PLASTICS PRODUCT DESIGN AND RECYCLING

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1 PLASTICS PRODUCT DESIGN AND RECYCLING EESC Public Hearing on a European Plastic Waste Strategy Padraig Nolan Sector Groups manager 15 th July 2013

2 About EuPC Leading EU-level trade association, based in Brussels, representing European plastics converters; Currently totals 51 European & national plastics converting industry associations; Represents close to 50,000 companies, producing over 45 million tonnes of plastic products every year; More than 1.6 million people are working in EU converting companies (mainly SMEs) to create a turnover in excess of 300 billion per year.

3 Plastics converting

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5 What are we doing for product design & recyclability? Innovation platforms Voluntary initiatives Tests on the effects of materials on recycling

6 European PET Bottle Platform

7 European Platform - Why? Collection of PET bottles in Europe is still increasing, whereas PET bottles are becoming more and more complex (eg colour, enhanced barrier properties, labels, closures, etc.). By creating synergies and by working in partnership with other stakeholders in the field of PET packaging and recycling, we can ensure the effective recycling of PET bottles across Europe.

8 European Platform - What? The European PET Bottle Platform is a voluntary initiative of different partners across the PET value chain. The European PET Bottle Platform consists of a number of technical experts in the field of PET production, design and recycling. Together they aim to provide an objective evaluation of new technologies and an independent assessment on their impact on the PET recycling processes across Europe.

9 European Platform - Objectives The main objective of EPBP is to evaluate technologies / products and to allow new PET bottle innovations, while optimising the economic and environmental consequences for the European PET recycling industry. The Platform has established several test procedures in order to assess the recycling profile of new packaging technologies, such as barriers, additives, closures, labels, etc. Products that pass the tests should not experience any problems during recycling.

10 European Platform - Goals This expanded Platform will promote the recyclability of PET bottles on the market by: Establishing European harmonised guidelines for PET bottles recyclability that will be accepted across the entire value chain. Encouraging industry to test new PET bottle concepts and/or materials before market launch according to the harmonised guidelines. Giving advice and recommendations to the different stakeholders. Sharing information and knowledge across the entire value chain.

11 European Platform - Members European non-alcoholic beverages association AND European Federation of Bottled Waters Joint Working Group European PET Bottle Platform PET Working Group European Plastics Recyclers European Association of Plastic Recycling and Recovery Organisations Bottle Group Technical Group PET Containers Recycling Europe

12 About Petcore Europe PETCORE Europe PET Container Recycling Europe, is a not-for-profit association formed in PETCORE's objective is to facilitate the economical recovery of plastic containers (with emphasis on PET bottles) through collection, reclamation and development of end uses for post-consumer bottles. Innovation = the act of introducing Something new

13 VinyPlus VinylPlus is the new ten-year Voluntary Commitment of the European PVC industry which builds upon the achievements of the Vinyl 2010 programme, taking the next important steps in tackling the sustainability challenges for PVC. Establishing a long-term framework for the on-going sustainable development of the PVC value chain.

14 VinylPlusChallenges Controlled-Loop Management - Recycling target with Recovinyl(800,000t by 2020) - PVC Waste Management Sector Projects - Innovative Recycling -Looking at issue of legacy Additives & REACH Sustainable Additives - Lead and plasticisers replacement

15 Tests on the effects of degradable films for recycling Ongoing tests that look at the effects of degradable plastics on the quality of recyclates Tests in order to find sustainable waste management and material solutions that do not negatively affect recycling Green Paper on Plastic Waste /

16 Conclusion Some designs can be improved to increase recyclability. Voluntary initiatives have shown to work. Industry continuing to support innovation and working with all stakeholders to address environmental concerns.

17 For further information please contact: European Plastics Converters Aisbl, Avenue de Cortenbergh 71, Brussels 1000, Belgium. Tel: