Slow deterioration doesn't help us either. economy. How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. We are a catalyst of change both within the plastics industry, and together with all our value chain partners. C ollect raw materials, manufacture them into a product, sell the finished good and discard it after a single use. From wind turbines and solar panels to 3D printing and executive education, all of today's segments will touch on at least one of those topics, if not all three. So much plastic is designed to be. Less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled at all and less than 1% will be recycled more than once. 1 Indicators of global environmental degradation include climate change, habitat loss, and plastics pollution, which singly or collectively lead to loss of biodiversity and nature's contributions to . It's a tall order that includes attention to recycling, "upcycling" (reusing materials in new added-value ways), development of new materials and recognition of the needs of under-resourced communities. "Different materials properties require the use of different polymers and blends and additives, which contributes to the complexity and hierarchy of waste," Korley said. It provides a European overview of 2020 plastics production, conversion, consumption and waste flows. A coordinating vehicle is needed to drive this, with an initial focus on establishing a global plastics protocol and coordinating large-scale pilots and demonstration projects, mobilizing large-scale moon shot innovations (such as developing bio-benign materials and polymers with superior recyclability), developing insights and building an economic and scientific evidence base to better understand material flows and economics of various solutions, engaging policy makers and providing them with a tool kit to better assess policy options, and coordinating and driving communication across the various stakeholders acting along the global plastic-packaging value chain. The project partners have therefore developed a guiding principle for prioritization based on the idea of the waste hierarchy. For example, one recent study found that 53 percent of plastic packaging in Europe could today be recycled ecoefficiently. While the exact figure can be debated and depends on, among others, the oil price, the message is clear: there are pockets of opportunities to be captured alreadyand even where not entirely feasible today, the New Plastics Economy offers an attractive target state for the global value chain and governments to collaboratively innovate toward. EU Environment newsletters deliver the latest updates about the European Commissions environmental priorities straight to your inbox. In recent centuries, the earth has experienced major changes due to human-biosphere interactions leading to alterations in ecosystem dynamics with a number of local and regional tipping points. Today's technological advances offer the prospect of preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean. We must change how we design, use, and reuse plastics. The World Ocean Initiative imagines an ocean in robust health, and with a vital economy. Plastics Europe publishes the second edition of the The Circular Economy for Plastics A European Overview report. An unrestrained market isn't going to provide it. With plastic production forecasted to triple by 2060, the EU will call for legally binding provisions to address the production of primary plastics, with a view to making production and consumption sustainable. We foster a global conversation on how to make it a reality. The Group of Seven (G7) summit was the first in a series of important multilateral milestones in the diplomatic calendar for 2023. Plastics Europe publishes the second edition of the "The Circular Economy for Plastics - A European Overview" report. Tackling the challenge r equires a systemic and collaborative approach, rethinking . The ultimate goal: Designing, adopting and ensuring a "circular" lifecycle for plastics that leads not to a landfill or an ocean or a roadside, but to a long life of near-infinite use and reuse of the valuable resources and applications they represent. Each component can complicate recycling efforts or make recycling impossible, which is why recyclers will accept some kinds of plastic and refuse others. Rethinking Plastics - Circular Economy Solutions to Marine Litter. More than 1,000 delegates from governments, NGOs, industry, and civil society will discuss with the aim to conclude by the end of 2024 a new legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, High Ambition Coalition Joint Ministerial Statement INC-2, Landmark global agreement on plastic pollution (europa.eu). In addition, the functional properties of the target product, the comparison with alternative products without plastics, and their impact in a variety of environmental, social and economic categories over the entire life cycle are crucial. It provides a European overview of 2020 plastics production, conversion, [] Rethinking Plastics in a Circular Economy An Economist Impact programme assessing advanced plastic recycling technologies SUPPORTED BY About this programme Today's technological advances offer. keeping them out of our rivers and seas. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy Take the plastic water bottle that helped quench your thirst after a morning jog five years ago, for example. Questions? University of Delaware. Policy pathways to enable advanced plastic recycling, An infographic presenting the policies needed to implement emerging recycling technologies. Recognising the value in plastic waste is critical to strengthening efforts to collect and recycle these materials, According to the World Economic Forum, plastic packaging waste represents an $80-120 billion loss to the global economy every year; thus a more circular approach is needed, where we not only use . The production and use of plastics cause environmental pollution and microplastics, deplete fossil resources and lead to import dependencies. They consider the integration of the perspectives of all stakeholders and their values and the potential of current and future technologies. In