Based on the latest report from Plastics Europe, as reported (here) by Plast Magazine, the European plastics industry is facing significant challenges. In 2023, total production fell to 54 million tonnes (-8.3% compared to 2022), accompanied by a parallel decline in the production of mechanically recycled plastics (-7.8%, amounting to 7.1 million tonnes). While Europe struggles to keep pace, with its global market share reduced to 12%, non-European countries have recorded growth of 3.4%. This crisis risks undermining the transition to a circular economy and weakening the competitiveness of a sector that currently supports over 1.5 million jobs.
In this context, the GREEN-LOOP project presents itself as an innovative model for addressing the sector’s challenges and promoting circular solutions. In a critical period for the European plastics industry, GREEN-LOOP serves as a tangible example of how innovation, industrial collaboration, and ambitious policies can drive the transition towards a circular economy. The project not only develops sustainable materials and processes but also contributes to redefining the future of packaging by offering cutting-edge solutions fully aligned with European regulations.
Key outcomes of GREEN-LOOP, that include new bio-based composites for injection moulding, prototypes of caps and dispensers, as well as microwave-assisted production processes that reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, offer scalable solutions for the packaging sector, ensuring both competitiveness and regulatory compliance.
Through GREEN-LOOP, it has been demonstrated that bio-based materials can represent a viable alternative to recycled plastics, particularly in situations where recycled materials are scarce, or quality concerns arise.
> See Plast Magazine’s full article on GREEN-LOOP project here on page 69 (Italian version)