PETpla.net Insider 07+08 / 2020

MATERIALS / RECYCLING 29 PETplanet Insider Vol. 21 concrete solutions to balance out the existing financial disadvantage between the use of post-consumer recyclates (PCR) and of new goods in Germany. “The ecological differen- tial in the purchase prices could be incorporated in the Packaging Law in Paragraph 21 in the form of a fund to which all producers would have to contribute. Only those who use recyclates should receive reimburse- ment. Additionally, a plastic tax could be introduced which would apply only to new goods, some- thing Italy plans to do. That corresponds to cutting the subsidies for the manufac- ture of new goods in that the exemption from mineral oil tax and EEC levies no longer apply. The debated minimum utilisation rate makes sense only when combined with incentivisa- tion for exceeding the mini- mum rate.” Michael Wiener, CEO of The Green Dot , says specifically about minimum utilisation rate: “The poten- tial of the circular economy for climate protection, especially for plastic, has not yet been exhausted. We are missing out on the economic opportunities the circular economy offers. A circular economy that earns the name creates jobs and brings urgently needed added value into the European Union. Instead, we are experienc- ing a complete market fail- ure. Recycled plastic saves up to 50% in greenhouse gas emissions generated by new plastic, but that is not reflected in the price. Politicians have to set defined recyclate utilisation goals for certain product groups in order to promote the creation of sustainable recyclate markets and pro- vide the necessary invest- ment security. In July 2020 the federal government will take over the EU Coun- cil Presidency – a good opportunity to advance relevant measures.” A stronger focus on sustainability in public procurement, a fund system, a new plastic tax for new goods and a clearly defined minimum rate for the use of recyclates combined with finan- cial incentives are instruments that will save plastic recycling from extermina- tion and, after the corona crisis, will ensure a stable, sustainable circular economy as an important contribution to climate protection. www.werner-mertz.com