The Plastic Guide: radical approach to plastic packaging

The time has come to start a raw materials transition together for a truly circular economy. This can only be achieved by thinking and acting differently in the production and use of plastic packaging, according to the Dutch Packaging Waste Fund Foundation (Stichting Afvalfonds Verpakkingen) 

On 7 March 2023, the organisation launched The Plastic Guide; a future vision of circular plastic. The Plastic Guide tells what radical changes in the plastic chain are inevitable in production, use, collection, sorting and recycling. 

Promise for 2030

• 100% collection and recycling systems in NL are high-quality and uniform
• 100% of producers/importers get their share of recyclate back
• 100% of packaging is recyclable
• packaging is reusable wherever possible
• plastic use of packaging goes down without negative substitution

Future perspective

The Plastic Wijzer sets clear and ambitious goals for a society in which we only use plastic packaging for essential applications, and no more fossil raw materials are needed. The Plastic Guide also describes what drastic changes this will require in the current system of collecting and recycling plastic packaging. The starting point should be 100% fossil-free and 0% harm to people and the environment in 2050 (no litter and microplastics).

What is needed?

Better quality packaging, better quality and uniformity of collection systems and better quality recycling. Furthermore, we need to make it easy for consumers. And we need to have a public debate about these solution directions and make choices together. So that recyclate and ultimately biobased plastic can replace as much fossil plastic in packaging as possible, says the Dutch Waste Fund.

Thinking differently, acting differently

A circular economy requires a raw material transition, a radically different way of thinking and acting in the production and use of plastic packaging. The energy transition proves that it can be done. Where necessary, we must dare to let go of our current working methods, interests and earning models.

From quantity to quality

Currently, business models are still too much about quantity to meet set standards. Companies such as collectors are being held accountable for this. If we want to accelerate the transition, companies will also have to change their business cases. 

Uniform collection: quality and convenience for consumers

There is a great diversity of collection systems in the Netherlands, making it impossible to clearly communicate nationally how to dispose of plastic packaging. It must be easy and clear to everyone what is expected. This is only possible with one or two nationwide, uniform systems and good communication to citizens.

View The Plastic Guide

Afvalfondsverpakkingen.nl