Recycling working group
EuPR has created a new working group on mixed plastics in order to coordinate the mixed plastics recyclers' initiatives and strengthen their position.
Michael Scriba, chairman of this new Group (CEO and shareholder of MTM Plastics GmbH), points out that "the aim of this group is to fight the current market failures that are blocking the development of mixed plastics recycling in Europe."
Furthermore, the recyclers group wants to make clear to all stakeholders that mixed plastics are not necessarily destined for energy recovery. As a matter of fact, the potential for growth in the mixed plastics waste fraction is significant but currently not being captured.
Out of the 15 million tons of post-consumer waste deriving from packaging, around 10% may be considered as forming possible mixed plastics fractions. Thus, various collection schemes are now looking into this prospective stream in order to fulfill their future recycling targets. These new developments are welcomed by plastics recyclers, as they will increase Europe's resource efficiency, create jobs and decrease the environmental impact.
The new group will be launched on 7th June, 2011 during a meeting in Bad Neuenahr (Germany).