Circular Economy

Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
24. March 2026
The state of packaging recycling in Germany and Europe

What is the state of packaging recycling in Germany and Europe? We summarize the facts for you, highlight progress, and identify next steps. To do so, we analyzed current figures and studies from the Federal Environment Agency, the Central Agency Packaging Register, and Plastics Recyclers Europe. A brief conclusion upfront: Mechanical recycling continues to dominate. […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
New study on reusable targets in the PPWR

BP Consultants conducted a study on reusable and reuse targets in the PPWR on behalf of BKV GmbH (the think tank of the German plastics industry). Against the backdrop of the use of reusable and single-use packaging, the study addresses both the regulatory framework and the current state of practice regarding the relevant plastic transport […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
15. December 2025
PCR shortage and PPWR: status and strategies

BP Consultants has prepared a comprehensive status report on behalf of Interzero on the increasing PCR shortage under the requirements of the PPWR. We present the key findings in this article. We highlight the central role of PCR (post-consumer recyclates) in the EU agenda, provide a status update on the current use of recyclates, examine […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
EPR systems in Europe: monopoly or competition?

Looking at Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems in Europe, one finds a colourful mix of different approaches – from monopoly through quasi-monopoly to competitive models. This raises the question: which approach works best? A recent study examines precisely this question. We have analysed the study and present the most important findings in a compact form. […]

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Avatar photo Astrid Fleschhut
18. September 2025
Slowly but surely, things are happening in the field of recycling

The topic of recycling is increasingly becoming the focus of politics, business, and society. We want to focus on the positive and show that, despite all the problems, things are slowly but surely moving forward in several areas of the economy. We take a look at advanced recycling technologies for flexible packaging and explore their […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
17. September 2025
Action needed! The PPWR puts industrial packaging in the spotlight

The new European Packaging Regulation PPWR will in future regulate and impose obligations not only on B2C packaging, but also on B2B packaging. This is a significant development, as commercial packaging accounts for 53 percent of the total volume of packaging waste. In our article, we highlight the challenges for industrial companies, look at the […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
10. June 2025
Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2025: Learnings

The Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) in Amsterdam set a new milestone with over 13,000 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors. PRSE was an excellent opportunity to learn about current trends, network and work together on solutions for a sustainable future in recycling. We would like to share our findings and results with you. In […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
Design for recycling: EU competition for strategies and interests

Who takes the lead in shaping Design for Recycling (DfR) standards? Within the European Commission, a political struggle is emerging between two General-Directorates. A pragmatic and a scientifically accurate approach are at odds with each other. A winner is emerging. As a result, you should familiarise yourself with the established standards and the work of […]

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Avatar photo Matthias Giebel
27. February 2025
From innovation to circular economy

With the proclamation of the Green Deal as the central growth strategy for Europe in 2019, the circular economy has become increasingly important as the top priority on the agenda. The entry into force of the PPWR in February 2025 has also removed the last doubts that the new Packaging Ordinance will be the central […]

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