Circular Economy

A new business model for plastic packaging

The recycling duty calls | Antwortung Magazine | October 2023

The obligation to recycle calls 

The goal of circularity for product packaging is to reduce the consumption of virgin plastic as much as possible, substituting it with recycled plastic and hence closing the material loop. To support this, product manufacturers are designing packaging to be more recyclable in waste streams, to create post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic that can be re-used in new packaging. The European Commission’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires plastic packaging sold in the EU market to be recyclable or reusable from 2030, when plastic food packaging must also contain a minimum of 10% recycled plastic, except for single use beverage bottles and food packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which must contain a minimum of 30%. Other plastic packaging must contain a minimum of 35% and by 2040 these targets will be over 50%.  

Many product manufacturers set themselves targets for 2025, which is driving increased demand for quality recycled plastic, specifically for PET, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The introduction of recycled plastic requires significant resources and expertise, with the main issues being finding suitable quality material for product applications while keeping costs to a minimum. 

Complex process 

Sourcing sufficient quality materials is a complex process for brand owners and manufacturers, involving identification, verification, approval and control of recycled materials. This can take up to twelve months for PE and PP and success is not guaranteed, as each recycler produces a unique material grade based on the feedstock of recycled packaging collected and sorted, and on their equipment and processes. Price also plays a role: high quality PE and PP with stable and good properties can be twice as expensive as virgin plastic. To increase their material supply, recyclers must invest in quality and capacity and rely on long-term commitments to purchase quantities. Manufacturers, on the other hand, try to secure materials in short cycles at lowest prices. 

Resycure, a venture from the BASF Incubator Chemovator GmbH, supports brand owners and manufacturers identify and qualify the optimum recycled plastic in terms of both cost and quality. The Start-up works with recyclers to improve material quality, for example PE and PP for use in cosmetics and household products, which often face problems with removing odour and contaminants. 

Bundling demand 

In addition, Resycure’s approach is to aggregate demand from multiple manufacturers with similar requirements, justifying investments in capacity and improved processes for recyclers and guarantee security of supply, as well as enable favourable prices. The goal is to find long-term solutions between manufacturers and recyclers, to support both parties in improving quality and to increase the use of recycled plastic. This will ultimately help to close the loop for plastic packaging. 

Author: Robert Hughes
He is a packaging expert and Product Lead at the start-up Resycure

Access to the German versionhttps://rb.gy/jfa28 

SourceVerantwortung

Missed the Online Round Table on Europe’s Plastic Circular Economy? Here’s a Recap!

New Study by Oliver Wyman | Recycled Plastics for Packaging | Online Round Table

On October 9th, 2023, Resycure hosted an online round table event, unveiling a groundbreaking study by Oliver Wyman on the Plastics Circular Economy in Europe, with a special focus on packaging applications. In case you missed it, let’s catch you up!

A looming plastic shortage

Europe is on the brink of a plastic shortage crisis. According to Oliver Wyman’s extensive study, the continent is projected to face a shortage ranging from 1.1 million to a staggering 4.5 million tons by the year 2040. This is a significant concern that demands attention.

More than just identifying the problem

But this event was not just about highlighting the issue; it also presented actionable strategies. Oliver Wyman shared vital insights for both the chemical and consumer industries to bridge this looming gap and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Resycure makes it easier for small, medium, and large Brand Owners and Converters to sign long-term supply agreements with Recyclers, ensuring their demand volumes and specifications at favorable conditions without high commitments or risk.

Expert insights on sustainability

Our event featured speakers who brought invaluable insights to the table:

🎙️ Iris Herrmann: A seasoned Partner at Oliver Wyman‘s Energy practice, Iris Herrmann contributed her 18 years of industry expertise.

🎙️ Michel Weinketz: Co-Founder of Resycure, Michel Weinketz expressed his unwavering passion for waste reduction and innovative recycling solutions.

🎙️ Hendrik Flock: Dazzling us with his decade-long experience in chemicals and operations, Hendrik Flock, a Principal at Oliver Wyman‘s Energy practice, provided unique perspectives.

Missed the event? Watch the recording!

If you could not attend the live event or simply want to revisit the insightful discussions, we have got you covered. You can watch the event’s video recording at your convenience.

