minimization strategies

Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 03 May 2022 10:13:46 +0000

Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen linda.mederake… Tue, 05/03/2022 - 12:13

Untertitel

Kernbotschaften sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung

Titelbild

Beschreibung

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. Policymakers must drive the necessary paradigm shift and facilitate a sufficiency debate across society.

This article summarizes the results of the social science research conducted as part of the research focus in 11 key messages. The results were developed in the course of the following joint research projects (or their social science sub-projects): ENSURE, Innoredux, InRePlast, PlastikBudget, PlastikNet, PLASTRAT, PLAWES, REPLAWA, SubµTrack and VerPlaPoS.

Further Links

Article download (in German)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.31.1.12

Magazine

GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society

Year

2022

Type of Result

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

Citation

Beyerl, Katharina; Bogner, Franz; Daskalakis, Maria; Decker, Thomas; Hentschel, Anja; Hinzmann, Mandy; Loges, Bastian; Knoblauch, Doris; Mederake, Linda; Müller,, Ruth; Rubik, Frieder; Schweiger, Stefan; Stieß, Immanuel (2022): Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen. Kernbotschaften sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung. GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, 31(1), 51-53.

Tags

Awareness raising

Social perception

Governance

minimization strategies

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Factsheet 2: Wertvoller Alt-Kunststoff - Schwimmende Recyclinganlage verwertet Plastik bevor er ins Meer gelangt

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:18:56 +0000

Factsheet 2: Valuable waste plastic - Floating recycling plant recovers plastics before they enter the sea janna.vakili@e… Fri, 03/05/2021 - 10:18

Titelbild

Beschreibung

In this factsheet, joint project KuWert shows how plastic recycling can be profitable. The research team developed a floating recycling platform, mobile and independent of local structures. The system was tested in coastal cities in West Africa, where a lot of plastic ends up in the sea.

Since high-quality plastic recyclate can only be obtained from clean and pre-sorted old plastic, the team worked with a large number of plastic collectors on land and processors on board. This not only created employment, but also prevented over 60,000 tons of plastic per year from ending up in the oceans. At the same time, value chains were established and a contribution made to climate protection.

The contents of the factsheet are based on research results of the joint project KuWert "Ship-based treatment of plastics for the implementation of value chains". It is available here for PDF download.

Attachments

Factsheet 2 of the BMBF Research Focus Plastics in the Environment.

Further Links

Verbundprojekt KuWert

Joint project

KuWert

Year

2021

Author

Fridtjof Rohde

Type of Result

factsheets

Citation

Rohde, Fridtjof (2021): Valuable waste plastic: Floating recycling plant recovers plastics before they enter the sea. Fact sheet 2 of the BMBF research focus „Plastics in the Environment“.

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Verschoben: 12. MICROPOL & ECOHAZARD Konferenz 2022

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:47:20 +0000

Postponed: 12th MICROPOL & ECOHAZARD Conference 2022 janna.vakili@e… Tue, 06/30/2020 - 12:47

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Beschreibung

The 12th Micropol & Ecohazard Conference will take place from 6 to 10 June 2022 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It is part of a series of IWA conferences which, as an international discussion forum, will address the state of scientific and technical developments regarding emerging pollutant emissions, treatments and effects.

A detailed overview of the topics can be found on the event's website.

Location

Santiago de Compostela, Spanien

Organiser

International Water Association (IWA)

Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Date

06 - 10 June 2022

06. - 10. Juni 2022

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

minimization strategies

Surface water

Sewage

Microplastics

Life Cycle Assessment

Date sort

Mon, 06/06/2022 - 12:00

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Aus

Textiles Mikroplastik: Herausforderungen für Politik, Industrie und Forschung

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 15:01:04 +0000

Microplastics in Textiles: Adressing the Challenges for Politics, Industry and Research janna.vakili@e… Wed, 11/27/2019 - 16:01

Titelbild

Beschreibung

On 10 December 2019, BSI, FESI - and WWF Germany are organising a joint policy event in Brussels, where first results of the TextileMission project will be presented by its partner organisations. The event also aims to stimulate further European wide research, in order to initiate additional EU project funding for the synthetic related microplastic problem.

