Material Use
Resource-saving input of raw materials can be achieved by using a proportional amount of recycled plastics alongside the virgin raw materials. This sustainability of plastics contributes to the environment while helping to cut expenditure on raw materials.
Energy Efficient Processing
Energy is predominantly used in the conversion of plastics and modern technology makes it possible to carry out production with greater energy efficiency, thus not only contributing to the protection of the environment but cutting cost.
Low Emission Processes
During machine manufacturing of plastic products, emissions which affect the environment automatically arise. Modern technologies help to reduce these emissions and at the same time cut costs, since emissions from materials and gases represent, after all, the removal of input materials which have been paid for.
Low Waste Production
During the conversion of plastics, waste is also produced which can already be partially recycled today. However, the potential of waste recycling has not yet been fully exploited. An increase in waste recycling will help the environment and at the same time cut costs.
Efficient and Effective Products
The products which we produce are in use for varying lengths of time. The better the quality of our products becomes, the longer the product life will be. This will make the products more attractive to the customer and the customer will also be prepared to pay a higher price for this. The increase in product life will reduce the consumption of raw material resources thus helping the environment but at the same time helping to cut costs. A longer product life should be aimed for when designing the products, enabling the same effect of resource savings and increased real net output, and thus achieving economic advantage.
Recoverable Material Collection
Any later material recording and tracing of used products can be taken into account at the product designing stage and brings with it not only benefits for the environment with the increased use of recycled materials but also cost benefits through the reuse of auxilliary raw materials. The purer and less adulterated a plastic remains even after use, the more cost-effective its reuse and the greater the input of recycled materials on account of the converter´s cost benefits.
Economic Recovery
Material recycling - the only technology which plastics converters may control directly - is of course at its most attractive when the collection, separation and recycling expenditure is, if possible, below or not far above the raw materials prices, since subsidies for recycling will make the plastics product system including recycling more expensive and perhaps too expensive in comparison to other materials systems. If another method of recycling, e.g. the raw materials method, in which a chemical process can be used to regain intermediate raw material products, or thermal exploitation through incineration, is more cost-effective, because it means, for instance, that savings can be made on expensive sorting or purification processes, this method of recycling should be given precedence.
Material recycling is always advisable if good-quality auxilliary raw material can be obtained with little expenditure. The higher the level of contamination or blending, the more advisable it is to use other technologies of chemical or thermal recycling.
Disposal of Residues
There will always be residues which have to be disposed of. The smaller the quantities of these, the greater the savings and disposal charges, and at the same time the environment benefits. The reverse is also true - the higher the proportion to be reused, the lower the disposal costs.
External Costs
The recording, sorting and recycling of used products is, however, not included in the plastics converter´s cost calculations or in the selling price of their products today. Today, the costs are predominantely borne externally by communes or Lander. According to the goals declared in Rio, these costs should be internalized, e.g. borne by the relevant economy which markets the products. However, this will only be possible if the economy can achieve additional revenue from this from which the collection, sorting and reuse can be covered.
If the sum of the recording, sorting and recycling costs is greater than the value of the plastic gained through this, this additonal revenue must cover the extra costs.
Utilisation Value
Products having a higher quality, a more effective usability and a longer product life are more attractive and therefore may be sold at a higher price. That way the added value can be ameliorated and the benefit may be increased. The environment will then profit from the more advanced product features while the social system benefits from the improved added value.
