World Circular Economy Forum in Helsinki brought refreshing insights and generated much-needed publicity for our activities, especially around circular plastics. Sven Jurgens represented Chemport Europe and Greenwise Campus Circular Plastics.
Supporting innovative entrepreneurs
During a joint session by Holland Circular Hotspot and Nordic Circular Hotspot, it became clear that a lot is already being tackled within these regions. We showed that within Chemport Europe, the right topics and parties within the relevant chains have already been brought together. Participants were particularly enthusiastic about regional cooperation and supporting innovative entrepreneurs. Jan Jaap Folmer, for instance, presented about Uppact, which allows contaminated or challenging to separate streams to be given a new life after all.
Re-use of hard plastics
What struck Sven most during WCEF was the focus on re-use. It became clear in Helsinki that there should be much more focus on this, especially on hard plastics. We quickly think of recycling and bio-based raw materials. We have increasingly become accustomed to reusing plastic cups at festivals, for instance. But this can also be used for other single-use objects and ‘to-go’ packaging for food and drinks. In Helsinki, user surveys convinced us of the potential and made us think about our projects.
Since July 1st, we have been paying for the use of disposable plastic in the Netherlands. This stems from the European Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP). You’ll find inspiration in the video below, as some entrepreneurs from Haarlem are already doing well with it. Read more about the regulations surrounding disposable cups and containers here.
If you really want to know, have an LCA done
Paper is not a more sustainable alternative in all cases, and also recycling brings its own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to know exactly what these are and which material has the lowest environmental impact in your case, we would be happy to do an LCA.
Our impact analysts have a broad knowledge of production chains. In addition, we always think beyond the request for help, for example, whether there are more environmentally friendly alternatives for materials or production processes. We look at whether we can add value to residual flows, whether bio-based alternatives are possible and where the quick wins lie. We draw up LCAs in accordance with ISO 14044/40 and industry-specific guidelines such as PCR / PEFCR / OEFCR.
To measure is to know, and then you have a clear and official document with all data, an overview of the environmental impact hotspots and improvement recommendations on how to make your product or company more sustainable. You can find more information on our Impact & Analysis page. Please feel free to contact us. We would like that.