The sporting goods industry, as one of the major producers of synthetic apparel world-wide, is committed to find solutions for the reduction for the polyester-based microplastic-shedding. First results on textile research und further solutions (e.g. bio-based alternative fibers) are being presented during this event.

Central topics will be:

Causes and extent of microplastic loss in textiles
EU research agenda on plastic waste
Panel discussion on research policy priorities and Q&A

Participation free of charge! Further information can be found on the event's website.

Location

Brussels, Belgium

Organiser

Federal Association of the German Sporting Goods Industry

Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry

WWF Germany

Date

10 December 2019

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

minimization strategies

Prevention of plastics

Date sort

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

InRePlast

Stephan.Guertler — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:03:22 +0000

InRePlast Stephan.Guertler Fri, 03/01/2019 - 10:03

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

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. In four model municipalities, the project recorded the quantity and type of plastics discharged into the drainage systems via wastewater and precipitation water collection in municipal wastewater treatment plants and precipitation drains within one year. The data obtained was then extrapolated for Germany by means of material flow analysis. With regard to regulatory deficits, instruments to reduce plastic inputs were developed in an interplay of legal and behavioural economics analyses. Selected instruments were tested in field experiments in companies and households. On this basis, the project partners developed policy briefs that inform policymakers, practitioners and associations about ways to measure and reduce plastic inputs into the environment.

Main areas of work

Analysis of legal framework conditions
Empirical investigations of plastic discharges into the drainage systems of four model municipalities
Model-based visualisation of the material flows from the considered input sources, namely households, transport routes and companies of the plastics industry in the model municipalities
Development of behaviour-based measures to motivate behavioural changes
Computer simulations of the effects of behaviour-based measures
Evaluation of the effect of measures by means of field experiments

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1: Inventory of the entry points of plastics into the drainage systems

Contact person

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partners

City of Aachen, City of Stolberg, Simmerath Municipality, Roetgen Municipality, University of Kassel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

The aim of this work package was to determine the status quo of plastic discharges into the drainage systems in the four selected model municipalities, which represent different settlement structures. For this purpose, the type and quantity of plastic products as well as their sources from households, industry, traffic and other activities related to wastewater collection and drainage of paved areas were determined.

WP 2: Development of a concept for multi-criteria, behavior-oriented set of instruments

Contact persons

Prof. Dr. Anja Hentschel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Professorship for Environmental and Energy Law, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, e-mail: anja.hentschel@h-da.de

Dr. Maria Daskalakis, University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy Working Group, Nora-Platiel-Str. 4, 34109 Kassel, e-mail: daskalakis@wirtschaft.uni-kassel.de

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW

Short description

Starting from a behavioural economics analysis of relevant behavioural effects regarding the use of plastics in households and companies and possible approaches to motivate changes in their use as well as an investigation and deficit analysis of the existing legal framework at national and European level, behavioural measures and instruments were identified. Their effects with regard to ecological, social, technical, legal and economic feasibility were assessed. The result was a preliminary set of instruments, which were used as a basis for all further investigations and were adapted if necessary.

WP 3: Empirical analyses of success factors and barriers

Contact persons

Dr. David Hofmann, University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy Working Group, Nora-Platiel-Str. 4, 34109 Kassel, e-mail: dhofmann@uni-kassel.de

Project partners

City of Aachen, City of Stolberg, Simmerath Municipality, Roetgen Municipality, Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

The empirical determination of the success factors and barriers of instruments for the reduction of plastic inputs via the drainage systems was based on the concept of multi-criteria behaviour-oriented instrumentation. The focus of the investigations were the actor groups households and companies. The investigations were preceded by expert discussions. A methodological triangulation was used: semi-structured, guideline-supported in-depth interviews were carried out as well as, in the case of households, a telephone survey and, in the case of households and companies, a field experiment.

WP 4: Material flow models of plastic inputs into canalisation systems and wastewater treatment plants

Contact person

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partners

University of Kassel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

Material flow models for plastic discharges of macro- and microplastics from the identified sources into the drainage systems were developed for the four model communities. Based on the model results, the sources and product types were analysed and evaluated with regard to their relevance for the plastic inputs. The data from the municipalities was then extrapolated to the federal level in a general model.

