Michael Brunn

As reported by Eurostat, in the third quarter of 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from the EU economy totalled 854 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq), an increase of 2% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

Natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce, according to the study "Urban Mining for a Circular Society - How High Are the Raw Material Potentials of Urban Mining?" by the German Economic Institute (IW), as consumption has increased significantly in recent decades. Germany is particularly dependent on raw material imports, as some raw materials, such as non-ferrous ores, are not mined in Germany. While measures to secure the supply of raw materials are being discussed in politics, companies are faced with the challenge of using existing resources more sparingly. "Limited natural resources with an increasing global demand for raw materials as well as the current economic tension on the world market ensure that many German companies are already taking measures to minimize resource consumption as much as possible," the paper says.

The fashion industry wants to become more circular. As the report "Sorting for Circularity Europe - an evaluation and commercial assessment of textile waste across Europe" by Circle Economy, EigenDraads and Fashion for Good shows, a lot depends on the correct sorting of the material.

It is not only since the EU Circular Economy Action Plan that it has been clear that secondary raw materials play an essential role in the circular economy. Not only do they provide high-quality materials, but they also generate significant sales. There are markets for different material flows. However, these differ significantly from each other in some cases. And while some markets have been established for some time, others are hindered in their development by a wide variety of obstacles - despite sometimes strict regulations at European and national level. The European Environment Agency has analysed the markets for eight secondary raw materials and makes suggestions on how to improve market development.

After paper recyclers had already experienced a roller coaster ride in 2022, the outlook for 2023 is unclear. Good export opportunities are offset by rather weak domestic business. The war in Ukraine and the overall economic situation remain factors of uncertainty. In addition, the amended Waste Shipment Ordinance poses new challenges, at least for European traders.

The European plastics recycling industry is changing dramatically due to regulations from the European Commission, but regulations seemingly drafted without listening to the (increasingly frustrated) voices of those most impacted.

Neste, Uponor, Wastewise and Borealis have successfully produced cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes using feedstock derived from chemically recycled post-industrial plastic waste from PEX pipe production.

Kuusakoski will build a new composite shredding and treatment plant in Southern Finland.

Mohawk Industries, a flooring manufacturer, once again relies on Amut's experience for the upgrade of its PET washing plant, in Summerville, Georgia, USA.

Vivianne Heijnen, Minister for the Environment in the Dutch Government, will be the keynote speaker at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe conference, which takes place on 10-11 May 2023 at the RAI Amsterdam, the Netherlands.