It builds on the report ReShaping Plastics: Pathways to a Circular, Climate Neutral Plastics System in Europe. The new roadmap adds a framework with 2030 milestones and circularity and greenhouse gas (GHG) indicators. This makes it possible to track progress, identify bottlenecks and find solutions to keep moving forward.
The strategic pillars are:
Making plastics circular
This involves promoting circular business models, further developing mechanical and chemical recycling and expanding plastics production from biomass and captured carbon. To enable this, circular raw materials must be made available and demand and investment in circular solutions must be stimulated.
Making the plastics life cycle net zero
Achieving zero emissions requires, among other things, increasing energy efficiency, but also the availability of low-carbon fuels, production with low-carbon electricity and opportunities for carbon capture and storage. Moreover, a level playing field with global competitors is required, greenhouse gas emissions from plastics conversion must be reduced and less plastic waste must be incinerated.
Fostering sustainable use of plastics
Members of Plastics Europe are constantly developing new actions, tools and methodologies to meet legal obligations and promote safety and sustainability. These include cooperation with partners in the value chain, safe additive management, eliminating pellet loss during production and working together to close knowledge gaps and prevent leakage.
The data-driven roadmap is a living document that will be progressively updated based on new insights and changes in the plastics industry. It aims to stimulate and accelerate actions and achievements, and provide a basis for value chain dialogue and policy-making. It is also important that each member of Plastics Europe has the flexibility to tailor plans and targets to the specific circumstances and markets in which it operates.
For more information and the full text of the roadmap, visit Plastics Europe’s dedicated website.
Image: meeboonstudio/Shutterstock