WP 5: Actor-based computer model and simulations for the development of material flows

Contact persons

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

In this work package the design and development of multi-agent systems was carried out, which cover the actor groups households and companies. Based on the actor concept of WP 2, the multi-agent systems map actor-related decision-making processes and determinants of plastics use were linked to the material flow models from WP 4 in a subsequent step. Different legal and behavioural instruments and their material-ecological and economic implications were analysed and evaluated on the basis of different scenarios.

WP 6: Finalisation of the concept of multi-criteria, behaviour-oriented set of instruments

Contact person

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, University of Kassel, FIW

Short description

In parallel to work packages 3 to 5, the concept of multi-criteria behaviour-oriented set of instruments were further specified by including the results of empirical studies and the multi-agent system. For the identified instruments and measures, it was estimated how they could work in practice, what control and enforcement effort they might create for authorities, whether they could be combined in certain areas, and what medium- and long-term effects the regulations could have. The adjustments to the concept were tracked and evaluated through computer simulations.

WP 7: Developing proposals for implementation

Contact persons

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partner

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach

Short description

The project results were prepared for political and practical implementation. For this purpose, recommendations for action were summarised in the form of policy briefs, which are intended to offer support to various actors for the implementation of the developed instrument packages. The project addressed the federal, state and local levels (legislators and authorities), consumer associations and NGOs as well as companies and associations of the plastics industry in order to facilitate the effective implementation of the measures.

Coordinator

Dr. Maria Daskalakis
University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
Environmental Policy Working Group
Nora-Platiel-Str. 4
34109 Kassel
Phone: +49 561 804-3052
e-mail: daskalakis@wirtschaft.uni-kassel.de

Website

www.inreplast.de

Partner Institutions

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Professorship for Environmental and Energy Law

Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen / FiW

Associated Partners

City of Aachen

City of Stolberg

Simmerath Municipality

Roetgen Municipality

Wasserverband Eifel-Ruhr / WVER

BKV GmbH

German Association for Plastics Packaging and Films / IK

PlasticsEurope Germany

Kunststoff-Zentrum SKZ

German Federal Environmental Agency

DHB – Netzwerk Haushalt

BildungsCent e.V.

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, Cusanus Hochschule, Bernkastel-Kues

Duration Period

January 2019

December 2021

Tags

Sewage treatment plant

Multi-criteria evaluation

Standardization

Strategy on plastics

Plastic littering

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

minimization strategies

Regulation

Project sheet

Project-sheet-InRePlast-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

MicBin

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:13:16 +0000

MicBin KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:13

Microplastics in Inland Waters – Investigation and Modeling of Entries and Whereabouts in the Danube Area as a Basis for Action Planning

Within the framework of this project, a first-ever accounting of macro-, meso- and microplastics released into the German part of the Danube river basin was achieved, with measuring stations at its main tributaries. Microplastic particles (particles < 5 mm) were examined by using various, complementary analytical methods. The focus lay on specifically small particles that are invisible to the naked eye with diameters less than 300 μm as there is currently a distinct lack of data about these particles. This project mapped the sources, sinks, transport processes and fragmentation of plastics in separate material flow models for micro- and macroplastics. Targeted, standardised sampling and supplementary laboratory experiments are clarifying the relevance of previously neglected input paths such as agricultural land or atmospheric deposition. Results were implemented into existing models, the models were validated and a plastic balance for the German Danube watershed was prepared. Through scenario analyses, it was possible to identify measures to reduce plastic pollution at the level of entire river basins.

Main areas of work

Entry balancing of macro-, meso- and particularly microplastic in the German Danube river basin through uniform sampling campaigns, modelling and supplementary laboratory tests
Balancing of previously unconsidered sources and sinks, such as the input of plastic by agriculture, atmospheric deposition of microplastic and degradation processes of plastics in the environment
Derivation of minimisation strategies

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Coordination

Contact person
Dr. Nicole Zumbülte, TZW: DVGW Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality department, Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Project partner

UOS, UniA, BfG, THK, LfU, BKV

Short description
The TZW was responsible for the scientific and general internal coordination within the project, ensured the exchange of information between the internal and external partners and research networks. This included the organisation of sampling campaigns and sample distribution to the individual partners, the coordination of sample analysis, the organisation of project meetings for exchange between the partners and the maintenance of scientific exchange with other projects at national and international levels.

