes attempts to locate the responsibility for solving the plastic problem mainly in the individual behavior of citizens. Looking at existing regulations and policy initiatives at national, European and international levels, the article states the lack of a holistic, overarching approach. The article concludes with an appeal for more exchange and discussions between industry, politics and authorities as well as civil society in the political decision-making process.

Further Links

Article (restricted access)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37307/j.1863-9763.2022.02.05

Magazine

Müll und Abfall

Year

2022

Author

Linda Mederake

Publisher

Erich Schmidt Verlag (ESV), Germany

Type of Result

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Citation

Mederake, Linda (2022): Eine Kreislaufwirtschaft für Kunststoffe – Aktuelle Diskussionen, Trends und politische Herausforderungen. Eine Reflexion des Tutzing Symposions 2021 „Polymers for a better life and circular economy“. In: Müll und Abfall, 54 (2), 77-83.

Tags

Waste reduction

Social perception

Governance

Industry

Consumption

Strategy on plastics

Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental accounting

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Recycling

Regulation

Resource conservation

Publikationstyp

Abschlusskonferenz: "Plastik in der Umwelt – Quellen • Senken • Lösungsansätze"

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 10:54:08 +0000

Final conference: "Plastics in the Environment - Sources - Sinks - Solutions" janna.vakili@e… Fri, 07/03/2020 - 12:54

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Beschreibung

The final conference of the BMBF research focus "Plastics in the Environment - Sources - Sinks - Solutions" will take place in Berlin from 20-21 April 2021.

Further information, the conference agenda and the possibility to register can be found on the German version of this website.

Organiser

PlastikNet

Date

20 - 21 April 2021

20. - 21. April 2021

Further Links

PlastikNet Website

Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

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Tags

Prevention of plastics

Strategy on plastics

Date sort

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 12:00

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Hintergrundpapier: Plastikpolitik in Deutschland und der EU

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 08:23:28 +0000

Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU linda.mederake… Thu, 04/23/2020 - 10:23

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Beschreibung

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. Since then, there have been a whole series of new initiatives to regulate plastics - especially at EU level.

This background paper provides an overview of existing and new laws and initiatives regarding plastics in Germany and the EU. Despite the multitude of approaches, guidelines and laws, regulatory gaps remain. The greatest need for action exists in the areas of strengthening recycling and use of recycled plastics as well as waste prevention. Waste prevention remains the unwanted child in the resource discourse, although it almost always represents the best option in terms of environmental policy.

The authors Linda Mederake, Mandy Hinzmann and Susanne Langsdorf accordingly urge for a stronger systems thinking. An interdepartmental, coordinated plastics strategy in Germany could combine the relevant activities of the plastics policy, work out an overarching plan taking into account the waste hierarchy and contribute to its implementation. In addition, clearly formulated and measurable goals should be defined and a process-accompanying success control should be established.

The publication can be downloaded here as PDF in German.

Attachments

Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU (PDF, German)

Year

2020

Author

Linda Mederake

Mandy Hinzmann

Susanne Langsdorf

Authors

Type of Result

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Citation

Mederake, Linda; Hinzmann, Mandy; Langsdorf, Susanne (2020): Hintergrundpapier: Plastikpolitik in Deutschland und der EU. Ecologic Institut: Berlin.

Tags

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:22:18 +0000

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven linda.mederake… Tue, 03/24/2020 - 15:22

Untertitel

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment"

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Beschreibung

Plastic is a material of immense social importance and presence. It is therefore necessary to not only consider technical solutions in order to develop plastic reduction strategies, but also involve the social dimension.

In this discussion paper, the social dimensions of plastics in the environment are examined from various perspectives and disciplines, making them more tangible for researchers as well as for stakeholders in politics, media and industry. The paper thus serves as a basis for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation in the development of plastic reduction strategies.

The authors point out the challenges that arise in regard of the diverse fields of application and the international circulation of plastics. They emphasize that there is a need for action, especially for stakeholders from industry, politics and society. Furthermore, solution strategies should take into account the entire life cycle of plastics and not only address late stages.

These and other findings can be found in the discussion paper, which is available for download [PDF] in German.

Attachments

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment" [PDF, German]

Further Links

Cross-Cutting Topic 4: Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Enviro…

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Social sciences

Strategy on plastics

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Interessierte für Bürger*innenempfehlung im Umgang mit Plastik gesucht

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:57:24 +0000

Interested people wanted for citizens’ recommendation on the handling of plastics janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:57

Further Links

7 March 2020: Ecological use of plastics - can it exist?

14 March 2020: Plastics in sports - artificial grass and plastic cups

21 March 2020: Get a Grip - Tire abrasion on German roads

28 March 2020: Good green? Plastic (waste) in the home and garden

Website of the joint research project Plastikbudget

Ruhr University Bochum

Beschreibung

The joint research project "Plastikbudget" is organizing citizen forums on four Saturdays in March, with the aim to work out citizens’ recommendations on the use of plastics. Everyone interested is warmly invited to join! The individual events deal with the following topics: ecological use of plastics, plastics in sports, tire abrasion and plastic (waste) in the home and garden.

