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Resycure will attend the Sustainable Packaging Summit 2023

Article, News / By / 28/09/2023

The Sustainable Packaging Summit | November 14-15, 2023 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands

About the event 

The Sustainable Packaging Summit has created a different kind of event, with a mission to bring together leaders and thinkers from within and outside industry to focus on the dilemmas and barriers on our pathway to sustainable transformation. Building on the momentum of the community that has formed around the Summit, the 2023 edition returns with a wider scope, multiple streams, more attendees – and bigger ambitions. Taking place in Amsterdam on 14-15 November 2023, the Sustainable Packaging Summit will sharpen the focus on the demands and pain points revealed during last year’s ground-breaking series of discussions in Lisbon. Addressing key objectives we must come together to meet, the summit again provides the platform for value chain leaders to frankly discuss strategic roadblocks and identify opportunities to align business, regulation and society around a circular, net zero packaging ecosystem.

Key topics at the Sustainable Packaging Summit 2023

This year’s program builds and expands on last year’s game-changing concept. The Summit will introduce greater variety in formats, with core panels discussions interspersed with keynotes that set the agenda and workshops breaking down critical questions for interactive discussion.

  • Critical review of sustainability goals and progress
  • Net Zero strategies
  • Regulation and its implications for our strategies: PPWR and the UN Treaty on Plastic (with live updates from Nairobi)
  • Intercontinental dialogue on circular economy, learning from each other and harmonization
  • EPR & unlocking investment
  • Innovation Horizon: keys to a successful R&D strategy
  • Start-up pitches
  • Sustainable substrates: renewables, future plastics and infinite materials
  • Digital transformation: driving sustainability by bringing together the connected factory and the digital consumer
  • Scaling up reuse and refill models
  • Chemical recycling & mass balance
  • Hear directly from the key value chain platforms and associations 

Source: The Sustainable Packaging Summit

Our Co-CEO, Jörg von Walcke at the event

Resycure, the pioneering Impact Startup and a key player within the BASF Venture Incubator, Chemovator is gearing up for an exciting event that holds immense significance for the sustainable packaging industry. At the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam on November 14-15, 2023, our Co-CEO, Jörg von Walcke, will be at the forefront, representing Resycure’s commitment to revolutionizing the recycling landscape.

Resycure’s attendance at this prestigious event is driven by a shared vision to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We recognize that to achieve this transformative goal, it’s imperative to foster collaboration, align industry objectives, and break down barriers. The Sustainable Packaging Summit offers the perfect platform for industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers to candidly address strategic challenges and identify opportunities that can harmonize business practices, regulations, and societal demands.

Participation in this event is pivotal for Resycure, as it not only allows us to share our expertise in securing volume demand for post-consumer recycled plastics but also provides us with the opportunity to engage with like-minded stakeholders. By being a part of this larger conversation, we can collectively pave the way towards sustainable packaging solutions. The event promises to deliver insights, foster partnerships, and inspire action, all of which are invaluable in driving the global shift towards a circular, net-zero packaging ecosystem. We believe that by attending this event and actively contributing to the dialogue, we can make meaningful strides towards our mission of incentivizing recycling and enabling industry players to embrace sustainability wholeheartedly. Stay tuned for updates on Jörg von Walcke’s participation at this transformative event!

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Advancing the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

Leave a Comment / Article / By / 27/06/2023

In today’s world, the need for long-term solutions to severe environmental issues is more pressing than ever. The United Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) give a comprehensive framework for addressing these concerns. Resycure, a Startup in BASF‘s Venture Incubator, Chemovator, showcases the SDGs’ commitment by implementing solutions that support many major objectives—9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17. Resycure is committed to accelerating the transition to a circular economy and minimizing global plastic waste. Its innovative business strategy promotes the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and promotes sustainable practices across several industries.

Advancing the circular economy

Resycure introduces an innovative business model aligned with circular economy principles. The company forms enduring supply partnerships with Brand Owners, Converters, Manufacturers, and Packaging Suppliers across various sectors like food, cosmetics, and household cleaning. Resycure assists these enterprises in meeting their requirements for PCR plastics and reducing their CO2e footprint. Furthermore, Resycure plays a crucial role in promoting the global expansion of recycled plastic materials by providing favorable terms and minimizing commitments and risks for its clients.

Supporting Recyclers

Resycure’s platform benefits not only Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers, but also Recyclers. Resycure attracts business clients for recycling companies by combining demand from multiple companies and attaining considerable volumes. Because of the growing demand, Recyclers can invest in sophisticated technology, improve the quality of recycled materials, and expand their production capacity. Resycure also connects Recyclers, technology suppliers, and finance choices, allowing them to address the needs of their new clients more efficiently.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Resycure’s practices align with multiple SDGs. Objective 9 focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, which Resycure supports by driving technological advancements in the recycling sector. Objective 10, reduced inequalities, is addressed through their efforts to create a level playing field for Recyclers and provide them with opportunities for growth. Resycure’s activities also contribute to objective 11, sustainable cities and communities, by promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste. Objective 12 emphasizes responsible consumption and production, which Resycure facilitates by increasing the availability and usage of PCR plastics. Additionally, Resycure’s commitment to objectives 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water), and 17 (partnerships for the goals) further underscores their dedication to sustainability and collaboration.

Pioneering the circular economy and sustainable development

Resycure’s pioneering efforts in accelerating the transition to a circular economy and reducing plastic waste demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and the SDGs. Through the Resycure platform, we enable Brand Owners, Converters, Manufacturers, and Recyclers to achieve their sustainability goals, while simultaneously contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. By supporting objectives 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17 of the SDGs, Resycure serves as an exemplary model for the business community and inspires others to join the global movement towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a significant difference in creating a world where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and environmental well-being is prioritized. 

Revolutionizing the Circular Economy and Combating Plastic Waste 

Leave a Comment / Article / By / 12/06/2023

Plastic waste is an ever-growing concern worldwide, with its detrimental impact on the environment and ecosystems. To address this pressing issue, Resycure is dedicated to accelerating the world’s transition to a circular economy while actively reducing plastic waste on a global scale. Resycure introduces a groundbreaking business model that facilitates long-term supply agreements for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, benefiting Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers in the food, cosmetic, and household cleaning sectors. 

Enabling sustainable solutions 

The core mission of Resycure is to help businesses comply with PCR content and CO2e footprint objectives while promoting the growth of recycled plastic resins, PP, PET, HDPE, and LDPE globally. By offering long-term supply agreements for PCR plastics at favorable terms and without large commitments or risks, Resycure empowers Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers to secure the necessary resources for their operations. This innovative approach supports their sustainability goals while simultaneously addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution. 

Enhancing capabilities of Recyclers 

Resycure also plays a vital role in strengthening the capabilities of Recyclers. By enabling them to obtain greater volumes of recycled plastic materials and providing direct access to large Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers, Resycure eliminates future supply uncertainty of recycled plastic material and helps attract more business for recycling companies. With increased demand and significant volumes, Recyclers can invest in advanced technologies, enhance quality standards, and expand their production capacity. Resycure further facilitates this growth by connecting Recyclers with technology providers and offering advantageous financing options, ensuring they can meet the needs of their clients effectively. 

Benefits for Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers 

Resycure offers an array of advantages for Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers seeking sustainable solutions. These benefits include long-term contracts with Recyclers, negotiations that leverage large volumes to secure favorable terms, transparent pricing, additional cost avoidance, reduced pay risk, and qualified and harmonized specifications. Furthermore, Resycure provides comprehensive support throughout the buying process, ensuring replicability across regions and access to GHG Emissions and Sustainability data. By leveraging these benefits, businesses can meet their PCR plastic packaging content and CO2e footprint goals while contributing to a circular economy. 

