Initiative
Circular-
packaging
The first corporate initiative for compostable packaging in Germany. Our goal is the ecologically sound disposal of this packaging.
Where does compostable packaging end up?
The Circular Packaging Initiative is the first corporate initiative for compostable packaging in Germany. The long-term goal of the initiative is to create a clear and ecologically sensible disposal system for compostable packaging in Germany. In order to achieve this goal, the initiative aims to reduce uncertainties. It relies on exchange and cooperation with all stakeholders. After all, the more interest groups are involved, the more sustainable the solutions will be.
First corporate initiative
on compostable packaging in Germany
In Germany alone, 18.7 million tons of packaging waste are produced every year - with enormous damage to the climate and the environment. We - DENTTABS, Rapunzel Naturkost, samova, SONNENTOR and the nu company - have long declared war on this mountain of packaging waste and are constantly working on more sustainable packaging solutions. Because we see ourselves as companies that live true ecological responsibility.
We want all-round sustainable packaging that is environmentally friendly from material creation to disposal. And because we are known to be strongest together, we have been pooling our efforts in the Circular Packaging Initiative since spring 2020. This is the first corporate initiative for compostable packaging in Germany.
All members of the initiative already use compostable packaging for their products and believe in its importance in terms of sustainability - for example, because this type of packaging is subject to strict heavy metal limits and its ingredients are harmless to plant growth. However, although compostable packaging has been on the market for over twenty years, its full ecological potential is still not being exploited. We want to change that.
First major step towards the ecologically sound disposal of compostable packaging
For almost a year, the Circular Packaging Initiative held discussions with disposal companies, manufacturers, distributors and material experts and gathered knowledge about the disposal of bioplastics and the like. In May 2021, the initiative published the findings in the freely available report "Disposal of compostable packaging in Germany - an analysis of the various disposal routes". In addition, a literature review supports the findings and possible solutions are presented. To date, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of the disposal of compostable packaging in Germany from a company perspective.
The fundamental challenge was that compostable packaging was designed for industrial composting. In reality, however, this does not even happen, as the only way to dispose of it is in the organic waste garbage can. This is prohibited by law for all types of packaging. Disposers also have little confidence in compostable packaging, which has been certified in accordance with the EN 13432 standard since the mid-1990s, as the standard no longer corresponds to current practice. This is because compostable packaging is only given two weeks to fully decompose. The standard requires twelve weeks. Disposers are also concerned that the visual similarity to plastic packaging will lead to more plastic in the organic waste garbage can if compostable packaging is permitted for the organic waste garbage can. This could result in microplastics in the compost, which would harm the environment.
Our solution: the yellow garbage can
In Germany, compostable packaging is currently thermally recycled, i.e. incinerated, via all disposal channels. For now, if we dispose of all our compostable packaging in the yellow garbage can, we are helping to keep the compost clean.
For the future, we are calling for compostable packaging that is sorted out there to be recycled or composted in a controlled manner. The initiative sees the disposal route via the yellow garbage can as having the potential to ensure the truly sustainable disposal of compostable packaging.
Together we can do it!
With this report, the Circular Packaging Initiative aims to provide an initial basis for further discussion on the ecologically sound disposal of compostable packaging and to encourage people to pursue the solutions outlined in the report. We will not be able to do this alone. We therefore hope that there will be interest in exchanging ideas with passionate stakeholders from science, the waste management and materials industry, the retail sector and other industries who are interested in innovation.
Circular packaging initiative
The first corporate initiative for compostable packaging in Germany. Our goal is the ecologically sound disposal of this packaging.
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