The new Packaging Act, which came into force in January 2019, paved the way for more bio-based packaging and increased recycling rates. In particular, the recycling of plastic packaging takes on a high priority. Single-use plastic products such as eating utensils or drinking straws have been banned throughout the EU since last year and have since been gradually replaced with sustainable materials. However, reusable products such as beverage bottles are also made of plastics and are largely disposed of or incinerated at the end of their life cycle. Precious recyclable materials are lost in the process.

Waste prevention through recyclable reusable trays

Under the leadership of the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB) at Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, researchers with partners from industry now want to use the "REBOW" deposit bowl to show how the recycling of reusable products can also be made more recyclable. The project "Bowl2Bowl - eco-efficient reusable bowls in the deposit system for food-to-go with closed-loop recycling to avoid waste" is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Bio-based and fully recyclable material

The aim of the project is to develop a material that is biobased and/or can be 100% recycled and reused for new reusable bowls. According to the principle of "design for recycling", the end of the life cycle should already be considered during the development of the tray. The challenge is that the plastic used should not only be entirely sustainable. It must also be convincing in terms of recyclability and cost-effectiveness, approved for food, heat- and color-resistant, scratch-, dishwasher- and microwave-proof, and heat-insulating.

In addition to the IfBB, Crafting Future GmbH and the injection molder Dihse GmbH are involved in the development of the reusable tray. The company Wipa Werkzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH is responsible for the recycling process.

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