Empowering Brand Owners, Converters, Manufactures, and Recyclers 

Resycure’s platform caters to the unique needs of Recyclers, enabling them to thrive in the recycling industry. The long-term contracts offered by Resycure, along with transparent pricing that maintains margins, provide Recyclers with stability and financial security. Additionally, Resycure fosters strong and direct relationships between Recyclers and Brand Owners, Converters, and Manufacturers, opening doors to higher volumes of recycled materials and premium prices and clients. With qualified and harmonized specifications that reduce operational costs, as well as support throughout the selling process, Recyclers can streamline their operations and enhance their competitiveness in the market. 

Driving the transition to a circular economy and minimizing plastic waste 

Resycure is leading the charge in driving the transition to a circular economy and combatting the global issue of plastic waste. Through their innovative business model, Resycure connects stakeholders across the value chain, enabling Brand Owners, Converters, Manufacturers, and Recyclers to achieve their sustainability goals effectively. By offering long-term supply agreements, facilitating increased volumes, and connecting businesses with valuable resources and financing options, Resycure paves the way for a more sustainable future. To learn more about Resycure and explore our ongoing bundle and supply campaigns, contact us via phone or email, or visit our website and social media platforms (LinkedIn and Twitter). Together, we can build a world where plastic waste is minimized, and a circular economy thrives. 

 

World Environment Day: Resycure’s Revolutionary Role in Transforming the Circular Economy

Leave a Comment / Article / By / 06/06/2023

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th, is a global initiative that raises awareness and promotes action for environmental protection. On this significant occasion, we delve into the role of Resycure, an innovative platform developed by the impact startup within BASF‘s Venture Incubator Chemovator, in revolutionizing the circular economy. Resycure is driving sustainable practices and reshaping the way we handle plastic waste, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to secure long-term supply agreements with recyclers.  

Let’s explore how Resycure is transforming the recycling landscape and contributing to a greener future. 

Resycure introduces a game-changing solution 

At its core, Resycure simplifies and streamlines the process of establishing long-term partnerships between companies and recyclers. By connecting businesses with recyclers, Resycure ensures a consistent supply of recyclable plastics, paving the way for a circular economy. This innovative platform revolutionizes the traditional recycling model, promoting sustainability, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. 

We create a reliable supply chain 

One of the key benefits of Resycure is its ability to create a reliable supply chain for recyclable plastics. By facilitating secure and transparent agreements, Resycure enables businesses, whether small, medium, or large, to establish long-term partnerships with recyclers of all sizes. This stable supply chain eliminates uncertainties, supports circular practices, and contributes to a more sustainable future. 

Resycure fosters innovation in plastic recycling 

Resycure not only connects stakeholders but also fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among them. By bringing together businesses, recyclers, and industry experts, this platform stimulates innovation in the recycling sector. Through shared insights and technological advancements, Resycure is driving the development of cutting-edge recycling technologies and solutions, further enhancing the circular economy. 

We aim to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution 

Plastic waste poses a significant threat to our environment. However, Resycure plays a vital role in diverting plastic waste from landfills and incineration, reducing its environmental impact. By facilitating the recycling process, Resycure conserves resources, minimizes carbon emissions, and mitigates climate change. This substantial contribution aligns with the goals of World Environment Day, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices. 

We drive economic growth

Embracing circular economy principles not only benefits the environment but also stimulates economic growth. Resycure unlocks new business opportunities and fosters sustainable economic development. By connecting companies with recyclers, this platform supports the growth of a circular economy ecosystem, where waste becomes a valuable resource and generates economic value. 

On World Environment Day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of initiatives like Resycure in revolutionizing the circular economy. Through its game-changing platform, Resycure is making it easier than ever for businesses to secure long-term supply agreements with recyclers, driving sustainable practices, and reshaping the future of plastic waste management. By creating a reliable supply chain, fostering innovation, reducing environmental impact, and driving economic growth, Resycure is a catalyst for positive change. Let’s embrace the power of innovation and collaboration to build a more sustainable world for generations to come. Together, we can create a greener, more circular future. 

