Page 8 - Plastics News August 2018

Economically viable and versatile plastics are the dominant materials of our modern economy. Their production is
expected to double over the next two decades. Yet only 14% of all plastic packaging is collected for recycling after
use and vast quantities escape into the environment.

7KLV SURYLGHV D QHZ ZD\ RI WKLQNLQJ DERXW SODVWLFV DV DQ HIIHFWLYH JOREDO PDWHULDO ÁRZ DOLJQHG ZLWK WKH SULQFLSOHV RI
WKH FLUFXODU HFRQRP\ ,W DOVR GHÀQHV DQ DFWLRQ SODQ IRU WKH JOREDO SODVWLFV LQGXVWU\ WR GHVLJQ EHWWHU SDFNDJLQJ LQFUHDVH
recycling rates, and introduce new models for making better use of packaging.
The concept is not without challenges. For example those of thermodynamics and system boundaries that need to be
resolved for CE to be able to contribute to global net sustainability.
&( KDV WKH SRZHU WR DWWUDFW ERWK WKH EXVLQHVVHV DQG SROLF\ PDNHUV WRZDUGV VXVWDLQDELOLW\ ZRUN EXW LW QHHGV VFLHQWLÀF
research to secure that the actual environmental impacts of CE provides desired sustainability.

It seems doable. All we have to do is re-think the nature of the economy from a different perspective. The intent
then would be to discard the present ways and embrace Circular Economy. A platform for TURNING CHALLENGES INTO
OPPORTUNITIES as a VISION FOR A CIRCULAR PLASTICS ECONOMY. Moving decisively towards a more prosperous and
VXVWDLQDEOH SODVWLFV HFRQRP\ FRXOG GHOLYHU FRQVLGHUDEOH EHQHÀWV

This vision to be a reality calls for investment in innovative and disruptive solutions capable of turning challenges into
opportunities. An action plan involving all players in the plastic value chain that includes raw material producers,
product designers, converters, brand owners, retailers, consumers and recyclers aligned to achieve the goal is need
of the hour.
As an industry, we should welcome such a change for the very existence of the plastic industry, sustainability of which
is in question.

Hiten Bheda
president@aipma.net

Plastics News August 2018 8