PLASTICS & PLASTIC PACKAGING SITUATION
The plastic industry requires comprehensive regulation by relevant authorities due to uncontrolled consumption, lack of reuse and recycling, and improper management of plastic waste.
As a result, the European Union is investing significant resources to promote a circular, sustainable, and environmentally friendly plastic economy.
In particular, plastic packaging has contributed significantly to the negative perception of plastic due to its complex management. To address this issue, the European Union introduced the first European-scale Plastics Strategy on January 16, 2018. The objective is to ensure that all plastic packaging in the market becomes recyclable or reusable by 2030 while reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.
By transforming the way plastic packaging is designed, produced, used, and recycled, Europe aims to lead the way in solving the plastic waste problem.
Our sustainable polymer solutions
Recyclability
By 2030, the goal is for 100% of products to be recyclable. Companies must ensure the recyclability of their products to achieve this target. Recycling plastic materials is crucial in this context. Moreover, increased plastic recycling will help reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuel imports and lower CO₂ emissions.
Regarding packaging, many currently available structures are not recyclable in existing recycling plants. However, it has been proven that their recyclability is technically feasible. This is particularly challenging for multi-layer packaging. Developing recyclable structures requires a combination of redesigning and innovating business models, materials, packaging design, and recycling technologies.
Recycling
Using recycled material instead of virgin material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of plastic products and provides economic savings on raw materials.
In general, utilizing recycled plastic has a smaller environmental impact compared to using virgin materials. This shift aligns with the fundamental concept of the Circular Economy, where waste is transformed into new resources. . A challenge and opportunity for the packaging sector is the incorporation of recycled plastic in materials that come into contact with food. The implementation of the plastic tax on non-reusable packaging from January 2023 has incentivized the adoption of recycled plastic in such packaging.
Furthermore, other industries like automotive are also beginning to demand the incorporation of recycled materials in plastic components.
NUREL offers the possibility of incorporating recycled polymers into their products through mass balance (via ISSC Plus certification) or physical segregation. We have the capability to reprocess our own internal waste as well as post-industrial waste from clients or other sources.
Recycling
Using recycled material instead of virgin material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of plastic products and provides economic savings on raw materials.
In general, utilizing recycled plastic has a smaller environmental impact compared to using virgin materials. This This shift aligns with the fundamental concept of the Circular Economy, where waste is transformed into new resources. A challenge and opportunity for the packaging sector is the incorporation of recycled plastic in materials that come into contact with food. The implementation of the plastic tax on non-reusable packaging from January 2023 has incentivized the adoption of recycled plastic in such packaging.
Furthermore, other industries like automotive are also beginning to demand the incorporation of recycled materials in plastic components.
NUREL offers the possibility of incorporating recycled polymers into their products through mass balance (via ISSC Plus certification) or physical segregation. We have the capability to reprocess our own internal waste as well as post-industrial waste from clients or other sources.
Carbon footprint
Global warming is a significant environmental issue related to greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Union has implemented a package of measures focused on climate and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable energies, and improve energy efficiency.
NUREL is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability throughout its operations. We have implemented various measures to reduce our environmental impact and optimize resource efficiency. These include:
Energy Efficiency
NUREL continuously works to improve energy efficiency in its manufacturing processes, facilities, and equipment. This helps reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Energy
We have installed one of the largest Photovoltaic solar energy plants for self cosuption in Europe.
Material Replacement
This includes sourcing raw materials from recycled or renewable resources to reduce our dependence of petrochemicals and to lower our carbon footprint.
Zero waste policy
By minimizing waste generation and promoting recycling, NUREL reduces its carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Eco-design
NUREL invests in research and development to innovate sustainable solutions and develop eco-friendly products. This includes exploring alternative materials, production methods, and technologies that have a reduced carbon footprint.
Life Cycle Assessments
At NUREL, we prioritize the sustainability of all our products and processes We conduct life cycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impacts, enabling us to compare similar products and processes. This information is available to our customers.
By implementing these measures and continuously striving for sustainability, NUREL aims to minimize its carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally responsible industry.
End of lifecycle
The product life cycle encompasses the entire process from raw material acquisition, production, distribution, and use to the eventual disposal of products as waste. This includes all transportation of raw materials, as well as the packaging used and its transformation processes.
Regarding the end of life of parts or packaging manufactured using NUREL’s products, we offer various solutions known for their sustainability in waste management. For instance, we provide environmentally-friendly options such as PROMYDE Biodegradable and INZEA compostable plastics, which have the ability to biodegrade in different environments..
End of lifecycle
The product life cycle encompasses the entire process from raw material acquisition, production, distribution, and use to the eventual disposal of products as waste. This includes all transportation of raw materials, as well as the packaging used and its transformation processes.
Regarding the end of life of parts or packaging manufactured using NUREL’s products, we offer various solutions known for their sustainability in waste management. For instance, we provide environmentally-friendly options such as PROMYDE Biodegradable and INZEA compostable plastics, which have the ability to biodegrade in different environments..
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