We hope you share our enthusiasm for delving into this thought-provoking conversation about the future of plastics and sustainability. Stay tuned for more engaging events like these as we join forces to create a more sustainable world!

Resycure at Bits & Pretzels 2023

Bits & Pretzels 2023 | September 24-26, 2023 | Munich, Germany

About the event

Every year, Munich hosts Bits & Pretzels, a three-day festival where about 5,000 people from the startup world get together. From September 24th to 26th in 2023, folks gathered in the city to share ideas and talk tech. The aim? To give entrepreneurs a helping hand by connecting them with investors, customers, and skilled professionals, and by spotting opportunities in various industries.

Bits & Pretzels has been around for a decade, helping various businesses grow along the way. It’s a pretty popular event for anyone looking to make waves in the world of startups and tech.

Resycure’s  presence at the event

Michel Weinketz, our Co-Founder from Resycure, spent some time at Bits & Pretzels 2023, and it was an important experience for us. We’re a startup working with CHEMOVATOR (that’s BASF’s Venture Incubator), and we’re really passionate about changing business models to speed up the shift towards a circular economy. The festival was a great place for us to show people what we’re working on. We got to chat with other founders, investors, and leaders in the industry, all of which helps us in our mission to make it easier for Brand Owners and Converters to hit their Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content and CO2e footprint targets, and at the same time, improving the quantity and quality of recycled materials globally. Our time at Bits & Pretzels 2023 helped us strengthen our spot in the sustainable innovation space and we built some really valuable connections.

What’s Next

Bits & Pretzels is more than just a meetup – it’s a place where founders can build really important relationships with investors, customers, and talented professionals. For us at Resycure, a startup that’s all about boosting the transformation to a circular economy, the festival was a key moment. It gave us a chance to show the world our approach and moved us further along in our sustainability mission. This year, at Bits & Pretzels 2023, we managed to cement ourselves as serious players in sustainable innovation, making connections that could help us shape a more sustainable future, cut down carbon footprints, and enhance recycling processes worldwide.

Resycure will attend the Sustainable Packaging Summit 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!

Book a consultation with Resycure 

Are you interested in learning about our solutions? One of our experts will contact you within 12 hours after your contact form submission.

Jörg von Walcke, Co-CEO of Resycure attended Finance Summit 2023

Finance Summit 2023 | September 14, 2023 | Stuttgart, Germany

About the event

The Finance Summit in Stuttgart is the ultimate nexus of Finance, Real Economy, and Politics, facilitating crucial connections between participants and key decision-makers in these sectors. This unique event boasts top-tier speakers, prestigious guests, and exclusive venues, fostering an innovative platform for leaders to engage. The Summit unfolds across 3 stages, hosts 9 panels, offers an expansive exhibition area, captivating workshops, and more. At the Stuttgart Finance Summit, thought leaders from diverse industries convene to dissect prevailing market trends, share insights, and forge invaluable connections.

Resycure’s  presence at Finance Summit 2023

Jörg von Walcke, the Co-CEO of Resycure, recently had the privilege of attending the Finance Summit 2023, where he witnessed an array of remarkable highlights. The event featured eight captivating start-up pitches, each encompassing a diverse range of topics, spanning from water conservation to cybersecurity. What truly stood out, however, was the assembly of open-minded individuals who shared a common dedication to shaping a better future.

One particularly special moment was when Jörg von Walcke had the honor of representing Resycure during the final pitch session. This opportunity not only showcased Resycure’s innovative vision but also underscored the company’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on the future of finance and sustainability.

Looking ahead

In his thoughtful reflection, Jörg von Walcke underscored the pivotal role of passion and enthusiasm in one’s professional journey. He stressed the significance of not only pursuing one’s goals but also relishing the process. Jörg expressed his sincere appreciation to the event organizers, whose insightful guidance at the Finance Summit 2023 left an indelible mark. The event, where the forces of knowledge, innovation, and collaborative spirit merged, served as a powerful catalyst for shaping a more promising and enlightened future in the world of finance and sustainability.

