Governance

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

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

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Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen

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

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

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

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Plastic waste prevention at the municipal level

The discussion about plastic waste is anything but new for German municipalities. In fact, as early as the 1980s, numerous German municipalities were experimenting with plastic waste prevention regulations and waste prevention in general. A further impetus for plastic waste prevention was provided in the early 1990s with the discussions on the introduction of a nationwide packaging ordinance.

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Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU

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

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Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven

In this discussion paper of the cross-cutting topic 4, 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.

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Interested people wanted for citizens’ recommendation on the handling of plastics

14 March 2020

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!

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