Circular Economy News – Week 10
Summary about last week (10)
- 🚀 “99% recycling rate” — Treibacher 🇦🇹 is building a new recyling plant for metal-containing catalysts from the petroleum industry
- 👩⚖️ Kartellamt 🇩🇪 Issues Warning to Dual Systems Over Tender Conditions
- 🇪🇺 EU Commission Delays Decision on PPWR Agreement
- 🔋 GRS 🇩🇪 Introduces Purple Bins to Collect Battery-Powered Small Devices
- 👩🔬 Fraunhofer Project Aims to Enhance Plastic Recycling and Standardize Processes
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1. 🚀 ”99% recycling rate” — Treibacher 🇦🇹 is building a new recyling plant for metal-containing catalysts from the petroleum industry
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The Treibacher Industrie AG is investing nearly 120 million euros in a new recycling plant in Althofen, Carinthia, to recycle used metal-containing catalysts from the petroleum industry and thereby contribute to a circular economy and sustainability. This plant will cover up to 15 percent of Treibacher’s electricity demand by utilizing process heat. The recycling rate is expected to be an impressive 99 percent, saving more than 500,000 tons of ore extraction annually. The commissioning is scheduled for summer 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2025. By awarding approximately 40 percent of the contracts to local companies, the regional economy will also be positively impacted.
2. 👩⚖️ Kartellamt 🇩🇪 Issues Warning to Dual Systems Over Tender Conditions
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The Federal Cartel Office has officially issued warnings to dual systems at the end of February, prompting ten system operators to respond regarding model tender contracts for the collection of glass and lightweight packaging. Preliminary assessments indicate that certain contract conditions violate antitrust laws, particularly those deemed non-exemptible. The clauses in question are perceived to unfairly shift risks onto waste collectors, potentially deterring participation in annual tenders. Consequently, the Cartel Office intends to declare the unlawfulness of these provisions and prohibit their further use by dual systems. Despite ongoing discussions and potential solutions, particularly regarding insolvency insurance, unanimity among system operators remains elusive. The outcome of these deliberations may significantly impact future waste management practices and competition dynamics in the sector.
3. 🇪🇺 EU Commission Delays Decision on PPWR Agreement
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The European Commission has refrained from endorsing the preliminary compromise on the future EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which was agreed upon by EU Parliament and Council negotiators in trilogue discussions. The Commission is currently analyzing the agreement, particularly concerning the inclusion of recycling plastics from non-EU countries in meeting minimum recycling content requirements, with potential implications for fair competition and international trade rules. The timing of the Commission’s decision remains uncertain, raising concerns about the regulation’s adoption and its impact on the packaging industry and waste management practices.
4. 🔋 GRS 🇩🇪 Introduces Purple Bins to Collect Battery-Powered Small Devices
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GRS Service GmbH aims to simplify the collection of battery-operated small and mini devices with new purple collection bins. These specialized bins, to be deployed in selected regions through a two-year pilot project with public waste management authorities and retailers, will be unveiled next week at a conference hosted by the Bavarian State Office for the Environment in Augsburg. This initiative seeks to increase the collection volumes of electrical devices and reduce fire risks associated with improperly disposed lithium batteries. By emphasizing the importance of proper disposal and the dangers of lithium batteries, GRS aims to address challenges posed by the growing number of battery-containing small devices while ensuring safe recycling practices.
5. 👩🔬 Fraunhofer Project Aims to Enhance Plastic Recycling and Standardize Processes
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The ongoing “Waste4Future” project, led by eight Fraunhofer institutes since 2021, is focused on developing innovative concepts and procedures to significantly increase the material recycling of plastics. This initiative aims to streamline the recycling process from raw material sourcing to product end-of-life, with a particular emphasis on improving sorting techniques and comparing various recycling methods. By integrating advanced sensor technologies and machine learning algorithms, the project seeks to optimize the sorting of plastic waste, identify suitable recycling routes, and assess the environmental and economic feasibility of different recycling options. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient circular economy by reducing CO2 emissions and promoting the extensive recycling of carbon-containing waste materials.
AABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Mattersdorfer
I would call myself a person who is interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, knowledge-sharing and probably a few other things. I summed up my “big 5 for life” (very much recommend the book, if you do not know it) on my website (👇). After setting up some start-ups in the area of circular economy, combined with continuous curiosity, I decided to share some learnings, thoughts and questions here regularly. I would be happy if you let me know, what you think about them. Cheers!
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