Categories: Packaging & inks

Table of contents

Categories: Packaging & inks

Table of contents

allnex ECOWISE™ CHOICE Plasticbottles PUD

Innovation stands as our best ally in the global challenge against plastic waste. Polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have emerged as a game-changing technology, offering a pathway towards simpler, recyclable mono-material packaging.

PU dispersion not only meets environmental demands, but also upholds the performance and protection expected of traditional packaging. Discover how products from allnex ECOWISE™ CHOICE range can offer innovative sustainable packaging solutions with excellent barrier properties.

Flexible packaging solutions for you

allnex offer a broad portfolio of different technologies that enable you to develop a reduced, more sustainable packaging. Download the complete brochure here.

The scope of the plastic waste problem

400 million tones

of plastic are produced globally each year

~4 million t 

cf flexible packaging in EU alone

~ 1 million t 

considered to be non-recyclable

Plastic waste has evolved into a significant global concern in the 21st century. The magnitude of the challenge is clear, with an annual production of approximately 400 million tons of plastics worldwide. Europe alone produces roughly 4 million tons of flexible packaging, a quarter of which is deemed non-recyclable. A mere 18% of this plastic waste enters the recycling stream. This low recovery rate has led to a substantial accumulation of plastic waste.

The future of plastic waste management

The current growth rates in recycling are not promising. Projections suggest that even by 2050, we will only achieve a 46% global recycling rate. This rate falls short of the carbon-neutral targets set by numerous organizations and governments worldwide. With recycling rates reaching a plateau at around 80%, further improvement becomes a challenging endeavor.

Addressing the challenge

image caption of 4 steps to chaning plastic recycling, market awarness, legislation, circular economy , raw materials.
Figure 3: Aspects affecting plastic waste challenge

Increasing market awareness

One way to address plastic waste is by increasing consumer awareness. Heightened understanding of environmental issues has prompted end-users, brand owners, packaging designers and converters to adapt their products and practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in educating consumers about the global impact of plastic waste.

Circular economy initiatives

Industry and non-governmental organisation (NGO) led initiatives have emerged to promote a circular economy and tackle plastic waste. The aim of initiatives such as Packaging Recovery Organizations (PRO) is to ensure the reuse, recycling and reduction of packaging waste by developing more sustainable packaging solutions. CEFLEX is a collaborative industry initiative that aims to redesign packaging to improve its recyclability and create a circular economy for plastic packaging.

Regulatory measures

Governments worldwide are stepping up to the challenge by implementing taxes and regulations that limit the production and distribution of certain plastic products. Companies must consider these legislative changes when designing and producing packaging materials. Specific regulatory measures such as the EU Green Deal, UK Packaging Tax, and Swiss VOC Tax each have a unique impact on plastic waste management and sustainable packaging design.

Raw material considerations

The availability and environmental impact of raw materials play a critical role in addressing the plastic waste issue. The ongoing global crisis has affected the supply of these materials. New sources of raw materials are being explored, such as bio-based, renewable and recycled materials. Bio-based raw materials present a more sustainable alternative but do not guarantee the recyclability of packaging. Additionally, the challenges of incorporating recycled waste streams into packaging materials lie in determining the appropriate use cases and whether downcycling is necessary.