DBU: Plastic Recycling Enhances Climate Protection and Economic Standing

The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) is calling for urgent measures to boost the competitiveness of the plastic recycling industry in Germany. A study by the Wuppertal Institute, commissioned by DBU, concludes that the sector requires new impulses to enhance climate and resource protection and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.

The research, presented at the IFAT trade fair in Munich, outlines six solutions to rescue the industry. These include promoting circular business models, implementing a global plastic levy, and directing public procurement to increase demand for recycled plastics, known as recyclates. DBU Secretary-General Alexander Bonde stressed the importance of retaining promising German technologies within the plastic sector.

Significant changes are expected for the industry with the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), effective from August 2026. The regulation sets minimum quotas for the use of recycled materials in packaging and single-use plastic bottles, aiming to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and increase the use of recycled materials over fossil fuels.

However, the study highlights a weak demand for recycled plastics, creating investment uncertainty. Researchers propose measures such as a plastic levy and reducing the diversity of plastic materials to facilitate the production of high-quality recycled materials and stabilize the market.