Promoting plastics recycling in the construction sector
2.6 million tonnes of plastics consumed every year

Source: HildaWeges / Essentials Kollektion / iStockphoto
The construction sector is the second-largest consumer of plastics with a volume of some 2.6 million tonnes used in 2017. However, proper guidelines for the recycling of plastic building products are still lacking, and recycling volumes are not recorded adequately. These are the findings of a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). To ensure recycling of the accumulating quantities to a high standard in the future, UBA proposes that construction product standards be supplemented with specifications regarding durability, recyclability and use of recyclates. Better separate collection of plastic waste for recycling is needed: at present, it is often only disposed of as mixed construction waste. The recycling of sector-specific packaging is a further aim.