Online Round Table: Mon, Oct 9, 2023, 5:00 PM (CET)

Recycled Plastics for Packaging

New Study Oliver Wyman | Online Event | A Conversation about Strategies to Secure Volumes and Reduce the Supply Gap

About the event:

The consultancy Oliver Wyman has just finished a study on the Plastics Circular Economy in Europe, focused on packaging applications. They have identified a growing gap from 1.1 million tons to 4.5 million tons by 2040 in Europe alone and suggest some strategies for both chemical and consumer industries to secure volumes and help closing the gap.

Learn the highlights of the study and join us in a round table where Iris Herrmann and Hendrik Flock from Oliver Wyman and Michel Weinketz from Resycure will discuss the results and share their perspectives on the market, challenges, strategies and opportunities.

About the speakers:

Iris Herrmann

Iris Herrmann is Partner in Oliver Wyman’s Energy practice, focusing on the chemicals industry. She is based in the Munich office and has more than 18 years of industry and management consulting experience in chemicals. She has relevant expertise in strategy development & implementation, transformations and operational excellence, with focus on organizational development, capability & change agenda, sustainability and value creation in chemicals.

Michel Weinketz

Michel Weinketz is the Co-Founder of Resycure, a start-up with the mission to reduce waste globally and change the recycling market, that is part of Chemovator, the BASF venture building company. He has over 17 years B2B experience in different roles, including packaging development, in-house consulting, supply chain management, strategic procurement & partnership management, marketing, digitalization and M&A.

Hendrik Flock

Hendrik Flock is a Principal in Oliver Wyman’s Energy practice, focusing on the chemicals industry. He is based in the Düsseldorf office and has 10 years of industry and management consulting experience in chemicals and operations. Hendrik Flockhas relevant expertise in Procurement & Supply Chain strategy development & implementation, transformations and operational excellence, process optimization and M&A transactions.

Key Discussions & Insights

Recycling Market   

Strategic Options   

Procurement

Partnerships

Join us in an online round table where Iris Herrmann and Hendrik Flock from Oliver Wyman, and Michel Weinketz from Resycure will discuss the results and share their perspectives on the market, challenges, strategies, and opportunities. We look forward to your participation and engaging with our experts on 9th of October 2023 at 17:00 CET.

Empowering Circular Economy through Chemovator’s support and BASF collaboration

VentureCapital Magazine | June 2023 | Germany

Resycure is tackling the recycling problem and is being supported by Chemovator, the business incubator of BASF. Our founders, Michel Weinketz and Joerg Von Walcke had the opportunity to share their insights in an exclusive interview with VentureCapital Magazin. Learn how Resycure is playing a pivotal role in closing the loop in plastics recycling.

 VC Magazin: What contribution does Resycure make to the circular economy?

Von Walcke: The recycling market is broken, and the transition is too slow. Consumer goods companies have set targets for the use of recycled materials but struggle with an opaque, highly complex, and often locally focused market. To increase the proportion of recycled plastics, we collaborate closely with brand owners and packaging manufacturers worldwide, consolidating their demand for similar plastic packaging. Recycling companies also benefit from the consolidated volume. For example, if a company has a demand of 500 tons per year for shampoo bottles in Europe, our model consolidates this volume to 8,000 to 10,000 tons per year and uses collective purchasing power to ensure that they not only have better commercial conditions with recycling companies but also have priority in delivery and reduced risk in long-term contracts in a tight market. At the same time, recycling companies benefit from the consolidated volume by scaling their business models and investing in improved quality.

VC Magazin: How does the collaboration with Chemovator unfold?

Weinketz: Chemovator offers some unique advantages. Apart from financial support, we are provided with experienced mentors from the startup scene. They act as both supervisory board members and advisors, sharing their own practical experiences with us. Moreover, being associated with BASF is a significant advantage, as it opens doors to many large customers and organizations that are otherwise challenging for a startup in its early stages to reach.

VC Magazin: From your perspective, how could external startups benefit from Chemovator?

Von Walcke: We would recommend Chemovator to startups that can truly leverage the “unfair advantage” of connecting with BASF. This could be either because their business model complements solutions in the chemical industry or because BASF’s global B2B environment, as the world’s largest chemical company, can help startups open doors, gain customers, and quickly validate assumptions.

The article has been translated from German to English by Resycure. 

Source: VC Magazin

Full access to the content (only in German): https://t.co/cfNqBiriB9  

Advancing the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

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 

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

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.