Marius Schaub

Millions of tons of e-waste are waiting to return to the material cycle. The efficient treatment is worthwhile, the technologies are ready. Why is so much still lost? These and other questions were discussed at the International Electronics Recycling Congress in Salzburg. It became clear that access to urban mines and other sources must be simplified as quickly as possible.

Europe's recycling industries expressed dismay at the European Parliament's adoption of current waste shipment proposals citing major inconsistencies undermining the trade of recycled materials, says Euric.

The demand for air conditioning systems is constantly increasing, and the market for heat pump systems is expected to grow even more strongly in the coming years. For the life cycle assessment of the appliances, it is not only the energy consumption that counts, but also the refrigerant used. Its impact on the environment and climate is to be reduced by a circular economy program for the materials.

On 29 December 2022, the new Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has entered into force, providing a legally binding obligation to protect human health and the environment from some of the most harmful chemicals in waste.

In an open letter sent to the EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Zero Waste Europe urges the Commission to adopt legally binding European-level quantitative targets for municipal solid waste prevention.

On October 27th, Tomra held a live webcast entitled "The future of wood recycling". During the live stream, the wood recycling team and a material expert from Ikea outlined how a circular economy for wood can become a reality and a profitable business case for the panel industry.

Coperion is supplying a complete system for the chemical recycling of PMMA to Renov8, a subsidiary of Just Right based in Jafza, Dubai, a manufacturer in plastics processing and manufacturing, specializing in sustainable solutions.

At K 2022, Brüggemann presented three new additives for improved stabilization of polyolefin recyclates. These additives are said to result in recyclates with good mechanical and processing properties. All grades are supplied as dust-free additive blends in compacted granule form.

With complete systems for plastics recycling from a single source, Coperion intends to set new standards for the industry. At K 2022, the company presents complete plastics recycling solutions.

Resealable doypacks have been a preferred packaging concept. But the current barrier composites on the market are not very sustainable. As an alternative, Südpack has developed its first PP-based doypack, which is entirely aluminum-free and recyclable. This concept will be on display at this year's Fachpack.