PETpla.net Insider 12 / 2019

PET planet Insider Vol. 20 No. 12/19 www.petpla.net 39 TRADE SHOW REVIEW is supported by GSI and by generous donations from businesses and indi- viduals. Every penny raised is destined for Sierra Leone, where the money is used to develop sustainable business managed by competent professionals from the Makeni University’s Faculty of Agriculture, which was founded and is supported by Saint Lawrence Founda- tion. By helping the people building their future in their homeland, Saint Lawrence aims at creating the base for a better future for these deprived com- munities. Pollution and greenhouse gases In the afternoon Mr David Bucknall, of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, explained why why ban- ning plastics completely may actually damage the planet. The pollution impact of the production and related logistics of glass and paper would increase CO 2 emissions by at last four times com- pared with PET, which still has great potential and is a decidedly better choice than its competitors and alterna- tives. The industry must keep working to correct waste mismanagement and increase rates of collection and clearly establish the ‘circular economy’ that will transform PET from a perceived prob- lem to the leading solution. The circular economy Mr Werner Bosmans, DG Envi- ronment, explained how the circular economy is already a subject of discus- sion within the EU commission. Actions taken to deliver the goal of 100% reus- able plastic packaging by 2030 include support for alternative feedstocks and banning single-use items, which have been proven to be the prime source of marine littering. The EU will be pushing to have all PET containers and bottles to have 25% of recycled content and 77% collection rate by 2025, with the goal of 90% in 2029. Mr Gunjan Sharma of Reliance presented papers on behalf of Mr Vipul Shah. Reliance Group’s circular econ- omy was extended first into the textile market, and with plastic waste promoted for use in road surfacing. The company has launched a high profile awareness campaign in India, in both rural and urban areas. It has created a global alli- ance with more than 25 other Compa- nies called AEPW (Alliance to End Plas- tic Waste) put a full stop to waste. Conclusion The concluding round table talk provided a platform to a number of leading figures within the PET indus- German Technology January 28-31, 2020 Moscow try. Mr Christian Mayr (Alpla) under- lined that PET companies have been investing in recycling for 15 years. Mr Coert Michielsen (Refresco) said there is not enough rPET available and it is expensive. Mr Carlo Galli (Nestlé) explained how his com- pany is looking at alternatives in line with consumers’ preferences. Refill- able bottles are growing strongly in Asia but customers must be aware that they are the focal point of the circular economy. Mr Satoshi Soda (Toyota Tsusho) explained how Japan achieved 90% collection rate and is still trying to improve. Mr Renato Zelcher (Crocco and EuPC) said that communication on plastics must be improved. The whole industry is ready for the circular economy; improved collection rates are needed. Mr Darrel Collier (Napcor) complained about poor collection rates in the US and what Napcor is trying to do, using all media, from social to broadcast news networks, to push people to take responsibility. Mr Zanchi concluded the discussions by underlining how the PET global industry is working hard on recycling issues and moving towards solutions quickly, by reacting promptly to indiscriminate attacks of various media. It is undeniable that much progress has been achieved within the polyester community to face the situation, without avoiding dis- cussion of the real problems; on the contrary, by seeking to transform them into opportunities. www.gsiplastic.com