The impact of PCR plastic use on brand reputation

Leave a Comment / Article, Brands / By / 30/05/2023

The use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic is more than an environmental initiative; it’s a strategic decision that can boost your brand’s reputation, positioning your company as a sustainability champion in the eyes of eco-conscious consumers. As today’s customers are increasingly attuned to environmental issues, incorporating PCR plastic into your products conveys a strong commitment to sustainable practices. While challenges may arise, such as maintaining product quality and ensuring safety, the overall benefits of improved customer trust and contributing to a circular economy are significant. 

The role of plastic recycling in “Brand Owner Perception”

The extent of a Brand Owner’s commitment to plastic recycling plays a crucial role in shaping its reputation. Those that utilize PCR plastic are perceived as socially responsible and environmentally conscious, traits that improve brand reputation and breed customer loyalty. This not only differentiates Brand Owners in the competitive market but also attracts a growing segment of sustainability-minded consumers. 

Consumer attitudes towards plastic recycling

Today’s consumers are more mindful of plastic recycling and sustainability than ever before. Clear communication about recycling initiatives and the provision of eco-friendly packaging or products made with recycled plastic can profoundly influence purchasing decisions. However, alongside sustainable practices, consumers continue to value product quality and safety, expecting recycled materials to not compromise the functionality or durability of their purchases. 

Pioneering Brand Owners in PCR plastic usage 

Several pioneering Brand Owners have already incorporated PCR plastic into their products, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management. These include: 

Adidas: The renowned sportswear Brand Owner has partnered with environmental organization Parley for the Oceans to create innovative sneakers using recycled ocean plastic. This collaboration underscores Adidas’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and showcases the potential of PCR plastic. 

Coca-Cola: This leading beverage Brand Owner has made significant strides in sustainable packaging. As part of its eco-friendly initiatives, Coca-Cola has introduced bottles made from PCR plastic, making a contribution to reducing its overall plastic footprint. 

Patagonia: Known for its robust commitment to environmental sustainability, this outdoor clothing Brand Owner has incorporated PCR plastic into various products, including jackets and bags, thereby reducing reliance on virgin plastics. 

Method: This cleaning products Brand Owner emphasizes sustainable packaging, employing PCR plastic in their bottles, and has implemented efforts to make their packaging fully recyclable. 

Unilever: The multinational consumer goods Brand Owner has embraced PCR plastic for packaging across several of its renowned brands, including Dove, TRESemmé, and Seventh Generation. This move underscores Unilever’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. 

These Brand Owners serve as valuable examples for companies eager to enhance their reputation and cater to environmentally conscious consumers through the use of PCR plastic. 

Resycure’s groundbreaking B2B solutions

Resycure is your partner in championing plastic recycling solutions. As the world’s first global marketplace to secure PCR plastic, we are revolutionizing the industry by simplifying the process for Brand Owners of all sizes to establish long-term supply agreements with recyclers. Collaborating with Resycure allows you to strengthen your brand’s reputation by shifting towards a circular economy, effectively satisfying the demands of today’s eco-conscious consumers. 

Power of PCR plastic usage

Embracing PCR plastic is a strategic move that not only displays your brand’s commitment to sustainability but also resonates with modern consumers. Prioritizing plastic recycling, transparently communicating your efforts, and ensuring product quality are vital steps in enhancing your brand’s reputation and fostering customer loyalty. 

We invite all Brand Owners to join the movement towards a circular economy, showcasing your dedication to sustainability through the use of PCR plastic.

Matching supply with demand for recycled plastic needs

Leave a Comment / Article, Brands / By / 31/10/2023

Brand Owners are being pressured by legislation and taxes to decrease plastic waste by designing packaging for recycling and using as little virgin plastic as feasible. This reduction in waste is achieved by reducing the weight of the packaging, incorporating post-consumer recycled plastic, and designing product packaging for enhanced circularity.

