Between climate targets, growing resource consumption and the reality of limited recycling solutions, the pressure to act is noticeably increasing. A current look at the market, technology and regulation shows why real transformation now needs more than ambitious promises.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Naja Bertolt Jensen via Unsplash
Global plastic production has long since become a key driver of climate change. At around two billion tons of CO₂ per year, plastic now causes about five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – more than the entire international air traffic. Nevertheless, the plastics industry, led by major chemical companies, promises to become climate neutral by 2050. A central promise here: recycling.
However, a recent investigation by NDR Panorama clearly shows that this strategy does not solve the structural problems.
Recycling as a beacon of hope – with limited impact
So far, only around 15 percent of plastics in Germany come from recycling. Classic mechanical recycling quickly reaches its limits, as it requires clean and unmixed waste. Chemical recycling, in which plastic is broken down back into oil or raw materials using high energy input, has been promoted as an alternative for years.
In practice, however, it turns out that:
- chemical recycling has so far only worked for very homogeneous waste, such as used tires
- for mixed, contaminated plastic waste, the process is technically extremely complex and economically hardly viable
- there are only a few plants worldwide that operate on an industrial scale
Even among industry leaders, the effect remains marginal: The share of recycled raw materials in the total consumption of large chemical companies is currently well below one percent. The industry’s ambitious expansion targets have so far been clearly missed.
Market, technology and reality are far apart
Industry associations also admit that expectations have not been met. High costs, a lack of demand for recyclates and technological setbacks are slowing down the ramp-up. At the same time, massive investments continue to be made in new production capacities for virgin plastic, particularly in high-growth markets such as China.
Science and independent experts therefore come to a sober conclusion: Recycling – whether mechanical or chemical – is a building block, but not a complete solution. Without a reduction in plastic production overall, the climate targets cannot be achieved. The promise of climate-neutral plastic is increasingly being criticised as a communicative image strategy.
System solutions are now needed instead of individual technologies
The analysis makes it clear that the transformation of the plastics industry requires more than technological optimisation of existing processes. Systemic approaches are needed – from new materials to product design, digital traceability, functioning secondary markets, regulatory frameworks and new business models for the circular economy.
This is precisely where Transform IT Europe comes in. Our trade fair & conference brings together industry, start-ups, research, politics and investors to jointly create realistic pathways to a climate-compatible, digital and circular industry.
We expressly invite:
- Companies from the Circular Economy
- Providers of mechanical and chemical recycling
- Plastics processors and brand manufacturers
- Chemical and material innovators
- Technology, data and platform providers
- Investors, municipalities and regulatory actors
Use Transform IT Europe as a platform to openly address challenges, share best practices and develop viable solutions for a circular plastics industry – beyond marketing promises and with a view to real impact.
The transformation begins where facts, technology and collaboration come together.
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