The hard truth about downcycling
The current system of plastic recycling in the Netherlands, in which waste plastic is collected mixed, leads not to high-quality recycling but to downcycling. This means that the recycled plastic is of such an inferior quality that it cannot be used for the same applications, especially food packaging. Previously, some of this waste was exported to countries such as China, but after the closing of borders for foreign waste, alternative export markets such as other Asian countries have also become more tightly controlled. The reduced quality and limited applicability of recycled plastics undermine the proposed effectiveness of recycling as a solution to the plastics soup. Producing fewer single-use plastics and increasing recycling is the only solution. Source: Plastic Soup Foundation
Lobbies disposable packaging Industry keeps slowing down
After a long and intense political battle, the European Union recently reached agreement on the new European Packaging Regulation. This regulation aims to curb the ever-increasing amount of packaging waste by setting binding targets for member states to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. In addition, targets have been set for the introduction of reusable packaging in certain sectors. Despite this progress, the agreement also shows how negative industry lobbying has been able to significantly dampen the level of ambition.
It is particularly disappointing that the restrictions on unnecessary packaging only cover single-use plastic packaging and do not apply to all single-use packaging materials (as envisaged in the original proposal). As a result, we fear a material shift from plastics to paper and cardboard, which will further increase pressure on our forests. Source: Fair Resource Foundation, Janine Röling - Recycling Network Benelux
Bioplastics don't offer a solution either
Although most plastics are theoretically recyclable, practice shows that actual recycling rates are disappointingly low, according to Stichting Natuur & Milieu. The discussion around bioplastics adds another dimension here. Biobased plastics made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane also have challenges. They do not break down in natural conditions or within the time span of standard composting facilities in the Netherlands, resulting in microplastics that eventually end up in the environment. It calls for other solutions to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Source: Natuur & Milieu
The downfall of Dutch recycling companies
The Dutch recycling industry is under great pressure, with recyclers struggling to market their recycled plastics. The cost and quality of locally recycled plastics cannot compete with cheaper and sometimes higher quality materials from countries such as the U.S. and Asia. This has led to recycling operations in the Netherlands often being economically unattractive. Boris van der Ham of VA stresses the urgency of new European regulations to support the recycling industry and prevent it from collapsing. Source: NU.nl, Boris van der Ham - Vereniging Afvalbedrijven (VA)