German Packaging Act: minimum standards for assessment of recycling capability lack promotion of bioplastics
Packaging must become more recyclable and environmentally friendly. The recycling rates defined in the new German Packaging Act, which came into effect on 1 January 2019, are otherwise impossible to achieve. An important tool to implement the legislation, are the minimum standards for the assesment of recycling capability, which have been published recently by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR, Central Unit Packaging Register). Paragraph 21 of the Packaging Act formulates the promotion of renewable feedstock. Unfortunately, the published standards lack corresponding criteria, such as sustainability, raw material or resource use and, therefore, do not provide any incentive for innovative materials, such as bio-based plastics. The Federal Environment Agency as responsable government body and ZSVR are asked to fully implement all aspects of the Packaging Act, including paragraph 21.
Thailand targets top spot in bioplastics
In Thailand, efforts are underway to significantly ramp up bioplastics production using the nation’s significant sugar output as feedstock. Plastics Institute of Thailand Executive Director Kriengsak Wongpromrat says that the country produced 17 million tons of sugar in 2018, ultimately exporting 11 million tons.
“Taking 100,000 tonnes for the production of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer is not going to affect the supply of sugar for food applications, especially since consumption of sugar may be adversely affected by a ‘sweet tax’ that Thailand plans to introduce,” he adds. The nation also produces large amounts of rice, palm oil, tapioca, and cassava—all sources commonly used in biobased production. “Many converters realize that with plastic bag bans being implemented globally, now is the time to exploit bioplastics, and we are seeing a lot of interested,” he adds.
To read complete article, please click here.
UK Government commits £80 million to war on single-use plastics
The UK Government has pledged £80 million towards the global battle against single-use plastics, with businesses expected to invest a further £149 million. The funding could be used to find ways to cut waste in the supply chain, develop new business models, and create new sustainable recyclable materials. This could include using plants instead of oil to make plastic, which will help reduce their carbon impact. It could accelerate the production of a fresh wave of packaging and plastic made from plants, wood chippings, and food waste. The announcement is part of the government’s Clean Growth Challenge – a major part of the modern Industrial Strategy – and follows the UK becoming the first major economy to legislate to end its contribution to global warming by 2050.
To read complete article, please click here.