In Dec 2015 the European Commission adopted an ambitious new Circular Economy Package to help European businesses and consumers make the transition to a stronger and more circular economy where resources are used in a more sustainable way.

The proposed actions will contribute to "closing the loop" of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, and bring benefits for both the environment and the economy

With the revised proposal , EU targets for recycling 75% of packaging waste by 2030

Issues to be addressed will be on plastics recyclability, biodegradability,  presence of hazardous substances in certain plastics, and marine litter amongst others.

How will this impact the PET industry and recyclers -  and what challenge does this bring to all PET value chain players ?

Today, PET resin producers, brandowners and major retailers are already embracing this change and intensifying their sustainability efforts – ie finding ways to reduce packaging, adding more recycled content.

Marks and Spencer, one of the earliest retailers to adopt sustainability programs,  works closely with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Closed Loop Recycling to integrate recycled PET (rPET) packaging into the “Food to Go” range.

Last year , Mifa AG and Migros developed an innovative and environmentally packaging design for cleaning products in the form of a PET spray bottle which was newly produced from 100% recycled PET. 

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has become a member of Petcore Europe, the Brussels based association representing the PET value chain in Europe.                     

13 Oct 2015, Packaging News

Gian De Belder, Principal scientist for Sustainable Packaging R&D remarks that such partnerships “brings key players together to realise Europe’s Circular Economy package and will help P&G reach our ambitious 2020 and long-term sustainability goals.”

However , in current situation recycled PET is  not an economic option costing more virgin material. How can the PET recycling business sustain ?

On the virgin PET market front, according to one PET manufacturer, demand for PET has been good in at the start of  2016 as  customers have exhausted their stocks, and are beginning to stock up for approaching summer months.

Despite challenges in European’s market, with fragmented capacities and unrestrained imports from Asia, the region’s prospects still looks promising

Galleon Networking Cocktail
and Dinner Cruise  

A Venetian Galleon Dinner and Tour
for all speakers and delegates.

9 May (17:30 – 22:30 hrs)

hosted by

Venetian Galleon
Born from the passion for the sea of shipowner Andrea Longo, the Venetian Galleon was build in 2001, a replica of an ancient galleon launched by the Serenissima Republic of Venice between the 15th and 18th centuries, used at the time for military purposes as well as for transporting commodities and precious goods.

Revisited with a modern twist, the Venetian Galleon is an exclusive location for guests as they discover the enchanting views of the Venetian Lagoon, with astonishing itineraries along the most fascinating settings on the Adriatic coast.

Stunning scenery you can enjoy and admire together with us, with excellent on board service and an engaging atmosphere: a thrilling and charming boat ride in the Venetian Lagoon.

Pictures courtesy of Galeone Veneziano.