WP 2 Analysis of plastics in environmental samples

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ternes, German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, e-mail: ternes@bafg.de

Project partner
LfU, TZW, UOS

Short description
In this work package, the samples from WP 3 and WP 4 were analysed using three complementary methods. Starting from a high sample volume, these were pre-selected in advance by BfG using an effective screening procedure (low sample preparation effort, sample analysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry). Samples with contents above a threshold value to be defined were subjected to a much more complex and precise analysis using Raman (TZW) and IR spectroscopy (LfU). These processes provided detailed information on particle properties (concentration, size, polymer type, and shape).

WP 3 Identification of entries / sources

Contact person
Dr. Korbinian Freier, Bavarian State Office for the Environment, Demollstr. 31, 82407 Wielenbach, e-mail: korbinian.freier@lfu.bayern.de

Project partner
THK, BKV, UOS

Short description
The first step in mass balancing of the selective and diffuse input of microplastics requires a characterisation of all potential sources. The aim of WP 3 was therefore to investigate and quantify entries from points and areas in limnic systems. The results were incorporated in WP 5. The focus was on atmospheric deposition, linear inputs in connection with littering, wastewater treatment plants, landfill leachates, and the weathering of plastics.

WP 4 Transport, distribution and fate: Process understanding of water, soil, air

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ternes, German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, e-mail: ternes@bafg.de

Project partner
BKV, LfU, UniA, TZW, UOS, THK

Short description
In addition to sinks such as hydroelectric power plants, this WP looked at transport and relocation processes of microplastics and possible intermediate reservoirs for microplastics such as soils or water sections with low flow. In addition, degradation and comminution processes of plastics were investigated in laboratory experiments. Sinks or reservoirs for microplastics were identified by coordinated sampling in the water body and mass balancing of a water body section. The results of WP 4 were incorporated into the models of WP 5.

WP 5 Drawing up balance sheets by modelling and deriving measures

Contact person
Dr. Jörg Klasmeier, Osnabrück University, Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Barbarastraße 12, 49078 Osnabrück, e-mail: jklasmei@uos.de

Project partner
LfU, UniA, BKV, TZW

Short description
Entries in water bodies were accounted for considering the various sources and sinks and allowing for an estimation of the total freight in the Danube River System. Process-oriented small to medium scale models for microplastic (UniA, UOS) and supraregional models for micro-, meso- and macroplastic (BKV) were fed with the experimental data and existing data on wastewater treatment plants (LfU, UOS) obtained in the various work packages. From the results of all work packages, a summary evaluation of the sources and sinks with recommendations for measures to reduce water pollution was carried out.

WP 6 Communication

Contact person
Dr. Nicole Zumbülte, TZW: DVGW Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality Department, Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Project partner
LfU, THK

Short description
The MicBin project homepage informs about project contents, actions and results. In addition, a short film was produced and made available to the public. The public was made aware of this issue through a waste collection campaign on the water and participation in the German Sustainability Action Days (DAN). Stakeholders from research, authorities and industry was informed and involved in workshops.

Case Studies

The MicBin project focused on balancing the input of macro-, meso- and particularly microplastics for the German Danube river basin with measurement campaigns at the main Danube tributaries. Among other things, agricultural entries as well as transport and relocation processes were also taken into account.

Coordinator

Dr. Nicole Zumbülte
DVGW Deutscher Verein des Gasund Wasserfaches e. V. – Technischwissenschaftlicher Verein – Bonn
TZW: DVGW-Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality Department
Karlsruher Straße 84
76139 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 721-9678 139
e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Website

https://www.micbin.de/

Partner Institutions

German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) / BfG

DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser / TZW

Cologne Technical University, STEPs / THK

BKV GmbH / BKV

Bavarian State Office for the Environment / LfU

University of Augsburg / UniA

Osnabrück University / UOS

Duration Period

October 2017