From used plastic to resource: circular economy requires cooperation
For more than 30 years, RIGK has supported companies in safely and efficiently returning packaging and agricultural plastics into the circular economy. The take-back systems for industry, trade and agriculture form the core of these activities – from PAMIRA, ERDE and VerenA to the RIGK systems for industrial and commercial packaging. In view of the PPWR and the currently tense market situation, uncertainty and pressure to act are palpable across the sector. At the same time, the demand for simple, reliable and economically sound solutions is growing – as is the willingness to take responsibility.
Against this backdrop, RIGK has set ambitious goals for 2026: the take-back systems are to be further expanded and optimised, and recycling solutions as well as closed-loop projects in the plastics industry are to be advanced.
Thinking holistically – across the entire circular system
RIGK sees the circular economy as the interaction of many actors and services, operating through a strong network of partners and customers:
The subsidiary Hannawald Plastikbrings decades of experience in sorting and marketing packaging plastics.
plastship serves as a platform for sourcing and quality assurance of recyclates, as well as for managing material flows.
PlastCert, as an independent entity, provides impartial certifications and laboratory testing, enabling companies to assess and further develop their products and processes according to European standards.
In addition, RIGK offers individual solutions in the area of on-site waste management for plastics processors and producers – from collection through certified recycling to efficient, audit-ready reporting, aligned with CSRD requirements and supply chain obligations.
New paths with PACKLIANCE: navigating the PPWR together
A milestone was the establishment of PACKLIANCE GmbH last year, in which RIGK participates together with GVÖ Gebinde-Verwertungsgesellschaft der Mineralölwirtschaft mbH and Kreislaufsystem Blechverpackungen Stahl GmbH (KBS). PACKLIANCE consolidates the decades of experience of its shareholders in implementing legal packaging obligations and supports companies across Europe in complying with the PPWR – from basic PPWR advice and guidance through the conformity process to EU-wide assistance with fulfilling extended producer responsibilities (EPR)..
“We want to simplify processes, reduce administrative effort and minimise risks,” explains Jan Bauer, who also serves as Managing Director of PACKLIANCE. “With the new reporting obligations and extended producer responsibility in mind, this provides real added value for our customers.”
Exchange, transparency and motivation
In 2026, RIGK will focus not only on new regulatory requirements, but also on exchange and networking. Participation in the two leading trade fairs – IFAT in Munich and PRSE in Amsterdam– provides opportunities to discuss current challenges and solutions together.
In 2025, the #RIGKWebinarHub was launched, a new format that will continue in 2026. “It is important for us to share knowledge and provide guidance,” emphasises Jan Bauer.
International exchange also plays a central role, for example through the EPRO association, which promotes international knowledge transfer and best practices for an effective plastics circular economy, as well as through RIGK’s overseas office in Romania. At the national level, RIGK is active as a founding member of the Entsorger Circle, a network for digitalisation, AI and innovation in the mid-sized waste management and recycling sector.
Creating impact together
RIGK also demonstrates the effectiveness of functioning circular solutions with regard to climate protection. In 2024 alone, the collection and recycling of all RIGK systems saved a total of 50,998 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent, among other things, to the annual CO₂ sequestration of over 3.67 million trees or the annual mileage of around 35,380 cars. For RIGK, these figures serve as motivation to continue consistently on its chosen path. “Circular economy only works together,” says Jan Bauer. “Our aim is to support companies in a practical way and to develop solutions collaboratively, turning used plastics back into valuable resources.”
Further information:
Jan Bauer
Managing Director, RIGK GmbH
+49 611 308600-16
bauer(at)rigk.de
