DKR: Offer to take over mass flow verification for self-marketers

In 2003, a slight rise was once again recorded for the mechanical recycling of used plastic packaging marked with the Green Dot. In spite of a drop in PET drink bottles which are very suitable for high-grade mechanical recycling, the recycling partners of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kunststoff-Recycling mbH (DKR, www.dkr.de) processed 53 percent of all the plastic packaging recycled in 2003 into new plastic products. This is shown by the DKR's current mass flow verification.

A total of approximately 633,000 tonnes of used plastic packaging marked with the Green Dot, including composite packaging, was forwarded by the DKR for recycling in 2003. This is around 8 percent less than in the previous year.

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In 2003, the DKR once again fulfilled all the targets set by the German Packaging Ordinance: According to the Ordinance, 60 percent of the plastic packaging licensed with the Dual System (2003: 622,000 tonnes) had to be forwarded for recycling. Composite packaging may not be included in this calculation. The minimum quantity that consequently had to be recycled in 2003 was 373,000 tonnes. The DKR recycled around 604,000 tonnes. This corresponds to 97 percent of the licensed quantity. 36 percent of the licensed quantity also had to be mechanically recycled. The DKR achieved a figure of 323,000 tonnes (52 percent of the licensed quantity) and clearly met the set target.

In the year 2003, plastic film accounted for around 20 percent of the plastic packaging accepted for recycling. The plastic bottle fraction came to almost 10 percent. The quantity of PET bottles dropped by 50 percent as compared to the previous year and amounted to 4.8 percent. Tubs and expanded polystyrene accounted for about two percent, while mixed plastics came to 64 percent.
Including composite packaging, the DKR forwarded a total of approximately 633,000 tonnes for recycling. 53 percent (337,000 tonnes) of this was consigned to mechanical recycling. 45 percent (286,000 tonnes) was recycled with feedstock processes and almost two percent (10,000 tonnes) was recovered energetically. The fraction recycled in Germany was 92 percent, while plants in other European countries recycled eight percent.

The DKR expects a further drop in the number of PET bottles in the coming year. "On account of the new Dual System service contracts that have been agreed upon with the Federal Cartel Office, the quantity of used plastic packaging for which the DKR is responsible in terms of recycling will also decrease", said DKR Managing Director Dr. Volker Gibs. Waste management companies wishing to market free quantities can make use of the DKR's considerable know-how in respect of material stream management as long as they are contract partners of the Dual System. The DKR is willing to take over the preparation of a reliable and trackable verification for them free of charge. In addition they can use the DKR's logistics network to transport plastics at market prices.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kunststoff-Recycling mbH, Cologne

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