To accomplish their 2025 goals, however,
 more than 60 of the most influential Brand Owners are anticipated to still require an additional 6 million tonnes of recycled plastic annually. Using recycled plastic in packaging can be more expensive and difficult than using virgin plastic – aspects such as regulatory requirements, processing characteristics, and material quality for different product types and components are often top of mind of Brand Owners and Packaging Converters.

Securing the future supply of quality PCR plastic

The quality aspect of this challenge is found in the long and complex qualification process Brand Owners face to identify, test, approve, and control recycled material quality. Brand Owners and Recyclers are building new knowledge of which recycled material grades can be used for each brand product without risk to product performance or safety, but it is challenging to release material at a production batch level as well as for brands to commit commercially to long-term volumes.

Many Recyclers are eager to invest in securing feedstock, new technology, and processes and expanding capacity, however, they will not do so without securing long-term demand. Most brands are not in a position to offer this security alone, either because they do not have enough volume in a particular region, or because it is too much of a financial risk without long-term assurance of quality and without flexibility regarding future volumes.

Resycure, a startup from Chemovator, the BASF venture incubator, aims to solve this challenge with a platform to improve the economics of recycling and facilitate matching plastic quality demanded by Brands Owners to long-term supply by Recyclers globally – it is not another spot market but instead a platform for securing long-term contracts.

The venture is working towards becoming the biggest marketplace for matching brand quality requirements to recycler material globally. To increase volume, Resycure bundles demand across brands for similar product needs and works with Recyclers to offer the right quality as well as more transparent and stable prices. Brand Owners can commit to forecasted resin demand with more flexibility and secure enough PCR plastic to meet their needs, at a fair price.

Improving the amount of material recycled into new packaging

Total PCR demand from brands is growing annually as more recycled content is implemented per product and as regional taxes close the cost gap between virgin and recycled material. Brand Owners, Converters, and Recyclers have achieved much progress in PCR use in cosmetics and home care, however, aligning processes, acceptable quality, commercial conditions, and risk must improve to better match possible supply to needed demand. For example, most Brand Owners’ demand for polyolefins is for natural and white recycled material, which is only a small percent of the color available, so more needs to be done to help match possibilities with other colors.

The first Brand Owners and Recyclers piloting Resycure are currently focused in the Americas and Europe, where traceability of material and certification are very important. Resycure is also working to help Recyclers secure investments in better technology to meet the high-level requirements of the cosmetic industry for rPP and rHDPE – for both better machinery, new processes (i.e. hot wash), and chemistry (i.e.) additives for odor.

Resycure’s goal is to strongly improve recycling rates globally, and to do this, our Co-founder, Michel Weinketz believes that we need to think and procure differently than today to solve the economics of recycling and make a difference in the circular economy – and building an ecosystem is a big part of it. Our co-founder Jörg von Walcke also sees the opportunity for Recyclers to harmonize their PCR material grades to match the specific packaging component and product needs.

About the author: Robert Hughes, Packaging Lead at Resycure

He is a packaging expert with over 10 years of experience developing Food & Personal Care products for large and small brands, optimizing packaging for sustainability, design, and value. Previously located in the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands, he is currently in Germany and enjoying working with global teams.

Solving the recycled materials supply conundrum

Leave a Comment / Article, Brand Owners / By / 23/08/2023

In order to achieve their packaging sustainability goals, brand owners will require far more recycled material than they currently have access to. Michel Weinketz, CEO of Resycure (part of Chemovator), takes a closer look at this tension and the potential solutions.

According to “The 2023 Circularity Gap Report” by Circle Economy global circularity has decreased, going from 9.1% in 2018 to, in 2020 to 7.2% in 2023 as a result of increased material extraction. This creates a significant circularity gap because the world relies almost entirely on virgin materials. This indicates that more than 90% of materials are lost, wasted, or permanently locked into a stock that cannot be reused. From the report, it can be concluded that businesses and policymakers must take immediate action for a circular economy.

