At the BKV Symposium on November 21, 2024, in Berlin, the detailed study „Stoffstrombild Kunststoffe in Deutschland 2023 – Zahlen und Fakten zum Lebensweg von Kunststoffen“ ("Material Flow of Plastics in Germany 2023 – Data and Facts on the Lifecycle of Plastics") was presented. Christoph Lindner, Managing Partner of Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, outlined the findings, which highlight both challenges and significant potential for the plastics industry. The study, supported by 16 leading associations and institutions, provides a comprehensive overview of the areas of production, processing, consumption, waste generation, and recycling of plastics.

Decline in production and processing: challenges for the advancement of the circular economy

The study highlights that the plastics industry is still facing significant challenges in 2023. Compared to 2021, plastic production in Germany decreased by 17.6%, and processing fell by 8.5%. While global demand is rising, a downward trend is apparent in Germany. This development threatens the transition to a functioning circular economy, as lower production and processing figures make it more difficult to close material loops.

Recycling growth – yet untapped potential remains

Despite these declines, the use of recycled plastics shows a positive trend. The use of recyclates from post-consumer and post-industrial material increased by 17% in Germany from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, approximately 2 million tons of recyclate were processed. However, large quantities of around 2.2 million tons from mixed waste streams, such as household residual waste and commercial waste, remain unused and are directed to energy recovery.

The challenge lies in better sorting these materials and directing them to high-quality recycling. Progress in the separation of plastics is crucial to fully harness the potential of recyclate use and close the material loop.

Study figures as a call for increased recyclate use

The findings of the study emphasize the need to further increase recyclate use. RIGK is committed to continuously optimizing recycling processes and supporting the industry in the practical implementation of separation and sorting of used plastics. Through targeted actions and joint efforts across the entire value chain, recycling quality can be improved, and the proportion of recycled plastics successfully reintroduced into the loop can be increased. Effective collaboration can drive the circular economy forward, allowing the plastics industry to contribute to a more sustainable future.

A summary of the study is available here from BKV GmbH, and the full report can also be purchased there.

Further information:

Jan Bauer
Managing Director, RIGK GmbH
+49 611 308600-16
bauer(at)rigk.de