The aim is to feed citizens’ recommendations developed with your expertise directly into federal politics.

In addition to free participation and hospitality, you will also be offered input from experts. You can find further information on the events via the listed event links. The events will be held in German.

Date

14 March 2020

Tags

Strategy on plastics

Prevention of plastics

Reduction of plastic use

Microplastics

Governance

Date sort

Sat, 03/14/2020 - 12:00

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Bildergalerie

Get a Grip

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:13:46 +0000

Get a Grip janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:13

Untertitel

Tire abrasion on German roads

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Beschreibung

The event is postponed.

How can we address the largest problem tied to microplastics emission: tire abrasion?

This event of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" gives you the opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop citizen recommendations for politics.

Invited experts are:

Gerhard Dahmen (Strassen.NRW)
Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Steven Engler (Ruhr University Bochum)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 10 am to 4 pm.

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Münster, Germany (Feuerstiege 16, 48163 Münster)

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Ruhr University Bochum

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

21 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

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Tags

Prevention of plastics

Strategy on plastics

Microplastics

Reduction of plastic use

Date sort

Sat, 03/21/2020 - 12:00

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Plastik im Sport

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:00:31 +0000

Plastics in sports janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:00

Untertitel

Artificial grass and plastic cups

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Beschreibung

The team of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" invites you to this exchange with experts on plastics in sport. The aim of the event is to develop citizens' recommendations for politicians on the use of plastics in the environment.

You will have the opportunity to deal with important questions concerning plastics in sports and to propose possible solutions: Are clubs obliged to reduce plastic waste or is it the fans? What is the responsibility of the athletes or the respective local authorities?

Invited experts are:

Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Steven Engler (Ruhr University Bochum)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 10 am to 2 pm

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Ruhr University Bochum

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

14 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

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Tags

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Strategy on plastics

Governance

Date sort

Sat, 03/14/2020 - 12:00

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Ökologischer Kunststoffeinsatz

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:45:48 +0000

Ecological use of plastics janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 14:45

Untertitel

Can it exist?

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Beschreibung

This event of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" gives you the opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop citizen recommendations for politicians. Get involved in an exchange on basic questions concerning the use of plastics:

How do you imagine a different way of dealing with plastics? Who should the legislation address? Producers? Consumers? And - can there even be an ecological use of plastics?

Invited experts are:

Michael Hillenbrand (Plastics Europe)
Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 12 pm to 4 pm

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Ruhr University Bochum (Wasserstraße 223, 44799 Bochum), Germany

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Ruhr University Bochum

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

07 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

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Tags

Strategy on plastics

Prevention of plastics

Reduction of plastic use

Governance

Date sort

Sat, 03/07/2020 - 12:00

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Gut Grün?

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:18:08 +0000

Good green? janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 14:18

Untertitel

Plastic waste in the home and garden

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Beschreibung

The event is postponed.

This event is a communication space where experts, hobby gardeners and interested people collaborate and exchange knowledge on the topic of plastic waste in the home and garden. The aim is to work out a citizens' recommendation for politicians on how to deal with plastics in the environment. For this purpose, the team of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" is looking for interested garden friends and other people who want to contribute their thoughts and expertise to the discussion.

Invited experts are:

Haiko Kuntze (Eintausendundein Gartentipp)
Timm Schrader (Schrader Glass & Building Cleaning)
Max Thalmeier (Eichinger Gartengestaltung GmbH)
Steven Engler (Ruhr University Bochum)
Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 10 am to 4 pm

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Heinrichstraße 2, 44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Ruhr University Bochum

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

28 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

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Tags

Reduction of plastic use

Strategy on plastics

Prevention of plastics

Governance

Date sort

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 12:00

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Plastic Pouches

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 15:52:45 +0000

Plastic Pouches janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 16:52

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Beschreibung

The AMI "Plastic Pouches" conference in Vienna is a forum to discuss technical and market developments in the plastic bag industry and offers numerous networking opportunities. With a growing social focus on convenience, value and sustainability, there is increasing demand for innovative and flexible options designed to meet market needs.
The conference is aimed at packaging processors, converters, researchers, materials suppliers, equipment suppliers and brand owners, and discusses the challenges facing the industry today.

Registration is possible via the event's website.

Location

Vienna, Austria

Organiser

Applied Market Information Ltd

Date

01 May 2021

Further Links

Website of the event

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Tags

Plastic littering