From linear to circular

Well-being, diversity, abundance...keywords that have become hot topics across subjects on social media in recent years. Perhaps their importance has been bolstered by the fact that they impact across demographics, across industries and across locations, but also because fairness is an emotional common denominator.  
We can add ‘waste’ to that list of keywords too, for the same reasons. While we all want to feel like we are accepted, appreciated and valued, the notion that a valuable resource – time, energy, food – is wasted seems like a pointless use of something precious. We wouldn’t do a weekly shop and then just throw away our groceries, or have the increasingly expensive heating on and leave the windows open...so why waste plastic without acknowledging that we can do better? 
For the plastic industry, that appreciation for the forensic reduction of waste has been increasingly integrated into our businesses. We’ve all been aware of the need to ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ for some time now, with conscientious consumers also comfortable with responsible use of used packaging. But what about the myriad steps before the packaging becomes used by the consumer?

Are we doing everything we can? 
Belgium-based non-profit Plastics Recyclers Europe has created RecyClass, a platform that is a vocal proponent of Design for Recycling (DfR) and its clear approach shares how responsible players in the plastics value chain can do more, earlier. RecyClass defines its purpose as ‘a cross-industry initiative facilitating the transition towards a circular economy’, which it promotes utilising its roster of ‘scientific findings, transparency and traceability’. A useful resource is its Design Book, which was published in June 2022 and is now being increasingly referenced as a science-driven handbook for the entire plastics value chain.  
The Design Book is the result of a collaboration from across the entire plastics value chain, particularly members and supporters of RecyClass, with RecyClass Chairman Paolo Glerean explaining that it can, ‘lead to improved quality of recycled plastic and stimulates its uptake in new packaging applications’, while ‘opening the door for a circular plastic future.’ 
Emmanuel Duffaut, Sustainability Director for multinational plastics packaging manufacturer RETAL, shares how the RecyClass Design Book is an excellent way to clarify and define how that journey from linear to circular economy for the plastics industry. “There are limitations to simply shouting that increasing recycled material volumes in plastic packaging is the answer, especially in food packaging; of course, this is part of the solution, but there are currently also market issues with supply and quality, so strict legislation on this topic is not only helpful. The RecyClass Design Book is a welcome addition to our continually progressing arsenal of circularity tools, as it clearly defines the concept and guidelines of DfR for all players in the plastics industry, showing how we can work together to dramatically increase the likelihood of a realistic plastic circular economy.” 

Read full version at Sustainable Plastics

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