Augsburg's struggle against plastic: innovation paths to sustainable solutions!

Augsburg's struggle against plastic: innovation paths to sustainable solutions!

Augsburg, Deutschland - The problem of plastic waste and its effects on the environment are more pressing than ever. Plastics not only cause high CO₂ emissions, but also microplastics and littering, which result in considerable cleaning costs. According to [Oekonews] (https://www2.oekonews.at/weniger-plastik-mehr- Mehr-fuer-Kommunen+2400+1227644), recycling is made significantly more difficult by incorrectly disposed of plastics in biotons.

In order to meet these challenges, the German Institute for Urban Studies (Difu) has published a new publication entitled "Sustainable plastic circuits: regional avoidance and substitution strategies". This is based on a practical test in the Augsburg region and could serve as a guide for other cities. The RegioCycle project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), has set itself the goal of significantly reducing plastic consumption and implementing reusable systems.

Development of regional reusable cup systems

A central element of the project is the introduction of a regional reusable cup system for cold drinks, which are known as the "Augsburg cup". These cups consist of organic, fiber -reinforced material and have already been successfully accepted at various events. However, the demand has so far been less than hoped for in the catering trade, and the legally required reusable obligation is not sufficiently implemented.

The cup system has now been handed over to a local event rental, which arouses hope to further promote use. At the same time, the organic waste collection in large residential complexes is also improved by on-site analyzes and training. The use of newly developed, sustainable kitchen waste containers has already led to a decline in plastic violations.

regulatory framework and reusable quota

The legal framework has changed through the Packaging Act (PackcackG), which implements the European packaging directive into German law. This law promotes avoidance and reduction in the effects of packaging on the environment. Reusable packaging as a separate category are defined in the PackackG and must meet a registration obligation, as well as stimulate the manufacturers for returning reuse. [Federal Environmental Office] (https://www.umweltbundamt.de/themen/ Abusfall-destourcen/produkrstaltung-in-der-Ter-Ter-Dackungen/werrwegpackungen-walkspacken-wackung systems) reports that the last distributors have been obliged since January 01, 2023.

Despite these developments, the proportion of reusable packaging in pledge -related beverage segments only reaches 33.5 %. In the same year it was sought to realize a reusable share of 70 % by 2025. The data show that the one -way share could only be reduced by 0.3 % in favor of reusable packaging, a proof of the challenges in front of which the industry is facing.

The circular economy as a solution

The establishment of a circular economy is seen as an essential strategy to increase the efficiency of resources and to make products as well as raw materials usable for longer by repair, reuse and recycling. Information from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research show the need to separate economic growth from the consumption of natural resources. Research and innovation are key factors for the development of sustainable solutions and products in the circular economy.