In this episode of our series #RIGKinsights, we offer an exclusive look into the perspectives of Ms Laura Müller, representative of the IK. In an insightful conversation, she sheds light on the circular economy for plastics, highlighting both its potential and its challenges.
Ms Müller, if you had to describe your work at the IK in three sentences – what would they be?
Laura C. Müller: I analyse industry-relevant data and present it transparently via a public dashboard on the IK website. At the same time, we highlight the central role that the plastic packaging industry plays in industrial value chains and for end consumers – and thus for the entire economy. Through initiatives like ERDE, we actively advance the circular economy and document measurable progress in recycling.
You’re responsible for economic affairs at the IK and are also involved in the ERDE initiative. How do these roles complement each other?
Laura C. Müller: They fit together perfectly:
Analysis & strategy – At the economics department, we identify where the industry is already strong and where the potential lies to remain competitive.
Feasibility & visibility – With ERDE, we put those insights into action: measurable collection and recycling rates show how the circular economy works in practice.
This combination of analytical work – the industry’s “compass” – and tangible results is especially motivating to me. When we see, for example, that used silage films are turned into new products through ERDE, it proves: ecological responsibility and economic success are not contradictions.
With your background in economic sociology, you bring a unique perspective to the industry. What sparked your interest?
Laura C. Müller: Economic sociology explores how economic action is embedded in social structures. That’s exactly what makes the plastics industry so fascinating – it’s everywhere: from food packaging that ensures shelf life, to medical products and hazardous goods packaging that protect people and the environment.
What excites me is how this industry connects economic processes with societal needs. Take agriculture, for instance: agri-plastics increase crop yields, and with ERDE we create a sustainable value stream from them. It’s about more than abstract economic theories – it’s about an industry that enables quality of life while also needing to reposition itself strategically to become more sustainable.
Circular economy is a major buzzword – what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
Laura C. Müller: For me, the circular economy means putting sustainability into practice. While many debates remain abstract, we show – for example through ERDE – how circular economy can actually work: in 2013, we started with two product fractions and a handful of partners. Today, we collect ten different agri-plastic fractions, collaborate with over 25 manufacturers and steadily increase collection rates.
A key moment for me was when a manufacturer recently approached us and asked: “We’ve developed a new material for bale netting – can we integrate it into the ERDE cycle?” That shows our system is not only established but also inspires innovation. Together with recycling partners, we’re now testing in a pilot project how to process this material. It’s a prime example of how circular economy works in practice – through dialogue, flexibility and collaboration.
Recycling agricultural plastics may sound niche. Why is it so important?
Laura C. Müller:
At first glance, it may seem like a niche issue – but it’s actually a key area for the European circular economy. Agricultural plastics are essential for modern farming – silage films, nets or drip tapes enable more efficient harvesting, reduce food waste and optimise irrigation.
At the same time, these plastics pose specific challenges for recycling: they’re often contaminated with soil or plant residues and require thorough cleaning. That’s why we launched ERDE – a collection and recycling system specialised in agri-plastics, which has since become a model across Europe.
The growth of ERDE shows that the issue has moved beyond the niche: in 2019, we submitted a voluntary commitment to the German Environment Agency, which we renewed in 2024 with even more ambitious targets. Similar systems now exist in France, Ireland and Switzerland. Recycling agricultural plastics is no longer a fringe topic – it’s a vital part of the European circular economy.
What successes has ERDE already achieved? Are there also challenges?
Laura C. Müller: A major success: in 2023, our collection activities saved 36,188 tonnes of CO₂ – the equivalent of the annual carbon absorption of around 2.6 million trees. We’ve also continuously expanded the system, most recently adding the collection of drip tapes.
But there are challenges too: agri-plastics like silage films or sand-laden asparagus films require highly specialised recycling processes. Recyclates also need to compete with virgin material in terms of price – which requires stable markets. These only emerge when the industry shows a willingness to use recyclates in their products. That gives recyclers the planning certainty they need to produce high-quality recyclates economically.
Is there a common myth about recycling you’d like to debunk?
Laura C. Müller: Yes – “separating waste is pointless.” The opposite is true! The cleaner and more sorted the waste, the more efficiently recycling plants can operate. This also applies to agri-plastics – and once again, the ERDE initiative is a best-practice example: materials are collected separately by polymer type and product group to produce high-quality recyclates. And the success we’ve seen clearly proves that it works.
Regulations like the new PPWR present challenges to companies. How does the IK support them?
Laura C. Müller: The IK supports its members with targeted exchanges, individual consultations and formats like the PPWR drop-in sessions. Our experts have also developed a hands-on PPWR guide to help companies implement the regulations. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty so companies can focus on innovation.
What trends in the plastics industry make you especially optimistic?
Laura C. Müller: In 2023, the material recycling rate for plastic packaging in the yellow bag system reached 68.9% – a record! Since 2018, the rate has increased by 27 percentage points. This shows that technological innovations are enabling real progress, even with complex material streams.
What motivates you to get up in the morning and work toward greater sustainability in the economy?
Laura C. Müller: The conviction that the circular economy will only succeed if industries take responsibility themselves. Our ERDE initiative is a great example: together with farmers, recyclers and manufacturers, we’re closing material loops for agri-plastics that were once considered “non-recyclable.” Innovation emerges through practice – and making that progress visible is what drives me.
If you had one wish for the future of the circular economy, what would it be?
Laura C. Müller: I’d wish for greater recognition and flexibility for innovation within the SME sector. Our member companies are often hidden champions, already developing plastics optimised for recycling. But bureaucracy slows this pioneering work down. We need regulatory frameworks that encourage pragmatic solutions instead of obstructing them.
What advice would you give to the next generation?
Laura C. Müller: Be open to unconventional solutions! The best innovations often arise off the beaten track. And: sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint.
For more information on the plastics circular economy and the work of the IK Industrial Association for Plastic Packaging, please contact Ms Laura C. Müller directly or visit the IK website.
