At the Forum on Packaging and Environment hosted by AVU – Allianz Verpackung und Umwelt e. V. in Berlin, representatives from politics, industry, and civil society came together to discuss key issues around sustainable packaging and resource conservation. Der Grüne Punkt has been actively supporting AVU since 1990 and is also represented on the association’s board.

Around 130 participants engaged in discussions on current developments and the critical steps needed to advance the circular economy. Germany’s leading role in recycling was highlighted repeatedly – a success to which the dual systems have made a major contribution.

A standout feature of the forum was the accompanying exhibition of innovative packaging concepts. Our exhibit – the award-winning stretch hood made with Systalen^® recyclate – attracted great interest. It clearly demonstrates that post-consumer recyclates can also be used successfully in technically demanding applications.

At the same time, the forum made one thing clear: further momentum is urgently needed to strengthen packaging recycling. Progress is particularly important in the revision of Section 21 of the Packaging Act and in targeted incentives to promote the use of recyclates in packaging and products. Now is the time for companies to take action and prepare for future requirements.