Abstract
Multilayer packaging (MLP) in post-consumer waste is challenging to sort and
process for recycling. It is often composed of a complex mixture of different
materials that become contaminated which calls for a solution. Rules on
extended producer responsibility for packaging will be enforced by 2025 across
the EU. Considering the present situation, the questions arisen are the
concerns how solutions to MLP may be built by adopting a more holistic,
collaborative approach to creating circular interventions. This study aims to
develop a solutions-building methodology for MLP from a value chain
perspective and to devise an intervention plan for involved actors. To
understand the packaging materials (and packaging waste) imported to,
produced on, consumed, and exported from the Danish Island of Bornholm, a
material flow analysis (MFA) was performed. This data-driven method
uncovered hotspots and where interventions would have the highest impact.
Additionally, it was used as a visualization tool at a multi-stakeholder workshop
involving value chain actors to discuss future interventions. Results from the
workshop showed the widely held perception that MLP separation and
recycling is an appropriate 'near future' solution, as keeping the current
operations and paying a third party to take care of the waste was the easier
option for the producers. A radical innovation would have involved pushing
boundaries, challenging conventional thinking, and pursuing ground-breaking
ideas that could lead to substantial leaps from a circular perspective. From a
methodological perspective, the MFA proved a vital tool for communicating the
scale of packaging waste and facilitating discussions on potential interventions.
MFA integrating with the results of multistakeholder workshop can lead to
knowledge sharing and capacity sharing for stakeholders but cannot, in and of
itself, lead to substantial leaps, i.e. radical innovation.
Keywords: Sustainable waste management, value chain, circular economy,
multilayer food and beverage packaging, stakeholder engagement,
methodology, Islands, sustainable packaging.
process for recycling. It is often composed of a complex mixture of different
materials that become contaminated which calls for a solution. Rules on
extended producer responsibility for packaging will be enforced by 2025 across
the EU. Considering the present situation, the questions arisen are the
concerns how solutions to MLP may be built by adopting a more holistic,
collaborative approach to creating circular interventions. This study aims to
develop a solutions-building methodology for MLP from a value chain
perspective and to devise an intervention plan for involved actors. To
understand the packaging materials (and packaging waste) imported to,
produced on, consumed, and exported from the Danish Island of Bornholm, a
material flow analysis (MFA) was performed. This data-driven method
uncovered hotspots and where interventions would have the highest impact.
Additionally, it was used as a visualization tool at a multi-stakeholder workshop
involving value chain actors to discuss future interventions. Results from the
workshop showed the widely held perception that MLP separation and
recycling is an appropriate 'near future' solution, as keeping the current
operations and paying a third party to take care of the waste was the easier
option for the producers. A radical innovation would have involved pushing
boundaries, challenging conventional thinking, and pursuing ground-breaking
ideas that could lead to substantial leaps from a circular perspective. From a
methodological perspective, the MFA proved a vital tool for communicating the
scale of packaging waste and facilitating discussions on potential interventions.
MFA integrating with the results of multistakeholder workshop can lead to
knowledge sharing and capacity sharing for stakeholders but cannot, in and of
itself, lead to substantial leaps, i.e. radical innovation.
Keywords: Sustainable waste management, value chain, circular economy,
multilayer food and beverage packaging, stakeholder engagement,
methodology, Islands, sustainable packaging.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | Vol. 50 Issue 1 |
| Journal | Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management |
| Volume | Vol. 50 |
| Issue number | Issue 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 497-511 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISSN | 1088-1697 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Submitted - 2024 |
Keywords
- Waste Management
- sustainable packaging
- Islands
- Methodology
- Material Flow Analysis
- multi stakeholder workshop
- value chain
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Circular Economy (CE)
- multilayer food and beverage packaging,
