From plastic free to future-proof plastics

The increasing demand for plastics requires structural change. To make that happen, TNO, in collaboration with Fraunhofer UMSICHT, presents a white paper with four strategic approaches for a circular economy. In addition, TNO is launching the 'European Circular Plastics Platform - CPP' to remove barriers and share solutions. 

Researchers from TNO and Fraunhofer UMSICHT have prepared a whitepaper to transform the production and use of plastics. It covers stakeholder perspectives and possible technologies. It also describes functional properties and lifecycle impacts to assess whether and how plastics can be used or replaced.

Strategies for the circular economy

The researchers described four strategic approaches for transforming today's largely linear plastics economy into a fully circular future:

Narrowing the Loop: reducing the amount of material used in a circular economy.
Operating the Loop: minimising material loss and sourcing raw materials sustainably.
Slowing the Loop: extending the useful life of materials and products.
Closing the Loop: strict requirements on the collection, sorting and recycling of plastics. 

Each approach includes specific strategies. Collaboration between science, business, politics and citizens is crucial for holistic change.

Hands-on platform for cross-sector collaboration

The 'European Circular Plastics Platform - CPP' is launched as a hands-on platform for cross-sector collaboration. Together, companies and organisations can identify obstacles and work on solutions for a circular plastics economy. The platform organises workshops, roundtables and research. The aim is to bring about a change in public and business opinion.

Read the white paper 'From #plasticfree to future-proof plastics | How to use plastics in a circular economy'

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