this report, Economist Impact examines the distinguishing characteristics of a range of plastic recycling technologies and presents the results of an in-depth assessment informed by an advisory board and desk research. Ryan said he sees a "circular economy" as critical. The white paper gives answers to the question how a future-proof, circular and sustainable plastics economy looks like. By 2040 a circular economy has the potential to: reduce the annual volume of plastics entering our oceans by 80%. "How people live with waste and how they recycle is so different. To increase supply of recyclate, policymakers can enforce bans on exporting waste and landfilling, introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes and promote deposit return schemes. technology (Tech Xplore) and medical research (Medical Xpress), governments and business leaders to rethink the plastics value chain, including strengthening recycling. The building blocks of plastics -- monomers -- are made up of elements including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine and sulfur. "To achieve a more sustainable future, integration of not only technological considerations, but also equity analysis, consumer behavior, geographical demands, policy reform, life-cycle assessment, infrastructure alignment, and supply chain partnerships are vital," the authors said. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are lost to the environment, or sometimes shipped thousands of kilometres to destinations where it is mostly burned or dumped. Inside the Circle is a four-part podcast series exploring the circular economy in action. Sustainability in the plastics supply chain. Complex recipes are used in many plastics, Korley said, and often include several kinds of polymers and other additives. Title: Rethinking Plastics - Circular Economy Solutions to Marine Litter Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Co-funded by: European Union (EU) Country: China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam Overall term: 2019 to 2022 Context All rights reserved, Closing the loop for the climate: Harnessing the circular economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Sign up to the free World Ocean Initiative newsletter, Receive a monthly round-up of articles, videos, infographics and other content from the World Ocean Initiative. To prime demand for recycled materials, policymakers can adopt recycled content targets and reassess food-contact regulations. Episode 1: Circular Plastics Exploring innovative solutions to product design, packaging, business models, supply chains and advanced recycling technologies. Create an effective after-use plastics economy by improving the economics and uptake of recycling, reuse, and controlled biodegradation for targeted applications. On Monday, the second high-level round of negotiations on the way to achieving a global treaty against plastic pollution starts in Paris. The report further explores the policy framework necessary to implement and scale up these emerging technologies. Read the report Sustainability in the plastics supply chain. "You do associate things with plastics waste -- and that is a convenient truth. For Slowing the Loop, measures are needed to extend the useful lifetime of materials and products. It is based on seven simple questions covering the life cycle of a product: production, use and end-of-life. Polytechnic University of Milan. Lifecycle analysis data are key to making evidence-based decisions, Ryan said, and consumers and lawmakers can't do that on their own. Emerging methods of advanced recycling can process flexible packaging and multi-material plastics, among the most prolific forms of plastic waste found in the ocean. A blessing and a curse: While we appreciate the multitude of applications and long lifespan that plastics delivers, it is precisely these properties that prove challenging when recycling. Read the report The Circular Economy for Plastics A European Overview. Scientists have found that tiny micro bits of worn-down plastic are prevalent in the water we drink and the foods we eat. Phys.org is a leading web-based science, research and technology news service which covers a full range of topics. About 12% will be incinerated. 2 mins ago. Julie Raynaud, Valuing plastic: The business case for measuring, managing and disclosing plastic use in the consumer goods industry, United Nations Environment Programme, 2014, unep.org. Carol Sze Ki Lin City University of Hong Kong Abstract The review presents the recent trends in green and sustainable chemistry, as well as waste valorization and their applicability to understand. To create a circular economy for plastic we must take three actions: Eliminate Eliminate all problematic and unnecessary plastic items Innovate Innovate to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Bridget Croke is a managing director at Closed Loop Partners, an investment and innovation firm working to accelerate a more circular economy. Urgent action is needed to move the industry into a positive spiral of value capture, stronger economics, and better environmental outcomes. This "common sense" approach resembles the waste hierarchy with a simple priority order that holds true in most cases. Decouple plastics from fossil feedstocks byin addition to reducing cycle losses and dematerializingexploring and adopting renewably sourced feedstocks. The ultimate goal: Designing, adopting and ensuring a "circular" lifecycle for plastics that leads not to a landfill or an ocean or a roadside, but to a long life of near-infinite use and reuse of the valuable resources and applications they represent. Credit: Waste Management (2023). "Current actions aiming at achieving circularity may be overly focused on superficial effects and losing sight of true circular economy goals," the four researchers argue. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Today, the coalition has released its Ministerial Statement, calling for several legally binding core obligations in the new treaty. Commissioner Sinkeviius will represent the Commission at the high-level meeting organised by the United Nations. For most questions+or scores are given, which are listed in the right panel. RT @SDPIPakistan: SDPI under the Network on Circular Economy is organising a stakeholder consultation on Rethinking Plastics: Engaging Business Sector for a . Extended Producer Responsibility. All rights reserved. This includes e.g. In this episode, we'll explore worldwide cutting-edge upstream innovation examples to tackle We need a legally-binding global treaty to end plastic pollution. How does a future-proof, circular and sustainable plastics economy look like? "One solution is something America is not very good at -- regulations, policy and taxation," he said. The three key takeaways focused on the phasing out of fossil fuels, boosting renewable energy production and ending plastic pollution. "If these facilities were designed to recycle or upcycle PDK and related plastics, then we would be able to more effectively divert plastic from landfills and the oceans. Mechanical recycling remains the first port of call for the plastics recycling industry and is expected to co-exist and be complementary with advanced recycling approaches. Of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10 per cent has been recycled. How can we develop innovative upstream solutions, and design products and packaging that promote circular models of production, consumption and waste management? They can be shaped to almost any task, from wispy films to squishy children's toys and hard-core components. Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Current recycling technologies have to be improved for high quantity and quality recycling, explains Jan Harm Urbanus from TNO. We are determined to keep working for ambitious action across the world, as the fight against the pollution, climate and biodiversity crises must involve all of us. Four scientists have published a call to action in a new issue of Science, devoted to the plastics problem. The newly released report is a contribution towards a better understanding of the circular economy of plastics in the EU27 + Norway, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. Food designs that encourage regenerative food production and the business solutions aimed at reducing food loss and waste, Episode 3: Circular Fashion (2021, July 1). Plastics now are everywhere in our lives, providing low-cost convenience and other benefits in countless applications. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines). Rethinking plastics in a circular economy. ELLEN MACARTHUR FOUNDATION WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM MCKINSEY & COMPANY. Listen and subscribe to our Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon. These global leaders will work together to scale upstream and downstream solutions for a circular plastics economy, jointly committing $6 million USD over five years. As we move towards a circular economy, there is a huge incentive for chemists to find innovative ways of handling plastics composite waste, as Thomas Lonsdale and Paul Dunne explain. This site is managed by the Directorate-General for Environment, EU calls for agreement on global rules to end plastic pollution, Follow the European Commission on social media. RT @NLinKenya: Today's dialogue centers around rethinking design and solutions to plastic pollution in textile, packaging, and beyond. Traveling in Europe has highlighted the stark contrast in the usage of single-use plastics, such as drinking straws and cutlery in comparison to the U.S. Across the U.S., cities and municipalities within a single state may do things differently.". Tune in as we unpack the solutions and challenges associated with facilitating a circular economy transition across plastics, food, fashion and cities, Episode 2: Circular Food Today we're going to focus on plastics, recycling, and the circular economy. We're making progress towards our ambitious plastics goals, guided by the following framework: Less plastic: cutting down how much plastic we use in the first place through lighter designs, reuse and refill formats, and concentrated products which use less packaging. If we dont act now, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans. The G20 should help catalyse the mov e to a circular economy for plastics, . According to @UNEP, plastic pollution could be reduced by 80 per cent by 2040 using existing technologies, resulting in economic (over $4.5 trillion by 2040), environmental and social benefits. Today's technological advances offer the prospect of preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean. Developed in the framework of Plastics Europes Voluntary Commitment Plastics 2030, this report provides a European overview of plastics production, conversion into parts and products, waste collection and treatment, including recycling. These must be carefully compared in terms of their feasibility and impact in the context of the status quo and expected changes, explains Jrgen Bertling from Fraunhofer UMSICHT. Report: Dutch urban mine is full of resources, but a circular economy is still too ambitious Feb 2, 2023 Plastic pollution could be cut by 80% by 2040, says UN report "We have to develop a new, sustainable way of designing and using plastics.". The .css-63febw .e716bcn3:hover+.e716bcn2{visibility:visible;}.css-1r0g86b{cursor:help;}circular economy.css-iq7jxc{background-color:#f2f2f2;box-shadow:0px 12px 16px -4px rgba(16, 24, 40, 0.08),0px 4px 6px -2px rgba(16, 24, 40, 0.03);border-radius:8px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;padding:12px;gap:4px;position:absolute;left:0px;top:25px;z-index:99999;width:auto;max-width:320px;visibility:hidden;cursor:help;-webkit-transition:visibility ease-out 0.1s;transition:visibility ease-out 0.1s;}.css-iq7jxc:hover{visibility:visible;}.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-label,.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-definition,.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-link{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:0.0015em;}.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-label{font-weight:bold;text-transform:capitalize;}.