Chemical Recycling Europe Forum 2023
held with focus on enabling conditions for the industry
The 'Chemical Recycling Europe Forum 2023 (CREF2023)', the annual conference of Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE) that represents the interest of the European chemical recycling industry took place on the 21st and 22nd of September in Brussels.
Scaling up the production of circular polymers
Opening the Forum Carlos Monreal (CRE President and CEO of Plastic Energy) laid out the potential of chemical recycling to help tackle the problem of plastic waste, implement circularity in the plastics value chain and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing incineration and scaling up the production of circular polymers.
With upwards of 30 speakers and panelists, the Forum attracted a full house including chemical recycling industry leaders and technology providers as well as policymakers from the EU and Member States and plastics supply chain stakeholders. The conference provided a great opportunity for engagement and demonstrated the urgency of implementing circularity in the polymers value chain and the important role chemical recycling will play in doing so.
There was a special focus throughout the conference on policy, including the Director of Circular Economy from DG Environment, European Commission, Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea speaking and joining a panel. Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea acknowledged the importance of close cooperation with industry and stakeholders and encouraged this to continue both at the European and national level.
On the importance of the Global Plastics Treaty
During the conference, the importance of the Global Plastics Treaty was also highlighted as a chance for international ambition and collaboration. This messag was conveyed in a policy-focused panel, featuring Katharina Schlegel, Circularity Director of Plastics Europe; Steven de Meester, Associate Professor from University of Ghent & Luciano Proto Cassina, Scientist at the nova-Institute. This was moderated by Adela Putinelu, Chairwoman: Chemical Recycling Europe Policy Working Group & Head of Policy and Sustainability, Plastic Energy.
Other high priority topics such as recycled content, feedstock for circularity and the landscape of Life Cycle Assessments were presented and debated during the 2 days event. The Forum also highlighted the technological innovations taking place in the chemical recycling industry.
Chemical Recycling Europe is committed to the implementation of circularity in the plastics value chain and playing its role in the emerging European circular economy.
Source: PCE