Circular Economy

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Matthias Giebel
16. December 2024

Stunned into inertia or innovating? What happend in 2024? What will 2025 bring?

Is the glass half full or half empty when it comes to innovation? We look back at the established topics, top trending topics and emerging trends of 2024 and look ahead to the most important areas of innovation for the new year. We also look at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s latest Progress Report and clarify […]

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Astrid Fleschhut
02. October 2024

Plastics recycling: Report from the Plastics Recycling Show Europe

The Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam is the right place for anyone interested in the circular economy of plastics. It brings together players from the plastics and plastics recycling industry. This year’s main topic: the latest developments in plastics recycling and the circular economy. We visited the event for you and summarised key figures […]

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Matthias Giebel
01. October 2024

Alternative fibres from annual plants: From niche to trend?

Fibre-based packaging materials are in vogue and there is no end in sight – on the contrary. In addition to pressure from regulators on plastic, the main drivers of this development are its reputation as a sustainability champion among consumers, as well as the collection and recycling structure established throughout Europe. As a result of […]

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