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-definition{font-weight:normal;}.css-iq7jxc .tooltip-link-label{font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;}.css-iq7jxc dfn{font-style:normal;}circular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. efforts to address a worldwide crisis of plastic waste. We foster a global conversation on how to make it a reality. With four strategic approaches, researchers from the German institute Fraunhofer UMSICHT and the Dutch institute TNO now provide insights into how this future scenario could look like in their recently published white paper "From #plasticfree to future-proof plastics". They have shown themselves vital in medicine and have been pivotal in the global effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 16 months. Unfortunately for the long-term, they are also nearly indestructible. The newly released report is a contribution towards a better understanding of the circular economy of plastics in the EU27 + Norway, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. This is the challenge for CPI, which Korley directs. Editors And after the four of us do our usual roundtable discussion, we will also be welcoming in two different . As a result, the researchers describe four strategic approaches for transforming today's largely linear plastics economy into a fully circular future: Narrowing the Loop, Operating the Loop, Slowing the Loop, and Closing the Loop. Design is a critical starting point for the circular economy, so incentives and technical support to encourage the design of plastic packaging for reuse and recycling are crucial. Between 2019 and 2022, the project 'Rethinking Plastics - Circular Economy Solutions to Marine Litter' worked on solutions together with seven countries in East and South East Asia. Researchers use catalysis and enzymes to reconstitute some kinds of plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene/Styrofoam, the kinds of plastics used in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, sandwich bags, coffee cups, grocery bags and food packaging. Bangkok, 31 March 2021 - On the way to reduce and better manage plastic waste in Thailand, the Pollution Control Department of the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the 'Rethinking Plastics - Circular Economy Solutions to Marine Litter' project, funded by the European Union and the German Government, presented three new pilo. have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Plastics circularity needs to become meaningful, inclusive, and practical, says study. Turning off the Tap. The adoption of a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution is a key priority of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan under the European Green Deal. It will give companies, associations and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to work together on existing barriers and promising solutions for a Circular Plastics Economy. and policies. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 300m tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year. He sees the value in recycling and upcycling and development of new materials, but none is a "silver bullet." People lived without plastic until the last century or so, but most of us would find it hard to imagine how. We understand the work involved means this wont happen overnight. Receive a monthly round-up of articles, videos, infographics and other content from the World Ocean Initiative, The ultimate deep dive into ocean challenges and opportunities for collective action, from our March 2022 event, A guest blog from Cooper Van Vranken, one of the three winners of the of the 2021 World Ocean Initiative Changemakers Challenge, The event features a panel discussion on taking a revitalised and collective approach to building a resilient blue economy, and is moderated by the head of the World Ocean Initiative. This is an exciting time to start thinking about how to design both materials and recycling facilities to enable circular plastics.". You don't associate driving to the store with climate change. Moreover, a study by Pew Charitable Trusts highlights that plastic-related greenhouse-gas emissions are projected to account for around 19% of the global carbon budget by 2040. However, the exponential growth of production and consumption of plastics in recent decades is having serious negative effects on the environment and human health. "Rethinking plastics: Urgent call to action on plastics pollution." We foster a global conversation on how to make it a reality. technologies, presenting the results of an in-depth assessment informed by an advisory board and desk research. The covid-19 pandemic starkly revealed peoples dependency on plastic as well as the ongoing failure of Plastics circularity refers to the idea of keeping plastics within the economy and out of the environment by reducing waste generation, promoting recycling, and reusing plastic materials. It also addresses the production of recyclates and their use in different applications. Globally, only 14-18% of plastic is recycled, while the The World Ocean Initiative imagines an ocean in robust health, and with a vital A more accurate perspective, in Ryan's view, is to see the plastics problem as related to the climate change problem without allowing it to be a distraction. EPR can be a useful funding mechanism for waste collection and to subsidise recycling operations, but may not be adequate for financing advanced recycling facilities. To what extent have policymakers created an environment conducive to progress? We support an international pact including ambitious measures and an enabling framework to facilitate this global transformation of the plastics economy. Featuring: Claudia Amos, technical director for plastics technology, infrastructure & commercial due diligence at Anthesis; Sander Defruyt, lead of the New Plastics Economy initiative at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation; Maarten Dubois, project lead for circular economy and plastics at the OECD; Louise Scott, vice president of R&D capability at Natura & Co and chief scientific officer at Avon Cosmetics; and Alan VanderMolen, chief communications officer at SC Johnson.
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