To accelerate the world’s transition to a circular economy, new business models should be designed by the industry for the industry with long-lasting results.

Actionable and immediate solutions must be taken: The move to recycled plastic

Brand Owners are being pressured by legislation and taxes to decrease plastic waste by designing packaging for recycling and using as little virgin plastic as feasible. This reduction is partially accomplished by reducing the weight of the packaging and switching to post-consumer recycled plastic and enhancing the circularity of product packaging are the among main requirements.

To accomplish their 2025 goal, however, more than 60 of the most influential Brand Owners are anticipated to still require an additional 6 million tonnes of recycled plastic annually. Implementing recycled plastic into packaging is often more expensive and difficult than using virgin plastic – things like regulatory requirements, processing characteristics, and material quality are often top of mind of brand owners and packaging converters. Furthermore, if the market is getting shorter what are the specific challenges for Brand Owners to purchase and secure volumes of recycled material?

There are five major challenges that nowadays Brand Owners are currently facing when attempting to buy recycled material in the market.

Intransparent markets create resource-intensive procurement activities

The lack of price transparency in the current market – which Recyclers can provide which grade to which volume, combined with a fairly fragmented market and a strong mix of small, medium, and a few large players – forces Brand Owners to invest in upstream procurement capabilities, that can prove time-consuming and expensive, in particular outside their core markets.

Lower procurement volumes from brand owners lead to low priority by recyclers

Many medium and large Brand Owners have relevant volumes for packaging; however, their PCR resin demand is often relatively low compared to the capacity of a recycling plant and also compared with the biggest Brand Owners that have huge volumes. This means that Recyclers are often not willing to invest in improving processes to meet the quality requirements of companies with low volumes or push them to the end of the line when a larger volume is available.

Long and complex qualification process

For Brand Owners and Recyclers, there is a long and complex process to identify, test, approve, and control recycled material quality, especially for use in food and cosmetics – this process can easily take over 12 months.

No harmonized specifications for both Recyclers and Brand Owners

There is no “standard” quality requirement for PCR defined for specific applications – each Brand Owner defines its own, which makes it harder for Recyclers to meet a multitude of different specifications for multiple clients. This also makes the procurement process much more complex – it becomes hard to compare products and price proposals.

Long-term demand is not secured

Many Recyclers are eager to invest and grow, however, they will not do so without securing long-term demand and relevant volumes to justify their own ROI. Most Brand Owners are not in the position to offer this security, either because they do not have enough volume in that particular region, or because it is too much of a financial risk to commit to a long-term supply agreement in a “take or pay” contract without knowing how its products will perform in the market.

These five challenges combined create a “chicken and egg” situation, that prevents Brand Owners and Converters to secure the volumes they need and also prevents Recyclers to invest and grow.

Solutions for brand owners to overcome challenges to buy recycled plastic and secure their PCR goals

It’s clear that legislation, industry associations, and EPR schemes will play a critical role in changing the situation. That being said, if we want to accelerate the change, we also need pragmatic, market-driven approaches that can deliver solutions in the short term, incentivize recycling and enable Brand Owners to transition to a circular economy and grow the market faster.

There is a need for neutral players that can work together with Brand Owners, Converters and Recyclers to break this chicken-and-egg situation. One example is Resycure, a German venture that is working to break the silos between the relevant players and wants not only to help companies in securing their long-term PCR volumes with no investments or large volume commitments but also leverage that to give security and a positive business case for Recyclers to invest.

Start-ups like that and fast-moving companies are in a perfect position to disrupt the market with innovative business models, giving it the boost it needs so badly.

Michel Weinketz is a Brazilian living in Germany for quite some time now. He has over 16 years of experience in the B2B and chemical industry and is one of the founders of Resycure, a startup in the circular economy that is part of Chemovator, the BASF venture incubator program.