The Global Plastics Treaty
In this context recycling is frequently promoted as the most obvious and comprehensive solution. The valuable material can be kept in a virtually endless cycle of use through recycling. At least that is the very theoretical narrative of the plastics industry. Some supermarkets are even backing a return to plastic because it can supposedly be recycled so easily.
However, recycling is not the panacea it is often made out to be, for a variety of reasons. Globally, only about 9% of all produced plastic is actually recycled. The vast majority ends up in environmentally damaging landfills or in the environment. There, it persists for centuries, as plastic does not decompose but instead breaks down into ever-smaller pieces. These fragments accumulate in soil and water, causing toxic effects. Contrary to the often-suggested narrative that plastic can be recycled endlessly, the quality of the material deteriorates each time it passes through the cycle and it must therefore be disposed of for good after a few times. Additionally, the recycling process itself is energy- and resource-intensive. It involves multiple stages, including collection, sorting, cleaning, melting, and reprocessing, all of which require enormous amounts of energy and resources. Worse still, microplastics are inevitably produced during recycling, exacerbating the problem.
In contrast, the composting of biodegradable materials offers a much more sustainable solution. Products are produced in such a way that nature takes centre stage right from the start. The materials can be returned to the natural cycle at the end of their life and therefore do not harm the environment. Compostable materials do not break down into tiny pieces, but are completely decomposed by microorganisms. The compost resulting from the decomposition increases soil fertility and can bind carbon in the soil, which makes a sustainable contribution to climate protection. Compost, therefore, is not just an end-product but a valuable resource in its own right.
As a company with decades of experience in sustainable food packaging, we are convinced that recycling alone is insufficient to address plastic pollution in a lasting way. We will therefore continue to focus on compostable cellulose in the future to promote the natural circular economy. Our Packnatur® Cellulose products are HOME Compost certified, meaning they can be broken down by microorganisms in soil or marine environments. Packaging made from LENZING™ cellulose fibres decomposes within 12 weeks, even if it inadvertently ends up in the environment.
Informative links on the topic:
